How to Make a Bottle Cap Necklace With Mod Podge

Reuse bottle caps to make one-of-a-kind necklaces.

Rather than throw away your bottle caps, which many counties do not recycle, collect them and make a variety of necklaces using a decoupage technique with Mod Podge. Customize bottle-cap pendants using decorative papers, or use images from magazines or computer printouts. You can even recycle images from old greeting cards or product packaging for an eclectic look. Use your imagination and make several bottle-cap necklaces for yourself, or give them as gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Paper image
• Embellishments
• Glue-on jewelry bail
• Instant glue
• Cording
• Computer (optional)
• Printer (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the bottle cap flat-side down onto a piece of decorative paper, and trace around the cap onto the paper using a pencil. If you are using a paper with a small design, center the cap over the design.

2. Cut the circle from the paper using a pair of scissors. Cut along the inside edge of the traced circle. The circle will need to be slightly smaller than the tracing to fit inside the bottle cap — cutting along the inside of the tracing will make it close to the correct size.

3. Brush Mod Podge onto the inside of the bottle cap, and place the paper disc on the inside center. Mod Podge is a decoupage medium that dries clear; you can use it as both an adhesive and a finishing sealer for your projects. Press the paper so it is flat against the bottle cap interior, and hold in place for about one minute until the paper adheres. Smooth out any air bubbles that form underneath the paper, before the medium sets.

4. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the paper inside the cap. This will add a layer of protection to the cap, and seal the paper in place.

5. Embellish the inside of the bottle cap with small sparkly items, using instant glue. Sparkling beads, jewels, tiny buttons or small scrapbooking embellishments will add flair. Consider attaching a small metal charm to the back of the pendant with instant glue. Any tiny unique item can add a personal touch to your bottle cap pendant.

6. Place a drop of instant glue on the textured area of the glue-on bail, and place the bail onto the back top edge of the bottle cap. Press the bail in place, making sure the loop is flush with the bottle cap edge. Hold in place for about 20 seconds or until secure.

7. Thread the bail of the pendant onto a chain, cord, metallic ribbon or decorative yarn.

Tips & Warnings

• Decoupage medium comes in a variety of finishes, such as matte, shiny, sparkly and glow in the dark. Experiment with different finishes for a variety of looks.

• Hammer the edges of the bottle cap flat for a larger, disc-shaped pendant.

References

• CraftyGoat's Notes: How to Make Easy Bottle Cap Jewelry; Angela; September 2006