Easy and Unusual Scrabble Tile Pendants
Use Mixed Media Techniques to Make an Owl Pendant
Jun 22, 2009
If you like Scrabble tile pendants, but would like one that stands out from the rest, this project is for you. Collage and mixed media techniques yield beautiful results.
These pendants allow for lots of customization, but this particular project includes instructions on how to make an owl pendant.
You will need these supplies to get started:
- A Scrabble tile pendant. Use one you already have on hand, or find an old Scrabble game at a thrift shop. Tiles can also be found on websites such as Etsy and eBay.
- Small, sharp scissors
- Pencil
- Silver plumber's tape, found in hardware stores
- Decorative paper
- Glue stick
- Triple thick sealer (Deco-Art and Krylon are both good brands)
- Fine point permanent marker such as Micron 008
- 5mm Bail
- E6000 jewelry glue or tacky glue
If you are giving the pendant as a gift, consider choosing a Scrabble tile with the first letter of the recipient's name. The letter will be on the back of the pendant, but the one who receives it will surely notice the thoughtfulness of your choice.
Follow these instructions to make the pendant:
- Cut a piece of silver tape that is about two inches long. Leave the paper backing on the tape for now.
- Place the tape on a flat surface with the paper backing facing up. Put the Scrabble tile on the tape and trace around it with a pencil.
- Cut out the tile shape with small, sharp scissors.
- Remove the paper backing from the tape and carefully apply it to the back of the Scrabble tile. Use your fingernail or a burnishing tool to smooth out any wrinkles.
- Using the photograph as a reference, draw a simple owl outline on a piece of decorative paper. Make it small enough to fit on the tile. The owl in the photo is orange, but any color will work. On brown paper (solid or patterned) draw a branch for the owl to sit on. Cut out both drawings with scissors.
- Use a glue stick to glue the owl to the center of the pendant. Use the photo as a reference and glue the branch over the owl. Trim any excess paper with scissors. Allow the glue to dry for about 30 minutes.
- Use a fine tip permanent black marker to outline the owl and branch. Draw the owl's face and feet.
- As an optional step, a pencil or the pointed end of a paint brush can be used to etch a pattern in the silver tape.
- Give the front of the pendant a light coat of Mod Podge decoupage medium or Krylon spray sealer. Let it dry for 30 minutes.
- Once the first coat of sealer is dry, a light coat of Triple Thick sealer can be applied. Triple Thick sealer will give a shiny, glass-like look to the pendant. Be sure not to skip the first coat of Mod Podge. It prevents the Triple Thick sealer from damaging the decorative paper. For the best results, let the Triple Thick sealer dry overnight before handling the pendant.
- For this project a flat back 5mm bail was used, but other styles will work as well. Check local craft or jewelry supply shops or purchase bails on websites such as Etsy.com. Apply a dot of Diamond E6000 glue to the bail and attach it to the back of the tile, making sure the bail is centered. Let it dry a couple of hours at least. Tacky glue can also be used in a pinch, but be careful to let it dry at least overnight. Be aware that tacky glue is not as strong as Diamond glue, so the pendant might not survive rough handling.
The copyright of the article Easy and Unusual Scrabble Tile Pendants in Mixed Media Arts is owned by LuAnne Payne. Permission to republish Easy and Unusual Scrabble Tile Pendants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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