Most crafters have been crafting as long as they remember. I can't remember a time when I didn't love creating with paper, glue, a little paint and of course, glitter. That's always a popular one. Even with the boys if they are young enough. In fact, I've never met a child yet that doesn't like making a creative mess of some kind.
I've always tried to foster creativity in my children no matter what the media they decide to use. Sure it would be easier some times to say no and keep the mess down but what is the fun in that? I'll admit to wearing all kinds of crazy creations around the house in the name of love. Last week I actually received the most "beautiful" glitter crown.
Priceless.
While young children love creating, I've found it much harder to keep that creativity going into the teen years. Mom's projects are just not cool anymore and teens struggle so much with perfectionism. They forget the joy.
And here, after a very long intro, is where this project starts. I've found that teenage girls love jewelry and it's a great project to create with older kids. I'm excited to find some common ground to spend time with my daughter. This fun altered pendant is designed as an easy project that can be recreated to the wearer's personality. Putting bits and pieces together is a great way to use up product too.
The altered art part of this necklace was so much fun to create. I love how it has two sides so the wearer can change it up with her outfit. This necklace uses the Antique Copper 1" x 3" Memory Frame by Ranger and the 1"x3" Memory Glass. If you like square shaped frames from Ranger, Ellen carries them too. Just do a store search using the word Memory Frame or Memory Glass. The Memory Frame can be opened and shut by a little tab at the top of the frame. This makes it super easy for anyone to use and no soldering is involved.
Once the glass is added to the frame, it is a tight fit so keep that in mind when designing your project. I had a nice heavy piece of cardstock between the back and the front designs but then could not put the frame together. I carefully peeled them apart and just adhered the thin patterned paper back to back. You really don't need that cardstock stability as the outside glass keeps it all together.
Side "A" of this project is a strip of Vintage Black Line Mini Papers by Jenni Bowlin that has been sponged with Brushed Corduroy, Worn Lipstick and Shabby Shutters Distress Ink. Tim Holtz Symphony Tissue Tape makes a fun accent and the Prima Mulberry Rose Leaf and the Tiny Type letter add some thin layers to the project.
I love stamping on glass and find that extra thin layer gives the project a dimensional look. Jet Black Archival Ink works great on glass and other difficult surfaces. Just make sure you heat set when done. The dragonfly stamp is from the beautiful Botanical Bliss ATC set from CHF and designed by Becky Olsen.
Side "B" uses some very pretty cherry themed paper by Jenni Bowlin from the Baby of Mine Mini Papers. Over top is layered a small scrap of Tim Holtz Film Strip Ribbon and then more Tiny Type letters. Againt he stamping is stamped onto the glass and then heatset. The beautiful writing stamp comes from the Key Elements set by Cornish Heritage Farms.
You can also adhere items on the outside of the glass using a heavy duty adhesive. Glossy Accents works well here for adhering the elegant Melissa Frances Scroll Applique.
After your necklace frame is complete, you can thread it onto a Making Memories chain. You can stop the project there but I thought it would be interesting to add a little extra bling. It seems that all the super stylish jewelry these days has a myriad of fun elements. I used elements from the Vintage Groove Celluloid Flower Combo and attached them to the chain using jump rings and the Vintage Groove Tool Kit. These easy to use jewelry charms are so pretty and easy to mix and match for a personal look.
Whether you create this project for yourself or try our a jewelry piece with your teen, I hope you have fun with it! Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and have a wonderful holiday weekend!
