Personalized Gift for New Moms this Mother's Day (A Necklace Tutorial)

Hello friends!  I can see the end!  I think we will be able to finish school by next Wednesday.  Hooray!  Getting to the end is a busy one, though.  On Monday, my girls had a Spring Concert at the school they attend once a week for enrichment classes.  My little Kindergartner had a solo!  She sang part of the song PRAISE HIM PRAISE HIM, ALL YE LITTLE CHILDREN.  I was sure I would cry, but I held it together, only because I was recording the whole thing and I was so afraid I would mess it up.  My husband could not be there, so it was all on me to get it on tape.

Yes, I'm still living in the 80's and I say things like..."I taped it last night", or "just rewind it", or "just get a piece of typing paper".  My kids look at me like I'm crazy.  "Typing paper?"  I had to explain to them the other day what a typewriter was.  I even pulled up a picture on Google so they could see what it looks like.  They said, "Cooool!"  So funny.

                                

Well, this post is not about the end of school, or about vintage typewriters....it is about new moms!  My niece just had her first little baby this week and I wanted to make her a necklace for her first Mother's Day, so here is what I came up with.

 

MATERIALS:
*empty bezel
*paint brush
*Mod Podge
*scrapbook paper
*Magic-Glos
*Computer w/ printer
*packing tape
*UV light
*charm
*jewelry glue
*chain/cord

Run to the craft store and buy a piece of scrapbook paper that has baby footprints all over it.  I cut out 2 of the little feet to fit my bezel (also purchased at a craft store). 

You will also need some Mod Podge.  You can use whichever kind you want.  I went with the one with a glossy finish.  You also need a paint brush.  I usually use whatever I can find in my girl's art drawer!.

Paint on a thin layer of the Mod Podge on the surface of the bezel, then press down the paper into the bezel.  Follow up with a thin layer of Mod Podge on the top of the paper.  Let it dry and then apply 2 more coats of Mod Podge.

You could just leave the pendant like this, but I wanted to add the babies name...Beau...I love his name!  To do this I just created a WORD document in the font and size I wanted and printed it out.  Cut around the name and then grab some packing tape and seal it.  Just put tape on the front and back, press to seal and then cut around the name leaving a small edge of sealed tape around the entire piece.

(Like my background?  I just realized I could use scrapbook paper!  I'm a little slow.)

Now, you could stop here, but if you happen to have some of Lisa Pavelka's Magic-Glos lying around,  (which most of you probably do not) then grab it and lets make the pendant look more professional.  Magic-Glos is awesome because it is so easy to use, it cures in the sunlight and it is non-toxic.  The only downfall is that you have to buy it online and it is pricey, but most people (including myself) believe it is worth every penny.  I'm not getting paid to say that either.

Before you pour in the Magic-Glos, I recently discovered this little trick to use when adding the resin.  Grab a canning lid, some tape or some clay and adhere the pendant to the lid.  Make sure your pendant is level and secure.  You will understand how important this little lid is once you start working with the Magic-Glos.

Pour the Magic-Glos resin into the bezel.  It drops out slowly.  You can add a little until it is level, cure under UV light (the sun or special lightbox), and then add more layers until you are satisfied with the look.  Use a toothpick to spread or I just like to tilt the bezel until it flows into the corners.  It likes to dome up, so it might take a couple of layers to get the corners filled to your satisfaction.

TIP: If you notice air bubbles, immediately use your toothpick to try to pop them.  I like to use a lighter to quickly sweep above the surface.  The heat will pop any bubbles.

 This is my UV light.  You can usually find it at the same online stores that carry the Magic-Glos.

I added a little cord and I also added a little charm using a strong jewelry glue, and that is it!  This little necklace is going out in the mail today.  My niece is on her way home from the hospital and will enjoy a wonderful first Mother's Day with her new baby.  God is so good!  :)

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.   I hope to be experimenting with more necklaces using scrapbook paper soon.  I also use the Magic Glos to make my pressed flower jewelry.  You can click on the link to my Pressed Jewelry Page to see some of my creations.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there and all you mother's-to-be!  There is no greater joy than being a mother. :)

Blessings,
Gina

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