How to Make a Collage Art Pendant

Collage art is easy to do and is a popular medium for decorating jewelry. You can use any images you have on hand if they are small enough---photographs, magazines or clip-art. The base for the piece is limited only by your imagination. Dominoes and other game pieces are often small enough to be used in pendant making, or you can purchase small wooden blanks or other pendant bases from craft and bead stores.

Things You'll Need

• Base Drill and 1/16-inch bit Needle Collage pictures Decoupage glue Scissors Sealer Foam brush Necklace bail

Instructions

1. Drill a small hole in the top center of your pendant base, from front to back, using a 1/16 inch bit. This is where your necklace bail will go on the completed piece.

2. Cut out your pictures and arrange them on top of the pendant base until you find a design you like. Trim the edges so they do not overlap the edges of the base.

3. Brush a thin layer of decoupage glue over the front of the pendant base with your foam brush. Place the collage pieces onto the glue and smooth out any bubbles or raised edges with your fingertips. Be careful not to cover the drilled hole. Place a needle upright in the bail hole to avoid accidentally filling it in with glue or sealer.

4. Brush a thin layer of decoupage glue over the top of the collage paper to seal it and secure it better. Allow to dry completely, approximately one hour.

5. Brush on a layer of high gloss acrylic sealer, avoiding the hole. Allow to dry, then apply a second coat.

6. Attach a pinch bail or snap-on bail through the hole you drilled. Gently pull open the bail and line the points up with the hole, then press the bail closed to secure it. Alternately, you can pull open a jump ring and slide it through the hole, then push it closed.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid drilling, use glue-on aanraku bails for thin bases. You can make your collage out of stickers instead of paper.

References

• Tent Two Studios