Washer Jewelry...

Today is my oldest daughter's 16th bday. I wanted to make her a necklace using a metal washer from the hardware store.  I had seen the idea on Pinterest originally.    So, I went looking on YouTube for a video on how it was done and found something that gave me an idea for it.

First, I got my washer.. it's about 1" in diameter.  Then I got a 1" circle punch, a regular hole punch and some scrap pieces of Scrapbook paper (I think one is from Stampin' Up, the other I bought at Archiver's I believe).  Yesterday, I also picked up some black jute-like cording that came with end clasps from Walmart, this was around $2.  There is LOTS of the cord (enough for at least 3 or 4 necklaces/bracelets) and there are 4 sets of clasps.  I also purchased a 10pc package of Lobster Claw closures for around $2.


Here are the steps to put it together:

1. I took the 1" circle punch and punched out a piece of the Scrapbook paper that I liked.

2. Place the washer on the back of the paper circle and using a paper draw the center of the washer. Then use a regular hole-punch or very sharp scissors or Xacto knife to cut out the center.

3. Using a paint brush (I used a sponge-style brush), brush the rough side of the washer with Mod Podge. Place the scrapbook paper, pattern side up, on the mod podge.  Let dry.

4. Next, using Glossy Accents by Ranger to cover the top of the patterned side of the paper.  Follow directions and it will look great. Use the tip or a toothpick to make sure you cover the entire surface and make sure there are no air bubbles in the Glossy Accents.   Let dry.  This stuff will take 15-60+ minutes to dry depending on the amount you used.  (or if your youngest child gets her tp roll binoculars in it and you have to re-do it... true story.)

5. Once your washer is dry, you will cut your cording to the length you need for where you want it to fall (22" or so), then fold it in half.  You will place the looped end through the hole in the center of the washer, and then pull the ends up through the loop.  Pull tight.

6. This is an optional step, but I think it looks nicer.  Taking the two ends, you will slip them through a coordinating bead, sliding it all the way down to the washer.

7.  Now, you will need the clasps that came with the cording.  Fold over the very end of one side of the cord and lay it in the clasp.  Taking needle-nose pliers, smash down one side, and then the other of the clasp.  You will probably want to add a jump ring to this side as well.

8.  Repeat step 7, but after you put the jump ring on, you will add the lobster claw closure.  Your necklace is now ready to gift or wear.  ENJOY!

While looking for directions on the one I wanted to make, I found the following video.  I think I will buy some larger washers and try making this in the near future:

And wouldn't this be cute to go with the necklace:  

Clicke HERE for the tutorial for the anklet (prob could make a bracelet this way too).