How to Make a Necktie Pendant
Shrink plastic sheets allow an artist, teacher or parent to design custom jewelry pendants. A necktie pendant is an expression of professionalism or fun for the wearer. Creating the pendant with blank shrink plastic opens up the possibility for any color or pattern the jewelry designer wishes. Give a DIY necktie pendant to friends and family members as a gift or wear your own creation to the next office party. Personalize the pendants by placing an initial in the body of the necktie design.
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Things You'll Need
- Shrink plastic sheet
- Tape
- Color pencils
- Hole punch
- Paper grocery bag
- Toaster oven
- Oven mitts
- Acrylic spray
- 2 jump rings
- Chain
Instructions
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1
Print out free clip art of a necktie or draw your own on a piece of plain paper. Remember that shrink plastic makes the image three times smaller than the original during the baking process. Adjust the necktie image as needed on your copier or printer.
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2
Place the shrink plastic sheet over the necktie design. Tape the shrink plastic sheet to the design with the rough side of the shrink plastic facing up. Trace the necktie design onto the shrink plastic with colored pencils. Color in the design with any shade.
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3
Remove the tape from the shrink plastic. Cut the design out with a pair of manicure scissors. Move the scissors, not the shrink plastic, while cutting to avoid sharp edges.
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4
Preheat the toaster oven to the degree that the manufacturer's directions recommend. Punch a hole in the top of the necktie design for a jump ring to attach to the necklace. Place the necktie on a piece of a brown paper bag.
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5
Insert the necktie and the brown paper bag in the toaster oven. Allow the necktie to bake for the time recommended by the shrink plastic manufacturer. Remove the necktie pendant from the toaster with oven mitts and allow to cool for several minutes.
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6
Spray both sides of the necktie pendant with a clear, acrylic spray outside to seal in the color and protect from scratches. Allow the pendant to dry. Place a jump ring in the hole at the top of the pendant and attach to a necklace chain.
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Tips & Warnings
Use different colors to outline the necktie and add diagonal stripes or an argyle pattern.
Make several of the same color necktie pendant and give them to special friends to wear.
Keep children away from scissors and the toaster oven when performing this craft.
Resources
- Photo Credit neckties galore image by weim from Fotolia.com
