How to Make an Optical Lens Necklace

An optical lens necklace makes a beautiful, stylish statement and is easy to make. The necklace works for simply displaying your altered art or for creating a neo-Victorian-style necklace. An optical lens necklace uses an antique or reproduction optical lens to highlight a work of art, stamp art or other artwork. The necklace is a simple way to create a wearable work of art that you can sport for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloth
• Rubbing alcohol
• Clear dimensional glue
• Chain
• Photo
• Needle or straight pin
• Jump ring

Instructions

1. Remove all oils from the optical lens by cleaning it with a soft cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol. Avoid touching the lens after cleaning so you don't deposit any of your skin's natural oils back onto the lens.

2. Brush a thin layer of clear dimensional glue on the back of the lens where you'll adhere the photograph or artwork. Check the glue for air bubbles before applying your picture: If air bubbles develop, pop each bubble with a straight pin or sharp needle.

3. Apply the picture, face down, onto the layer of glue. Allow the glue to dry.

4. Apply another layer of glue over the back of the photo once the glue has completely set. This extra layer of glue will protect the image from rear damage that could destroy the look of the pendant. Allow the glue to dry.

5. Attach a jump ring to the optical lens through the hole at the top of the lens handle.

6. String the pendant onto a suitable length of chain.

Tips & Warnings

• The clear dimensional glue makes your pendant water-resistant. However, it does not make the pendant waterproof. Don't go swimming with the pendant on or otherwise submerge the pendant in water.

• When using images printed on an inkjet printer, seal the image with a coat of white glue or decoupage glue before applying it to the lens. This coat of glue will prevent the ink from running and destroying the look of the photo. Allow the glue to dry fully before applying your photo.

References

• Beading-Arts.com: Creating an Optical Lens Pendant