How to Make Jewelry From Flattened Pennies

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This post has been a long time coming. At this point, I can’t even recall what inspired me to smash pennies and turn them into jewelry, but something did and here we are. I will walk you through the interesting, not entirely legal process I used. Please note that in no way am I encouraging anyone to break the law, or to go anywhere near railroad tracks. The Midnight Rider controversy is no joke. While cute, this jewelry is not worth dying for, so be smart.

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SUPPLIES:

Pennies or other coins

Clear masking tape

Jump rings

Jewelry Hole punch

jewelry rivets

Vintaj metal paints

Lisa Pavelka Resin Magic Glos

Magic Glos UV Resin, by Lisa Pavelka

Sizzix machine

Butterfly rings Sizzix Die

Media Mixage Triangle Dies

Media Mixage Circle Dies

Vintaj Vogue Stamping Blanks, Triangle 14mm

Your favorite embossing folders

eyelet setter

ear wire

Jewelry pliers (2 pair)

Paint brush or sponge dauber
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
Non-metal bowl
Paper towels

 

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TUTORIAL:

tape-pennies-to-track

This is the sketchy part. SBLC assumes no responsibility for any injuries that may occur. That said, this is also the super fun part. Tape the coins to the railroad track as shown in the photo. Not taping them just means searching needlessly after the train has passed, since they get thrown from their original location during the process. The tape keeps them in place.

pennies-after-flattening

This is what y0u will have when you retrieve your now flattened pennies. Flat, but yucky, right? No problem. To clean the little guys, pour the vinegar into the bowl and stir in salt. Put about 5 pennies into the solution and let them soak for about 10 seconds. Use a toothbrush and running water to remove debris and rinse clean.

how-to-flatten-pennies-for-free

They don’t have to be perfect.

how-to-flatten-pennies

Emboss your pennies and die cut into jewelry shapes. Here i cut the flattened and embossed pennies into circles and attached Vintaj Vogue Stamping Blanks Triangle 14mm using a rivet. Just hole punch the penny circles, insert rivet through triangle and circle, set with eyelet setter and attach jump ring and ear wires. Done!

aa-necklace-circle-triangle

For this pendant, I die cut a ring with the Sizzix butterfly rings die – a favorite die of mine. I cut a triangle with another embossed flattened penny and painted it using vintaj patina paints for metal. Once the paint was dry, I applied Magic Glos UV Resin, by Lisa Pavelka. I love the domed resin look. You can put this in direct sunlight to cure, or cure it in 10 minutes using Lisa Pavelka’s UV light. I went the 10 minute route! It’s been awhile since I used that stuff, and I forgot how fun it is.

upcycled-coin-pendant-jewelry-tutorial

This piece is comprised of a Vintaj metal blank (the background circle) and a flattened penny triangle that I painted with Vintaj Patina. I didn’t seal it. I enjoy the simplicity of the circle/triangle, and love the colors together. After applying the paint, go over the triangle lightly with medium grit sand paper to reveal the raised areas created by embossing previously.

Visit here for more RESIN JEWELRY TUTORIALS

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What do you think? Do you have a less illegal method for flattening pennies? Can your rope your husband into doing it for you, like I did?

You can use any coin, by the way. I just like copper.

I’d love to see what you can do with flattened coins. If you don’t have a die cut machine, you can cut shapes with metal shears or tin snips for your own custom creations! Happy crafting!

Upcycle Coffee Sleeves into Gorgeous Jewelry

How to Make Gorgeous Jewelry From Coffee Sleeves @savedbyloves

Today I am sharing with you this great coffee sleeve upcycle. With the amount of coffee I drink, the sleeves were starting to pile up. I saved them, knowing one day, inspiration would strike and I would repurpose them. The idea to create jewelry from them came to me over the weekend as I was sorting through my Sizzix dies. These are easily customizable to coordinate with any style. Follow along and make your very own!

SUPPLIES:

upcycled jewelry tutorial

Coffee Sleeves

Acrylic Paint (I used Distress Paint)

Asymmetric Rings Sizzix Die

Butterfly and Rings Sizzix Die

Mod Podge Antique

Non-Stick Craft Mat

Markers to coordinate with paint(I used Distress Marker – Vintage Photo)

Jump rings

Toggle clasp

Ear wires

2 pairs of jewelry pliers

INSTRUCTIONS:

2 Repurpose jewelry

Unfold coffee sleeve.

3 Upcycled Jewelry Tutorial

Randomly apply your favorite acrylic paint colors.

4 Jewelry Making Tutorial

I went for a warm and cool color range.

5 DIY Jewelry

Once paint is dry, cut out rings with sizzix as shown. If you don’t have a sizzix, you can cut by hand, or use paper punches.

6 How to Seal Paper Jewelry

Seal pieces for durability. I dipped them in Mod Podge antique finish.

7 Upcycled Jewelry Ideas

Brush away excess Mod Podge and let dry.

Distress Paper Edges

Mark around the inner and outer edges of the rings. On the left is before marking, the two on the right have been marked around the edges.

9 Attach rings with jump rings

Use various jump rings to attach rings for earrings and bracelets as shown.

Upcycled Earrings from Coffee Sleeves

How to Make Cardboard Jewelry

Jewelry from Coffee Sleeves

I am in love with these pieces! Super easy and cheap to make. You could also use the die cut coffee sleeve shapes in your mixed media art.

Make Easy Earrings From Upcycled Fabric

How to make earrings

Not only are these earrings easy to make and cute, they are upcycled from some super meaningful fabric.  I created them from one of my beloved grandpa’s many handkerchiefs, soon after his passing. Whipping the cloth out of his pocket, he gently wiped away the tears from his loved ones eyes, and eliminated runny noses with joy. A single hanky is big enough to fashion several pairs, so the women in our family all have a wearable reminder of the best man to ever live (yes, I am biased, but also, he was the best)! Today I am going to show you how to make your own version in just a few simple steps. They would be cute fashioned from old jeans, your favorite shirt, your grandpa’s hanky, or just about any fabric you want. Let’s do this!!

How to Make Easy Upcycled Hanky Earrings @savedbyloves

SUPPLIES:

How to Make Memory Earrings

White handkerchief or fabric of your choice

Organza or Tulle

Metal Eyelets

Crop-a-Dile

Metal chain small enough to fit through eyelet

Metal washer from hardware store that eyelet will fit in and not slide through when set

Ear Wire from Vintaj

Tonic Scissors

Jewelry pliers (2 pairs)

-side note: I gave my grandpa the book Between Me and You GRANDPA, he filled it out completely, and it is a blessing beyond words. My most valued possession, for sure.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use Spray Inks to Color Hanky

Spray fabric if desired. I went with a fall color palate using the spray inks shown. Let air dry for a couple of hours, then set by drying in machine on high heat for 5 minutes.

Make a Square Template From Cardstock

Make a square template from card stock about 1.5 inches wide and long (yeah, a square).

Cut Squares from fabric and organza

Cut several squares from your fabric of choice using the template as a guide. I cut some from tulle in addition to the hanky.

Hole Punch Center of Template

Hole punch center of template with Crop-a-Dile

Hole Punch Center of Fabric

Hole punch center of fabric using template as a guide. You can hole punch several squares at the same time, depending on the thickness of your fabric.
Make a Sandwich from Fabric Squares with Washer in the MiddleMake a sandwich from fabric squares with washer in the middle. I used 3-4 squares on each side of the washer. The purpose of the washer is stability and weight.
Use Crop a Dile to Set EyeletUse Crop-a-Dile to set eyelet.

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Insert chain about 3 inches long through eyelet.

Use Jewelry Pliers to Add Ear Wire

Make a loop from the chain, using ear wire to join both the chain loops on each end. You are finished!

DIY Upcycled Fabric Earrings

DIY Upcycled Fabric Earrings from Hanky @savedbyloves

I love having something so reminiscient of my grandfather to wear, not that I need it to remember him. He is everywhere and I am blessed! I love you, Pa. And now the flood gates are open.

Here is to grandfathers everywhere! May you cherish every moment with yours.

 

DIY Dollar Store Eraser Valentine Earrings

Valentines Day Jewelry Tutorial

I heart creating with dollar store supplies. For one, it is cheap, and it challenges me creatively. When I saw these cute Valentine’s Day erasers over the weekend, I immediately thought they need some resin and ear wires! Follow along to see how I made earrings from dollar store erasers!

Dollar Store Craft Idea

At first I imagined making a pendant, but then I realized the erasers came in pairs, just perfect for earrings. This project is super cheap and easy to do. Don’t be intimidated by resin if you’ve never used it.

ICE Resin Jewelry Tutorial

Especially now that ICE resin has made mixing the two parts so simple.

Dollar Store Resin Craft Idea

When working with 2 part resin, it is crucial to mix equal parts A and B. If you are off even just a little, the resin may no cure properly. ICE resin comes in a plunger that extrudes equal parts automatically.

How to Use Resin

Use a craft stick and mix the 2 parts by stirring for at least 1 minute.

TIP:  After mixing, let resin sit for 5 minutes before applying it. This lets the mixture settle and decreases air bubbles.

How to apply resin

Apply a little bit of resin at a time, starting in the center using the craft stick. It can take awhile to get use to how much resin to use. Just don’t go overboard. You can always add more to create a dome effect after the first layer has dried, but you are in for a mess if you use to much and it spills over the edge.

Let resin cure for 12 hours.

Upcycled Jewelry

I picked up these screw eyes at Walmart for $0.97.

How to Make Earrings

 Upcycling

Just screw the hardware into the top center of your resin eraser.

Jewelry Making Tutorial

Add ear wire and you are set!

Valentines Day Craft

Do you love them as much as I do? You can make 6 pairs with the pack of $1 erasers!

Make Adorable Valentine's Day Earrings Dollar Store Craft @savedbyloves

Find over 50 ways to decorate for Valentine’s Day:

50+Valentine’s Gifts to Make:

Valentine’s Day Washi Tape Charms

DIY Washi Tape Resin Charms for Valentines Day

Today’s project is a washi tape and resin craft that makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift! Follow along as we die cut washi tape and apply ICE resin for a quick and easy charm that you can customize to fit your needs.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft

I was inspired on a recent trip to the craft store by these Valentine’s Day prints on washi tape by Hampton Arts.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft 3

I covered white card stock with strips of the tape as shown.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft 4

I folded the excess tape over the back of the paper. If you want your charms two sided, you could cover the entire back in tape as well, or use printed scrap book paper instead of white card stock.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft 5

I cut the tape covered paper with these heart dies by Spellbinder’s Media Mixage.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft 6

Here is what they look like after die cutting the shapes.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft 7

I sealed the front and back of the hearts with Iced Enamels Medium. If you don’t seal the paper tape, the resin will darken it and look funny. Let dry.

ICE Resin

I used ICE Resin on my charms. You could use any jewelry grade resin, or Mod Podge Dimensional Magic.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft 8

Following the directions on the resin package, I mixed the two parts in a plastic dixie cup with a clean craft stick.

Valentines Day Washi Tape Craft 9TIP: Place the paper hearts on top of sticky contact paper to keep them flat while resin dries.

Use the toothpick to drip the resin onto the hearts.

DIY Washi Tape Valentine's Day Jewelry Idea

Hole punch the hearts once dry. The resin instructions say 6-12 hours. I let mine sit overnight and used a jewelry hole punch to place holes for jump rings.

Washi Tape Crafts

Add keychain fobs and other charms. I went for keychains with the larger hearts. I will be using the smaller hearts for earrings!

Cut Wine Bottle Bracelets

Create Bracelet From Wine Bottle Glass

Your friends will be amazed when you tell them these bracelets use to be wine bottles!  This project involves cutting glass and firing in a kiln, but you could do a version without the kiln too.  Use rub on transfers and alcohol inks to create a piece of wearable art!

MATERIALS

-glass bottle label removing and cleaning supplies (see techniques)

-glass bottle cutting supplies (see techniques)

-stainless steel measuring cup

-kiln

-kiln wash

-glass drilling supplies

-jewelry chain

-jump rings

-toggle clasp

-two pairs of jewelry pliers; flat and or needle nosed

-alcohol inks and felt pad applicator

-non stick craft sheet

-rub on transfers

-beads and charms for embellishing as desired

-permanent marker

 DIRECTIONS

 1.  Cut a ring from your chosen bottle (See How to Cut Wine Bottles)

Make jewelry from wine bottles

Wine Bottle Bracelets 3

2.  Carefully score ring with glass cutter and tap to break score, leaving you with a half circle.  Score this to the size you would like your bracelet to be, about 2.5 inches.

 Wine Bottle Bracelets 4

3.  Place bracelet piece on kiln washed stainless steel mold or measuring cup as shown and fire to full fuse (see techniques).

Wine Bottle Bracelets 5

4.  Once the bracelet is cool, remove it from the kiln.  Mark for placement of holes where chain will be attached with a jump ring.

Wine Bottle Bracelets 6

5.  Drill the holes using small diamond bits (see How to Drill Holes in Glass).  I use this diamond tipped micro engraving drill bit kit for my small holes.

Wine Bottle Bracelets 7

6.  Begin drilling at the mark, coming in at an angle to start your hole, then moving to 90 degrees as described in the techiques.  Make sure to cool the drill bit in water every 30 seconds or so to prevent glass from shattering due to heat.

Wine Bottle Bracelets 10

7.  Apply rub on transfer per instructions to the front surface of the bracelet.

Wine Bottle Bracelets 12

8.  Use felt applicator or brush to apply alcohol inks to back surface of bracelet.

 Wine Bottle Bracelets 14

9.  Open jump ring using two sets of pliers to twist each end in opposite directions.  Do not pull ends apart to open, rather twist open as shown.

10.  Attach the appropriate length of chain to get desired bracelet length and close jump ring by twisting ends back together.  Keep in mind the closure will add about ½ inch to the length of the bracelet.

Wine Bottle Bracelets 15

11.  To finish, attach toggle clasp ring to one end and bar to the other, using a jump ring for each.

 Bracelet on Fire

EXTRA TIPS

○ Create custom bracelets, earrings and pendants using this technique.  Use blank rub on transfer paper made for inkjets to transfer your own designs to your recycled glass jewelry!

DIY Easy Cork Monogram Earrings

[pinit]Mongram Cork Earrings[pinit]

 Did you know that wine corks can be sliced into disks, painted, inked and stamped to create beautiful custom jewelry.  Not only are these monogram stamped earrings stylish and eco friendly, but they are light as a feather.  The customization possibilities are infinite!  Follow the steps below to make your own, or use the same process to make pendants, charm bracelets and wine glass tags!

Monogram Wine Cork Earrings DIY Upcycled Jewelry from @savedbyloves

CLICK HERE FOR MATERIALS LIST AND TUTORIAL

 

 

 

50+ Ways to Upcycle CDs and Vinyl Records

[pinit]50 Plus Best DIY Upcycle Vinyl Records and CD projects to make @savedbyloves[pinit]

Since most of us no longer listen to CDs or records, our planet is left with a ton of these seemingly useless items. Today I am sharing with you 50+ upcycle projects that solve this dilemma using some outside of the box creativity. You will think twice before considering old records and CDs to be useless!


DIY Paper Hydrangeas

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how to make paper hydrangeas[pinit]

What is better than a bouquet of fresh hydrangeas?  A bouquet of paper hydrangeas that don’t ever wilt!  Today I am sharing with you this easy, however time consuming, paper hydrangea tutorial.  I am going to be upfront here… this project to me way longer than I expected.  That said, it is a perfect way to keep creative while chilling in front of your favorite t.v. series.  I used a Sizzix die for my project, but Lia Griffith has a great Paper Hydrangea Printable Template and DIY that I featured at Printable Decor recently.

How to make paper flower bouquet

I used wonderful filter paper that I got from Materials for the Arts in Bloomington.  If you are a crafter/artist and don’t have a relationship with your local recycling center, you could be missing out big time!

imageI die cut the petals with my Sizzix Lilac Die and colored them with distress markers. For a watercolor effect I painted over the marker with a wet paintbrush. You could use watercolor or acrylics too.

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I followed Lia’s tutorial linked above to assemble my flowers. Holy ninjas, that took forever. It was totally worth it though.
Papercrafting tutorial paper hydrangeas

For more paper flower tutorials and awesomeness, visit our 50+ DIY Paper Flowers Roundup;

Over 50 DIY Projects Using Old Maps

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50 Best DIY Projects to Make Using Old Maps @savedbyloves[pinit]

Do you love old maps?  Well if so, today’s round-up is going to make you dance and celebrate.  If not that, you will at least find some inspiration in super cool things to make with old maps.  Here is a collection of over 50 of the best projects “on the map”!  Enjoy, and as always, if you have a tutorial you would like included in the collection, send me the link for consideration.


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