Lyrics Necklace

My first Pinterest project I did, was this necklace. I changed it up a bit from the original post, which you can see here. Unfortunately I only have an after picture. I got all my supplies from Hobby Lobby.

Supplies I used:
paper
printer
Mod Podge
paint brush (a foam brush may be better)
30" chain (I chose gun metal color for chain, clasp and jump rings)
clasp
jump rings
beads
lighter (the long candle ones)
needle nose pliers
chain cutter

Instead of using book pages like the original tutorial, I printed out lyrics in different fonts to some of my favorite songs by my favorite band, Alkaline Trio, along with their heart skull symbol. The original tutorial used foam board, and I really wish that I had, too. I used regular computer paper. It works, and it's still pretty (I think), but the charms are so light that they flip backward a lot when I wear it. I think that if they were heavier (like foam board) they'd stay put better. I have been thinking about adding weight to the backs of them. Maybe smaller buttons or something?

So, after printing out the lyrics I wanted, I cut out five circles and covered them in Mod Podge. A lot of Mod Podge (both front and back). Be patient, wait about 20 minutes in between coats. I think I did like three layers of it. Also, if you use a regular paint brush be careful not to leave lines from the bristles. That's why I think a foam brush would be better. I used a damp paper towel to help clear any lines I saw. I'd recommend Viva Towels, because they're unquilted so they won't leave more lines. After about five to seven minutes of drying you can start to tell if it will be liney, so that's how long I recommend waiting to see if lines form.

Once they're dried, I burned the edges with a long lighter. I did this step over the kitchen sink, and had the water running from the faucet the whole time. I held the charm with piers in one hand, and ran the lighter over the edges with the other. I blew out the flame when it was singed to my liking. It wasn't as scary as I anticipated. I also tested Mod Podge's flammability on a plain piece of paper first. No scary moments happened, so hopefully you have good luck as well! Like I said, keep the faucet running just in case!

Once they're all burned, I painted some more Mod Podge on them all again to protect them, and keep the burned edges from just falling off. I added another couple of coats. The ashes can blur into the words, though so be careful. Paint inward out.

Next was the hard part (for me anyway): putting the necklace together. First I attached the clasp to the chains, one strand being shorter than the other so that the two strands wouldn't be on top of each other. I don't know if there's a better way to do this, but I just put it on in front of a mirror, held my fingers to the length I thought was best, took it off, cut the chain and voila! There are mannequins you can buy to help fit and make necklaces, but since I'm not a serious jewelry maker, so I didn't have one!

Those darn jump rings are tricky. When I do other jewelry I like to use the keychain-looking jump rings, but because these charms were so fragile, I used the normal ones. I put the charms on first, eyeballing it to where it would look good. Trying it on many times and then placing the charms on. I used two links of chain to attach the white beads over top of the charm.

It's a time-consuming project, but I love my necklace! I get compliments on it whenever I wear it. :) I hope all my steps make sense, but if you have any questions please ask them in the comments and I'll be happy to answer!