How to Create a Pendant

Creating your own jewelry is a very popular craft. Relax with a few basic supplies to make one-of-a-kind heirlooms or funky bohemian pieces to coordinate with your wardrobe and personal style. Learn how to create a pendant and set your jewelry apart from the crowd by using a domino for a base. The instructions for creating this pendant necklace are quick and simple enough to complete in an evening and beautiful enough to use as gifts for friends and family.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden domino
• White polymer clay
• Rubber stamp (with small floral design)
• Drill and drill bit
• Pliers
• Rolling pin
• Craft knife
• Oven and pie pan
• Toothpick
• Dark green acrylic paint
• Gold metallic acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Paper towels
• Gold beads
• Black cord
• Scissors
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Stand the domino on a long edge. Clamp it with pliers and drill through the domino on the long edge, 1/4 of an inch from the short end and out the opposite side.

2. Warm and soften the polymer clay by kneading it in your hand. Roll the softened polymer clay thinly on your clean work surface using a rolling pin.

3. Lay the domino flat on the clay. Cut the clay around it 1/8 of an inch from the domino. Repeat for a total of two rectangles.

4. Place the clay rectangles on the front and back of the domino and press the edges together to completely cover the domino. Blend and smooth the seams until they are no longer visible.

5. Poke the toothpick through the drilled hole for the domino. If you have chosen the wrong end of the domino to poke, smooth the marks and poke the right end.

6. Lay the rubber stamp face up on your work surface. Place the clay pendant on top of the stamp. Roll the rolling pin over the back of the pendant. Remove the pendant from the stamp.

7. Place the pendant on a pie pan and bake at 275° for 14 minutes. Allow the pendant to cool.

8. Re-drill the holes in the pendant's hardened clay.

9. Paint the entire pendant with the green acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry. Repeat with a second coat if needed.

10. Cover the pendant with the gold metallic paint. While the gold paint is still wet, wipe it off to reveal the green beneath and to leave an antique look to the surface and crevices. Allow the paint to dry.

11. Paint over the entire painted pendant with clear acrylic sealer. Allow the sealer to dry.

12. Cut a 24-inch length of black cording. Thread your created pendant on the cord. Thread a gold bead on each side of the pendant. Bring the ends of the cord together and tie an overhand knot to complete your pendant necklace.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with other game pieces such as checkers, scrabble tiles, and wood bingo numbers to create pendant in a variety of shapes.