How to Make Glass Photo Pendants

Glass photo pendants can be made at home with the right materials.

Glass photo pendents are a beautiful way to display memories on your jewelry or to customize a unique, stylish design. These gorgeous little pendents are simple to construct and make great gifts that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as necklaces, bracelets and wrapped gift accents.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Small glass tile
• Photo or patterned paper
• Clear glass glue
• Note card
• Metal glue
• Metal bail
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Paintbrush

1. Place the glass tile on a note card and trace the edges with a pencil. Cut out the square on the note card. This will be a template to cut out your paper or photograph.

2. Place the note card square on the part of the photograph or patterned paper that you would like to be displayed on the glass pendant. Draw around the edges of the note card with a pencil and cut around the traced square. You will be left with a small square photograph or piece of patterned paper.

3. Apply a thin layer of clear-drying glue appropriate for glass to the rough side of the glass tile using a paintbrush. Place the small photograph or patterned paper onto the tile upside down, with the back of the paper or photograph facing up. Cut off any excess paper using scissors. Allow the glue to dry. Wash the paintbrush using warm water.

4. Apply another coat of glue on top of the paper or photograph with a paintbrush. Allow the pendant to dry.

5. Attach a metal bail to the pendant. These small, metal loops are used in jewelry making to allow a pendant to be strung on a chain or ribbon and can be found in most craft stores. Place a dot of metal or super glue on the top, back side of the pendant. Press the bail on firmly and allow to dry.

6. String the pendant onto a chain or ribbon of your choice for a beautiful piece of jewelry or an accent for a wrapped present.

Tips & Warnings

• If your photograph is too large, resize it in photo-editing software and print it out smaller.

• Use super glue carefully and wear gloves. It can cause skin damage if it comes into contact with the skin.

References

• Lazy Daisy Glass; Tutorial -- Glass Tile Pendant; February 25, 2009
• Simply Modern Mom; Glass Pendant Necklaces Tutorial; October 13, 2009
• Jewelry Findings Online: Jewelry Bails and Pendant Bails
• Zambukis Love You: How to Make Glass Tile Pendants