How to Make Glass Pendants With Chiyogami
Chiyogami paper is Japanese paper that has been decorated with elaborate patterns and colors. It is sometimes used for oragami, but can also be turned into wearable art in the form of glass chiyogami pendants.
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Things You'll Need
- One piece pendant glass, ¼-inch thick with smoothed edges
- One sheet chiyogami paper
- Scissors
- Glass adhesive such as Diamond Glaze or Modge Podge
- Flat-end jewelry bale
- Heavy-duty jeweler's glue
- Emery board
Instructions
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1
Lay the glass---with the flat, textured side down---on the chiyogami paper and move it around until it covers an attractive area. Trace around the glass with a pencil.
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2
Carefully cut out the shape you have just drawn, just outside the pencil line, so it is slightly bigger than the glass.
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3
Spread a thin, even layer of glass adhesive on the textured side of the glass, being careful to break any bubbles in the adhesive and making sure the adhesive goes all the way to every edge of the glass.
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4
Lay the paper, printed side down, on the glass. The printed side and the glaze should be in contact. Smooth the paper very gently with your fingers, being sure it is glued to the very edge of the glass. Don't press down on the paper, or the excess glaze will ooze out the sides.
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5
Let the piece dry for one hour. When the glaze is thoroughly dry, use the emery board to file off the excess paper around the edges of the piece. Apply a thin, final layer of glaze to the back, being sure to cover all the way to the edges. Don't get glaze on the front of the glass. Let dry another hour.
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6
Use jeweler's adhesive to glue the bale into place and allow to dry several hours or overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Chiyogami paper is available at many online outlets. The pendant glass and all other needed supplies are sold at craft supply stores, but also can be purchased online. Working with the glass adhesive takes practice. Expect to waste some as you work on getting the thin, even layer you need. Print out photos of chiyogami paper, or anything else you like, with a full-color laser printer to make additional pendants.
Use glaze and glue only in well-ventilated spaces and protect your work surfaces.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit R.Chevru
