How to Make a Scrabble Tile Necklace

Scrabble tiles serve as a base for a tiny work of art.

A Scrabble tile necklace provides a unique way to create and wear a tiny piece of art. These pieces can be customized to reflect your interests and favorite colors, or can be a personalized gift for someone. If you don’t want to render your own Scrabble game obsolete by stealing the tiles from it, look for Scrabble tiles on online auction sites and at thrift stores, or go to the game-maker’s website and order a bag of replacement tiles.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Scrabble tiles
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Metal file (medium grit)
• Mod Podge
• Small sponge paint brushes
• Utility knife
• Diamond glaze
• Instant-bond glue
• Toothpicks
• Small silver-plated jewelry bails

1. Select your paper for the tile. You can use any paper you want, but heavier stock will work better. Make sure the pattern or image will fit the tile. Some examples of good paper for this project include scrapbook paper, origami paper, Japanese Washi paper, magazine pages, gift wrap and photographs. Measure and cut out a piece of paper about 1.5 inches square.

2. Coat the plain side of the Scrabble tile with a thin layer of craft glue. Hold your paper up to a window, or use a light box, to ensure that your tile is centered on the image you are using. Press the paper onto the tile. Pay attention to which way the letter is facing to ensure it is right-side up when you are finished. Let the glue dry for at least an hour.

3. Once the glue is dry, carefully trim around the outside of the tile with a utility knife. Be careful when cutting because the wood is very soft and you don’t want to cut out a chunk of tile.

4. Use the metal file to gently file the edges of the paper to be smooth and flush with the side of the tile. Don’t file too hard, as the tile will wear down easily.

5. Use a sponge brush to paint on a thin layer of Mod Podge. Evenly coat the top and all four sides. Let this dry overnight before glazing the tile. Place the tiles on waxed paper to prevent them from sticking to your work surface as they dry.

6. Squeeze a small amount of Diamond Glaze onto your wax paper to get out any air bubbles. Do not shake the Diamond Glaze bottle before using it. Hold the bottle at an angle and gently apply the glaze around the edges of the tile and then fill in the middle. If the glaze spills over the edges, let it dry and file it away later. If you see bubbles in the glaze, use a pin or needle to gently lift it off the tile while the glaze is still wet. Place your tiles on a very flat surface, keeping them away from anything that may disturb them or that may get in the glaze as it dries. Let the tiles dry for at least 24 hours.

7. Once the glaze is dry, use the instant-bond glue to attach the bail. Squeeze a drop of glue on a toothpick and dot it on the bail. Press the bail to the center of the back of the tile. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the glue to fully adhere. File away any excess glue and smooth any rough edges. Add a chain to the finished pendant.

Resources

• Make and Takes: Scrabble Tile Pendant Tutorial