Washer Necklace Tutorial

I just realized that Christmas is less than two months away! Since I am a big crafter and my budget is VERY tight this year I am always looking for easy and inexpensive gift ideas. I have seen these on several blogs and on the Splitcoast Stampers and the CTMH message boards for a while. I am not sure who to credit the original idea to but it was a good one. This weekend I decided to make some of these beauties for an upcoming craft fair and for Holiday gifts. They were quick and easy and very inexpensive to make!

This is a picture of my first batch of washer necklaces.

I found a few different tutorials online but I didn't follow any 

of them exactly so here is my own little tutorial to show you what I did. Please excuse the pictures that may not be extra clear, it is hard to get good pictures with one hand inside at night.

This is what you will need ~

• Washers (found at your local hardware store in different sizes for just pennies)
• Scraps of Scrapbook paper
• Circle punches
• Scissors
• Craft Knife
• Finishing Files from CTMH or emery board/sanding block
• Liquid Glass, Glossy Accents, Diamond Glaze or Crystal Effects (same stuff just made by different companies)
• Silver Spacer bead
• Cording
• Clasp
• Jewelry pliers

Start by punching circles using circle punches is sizes closest to the sizes of your washers. If you don't have circle punches then you can always trace the washers and cut them out by hand. For a double sided necklace use two coordinating papers.

 

  If you are doing a double sided necklace like the one I am showing here it doesn't really matter which side of the washer you use. For a one sided necklace be sure to adhere the paper to the flat side of the washer leaving the softer beveled side to be close to the skin when worn. Using the Liquid Glass (or your brand) apply a light layer to the washer and spread evenly using a small paint brush or even your finger. Add the paper circle and set aside paper side down to dry for 5-10 minutes.

If your circle punch is not exactly the size of the washer use scissors or a
craft knife cut the circle even with the sides of the washer.

 Use the round finishing file to punch through the paper covering the center hole and
file in a downward motion (not back and forth as that may tear the paper)
around the center hole to remove the paper or use a craft knife to cut out the center hole.

Repeat for second side if doing a two sided necklace. Once the paper is adhered and dry use the finishing files to sand any rough edges or excess paper around the outside or in the inside hole.
The CTMH finishing files are perfect for getting into the center holes.
Use a sanding block or emery board to sand the outside edges as well.

At this point you can add gems or pearls if you want them (see photo above). I didn't add any to this sample necklace. 

Now comes the fun part. Use the Liquid Glass and apply a generous coat covering the entire washer. If you have added gems or pearls go right over the top of them. Set aside for at least 24 hours without touching until completely dry. If you are doing double sided you will need to wait the full 24 hours before applying the Liquid Glass to the second side and then set aside for an additional 24 hours until both sides are dry.

To finish off your necklace cut a 36 inch piece of cord in the color of your choice. Cording is available from most craft stores in a variety or colors, materials and thicknesses. Here I am using satin cording I found in the ribbon section of Hobby Lobby. Fold the cord in half. Put the center loop down over the front of your washer covering the hole. Pull the ends up and over the top edge and back around through the hole in the washer and the loop of cord. Pull tight. 

Add silver spacer bead (or any other bead with a hole large enough) over 

both cord ends and push towards washer.

Using both sections of cord together tie a simple knot above the bead to hold it in place.

To make an adjustable length overlap top of necklace by about 6 inches. Tie ends over each other making square knots, one on each side. Knots can then be slid closer together for a longer necklace or farther apart for a shorter one.

There are also clasps available that easily pinch over the edges of the cord using jewelry pliers available at most craft stores. Here is a pic of one of the styles I have used. 

Here is the finished project. A double sided washer necklace!

Special Tip: After taking these pics I used my hair straightener to straighten out the cord. 

Worked like a charm!

These were super simple and I love how they came out. 

Try it for yourself, or if you are interested you can always buy one of mine. Special orders gladly accepted.