by Candie Cooper



With the hot days of summer on our heels, my mind takes me back to swimming at Grandma's pool, Popsicles on the porch swing, hose fights with my sister (when we were really supposed to be washing the car), flip flops, lightning bugs, and trips to the lake.  My mom always had little craft projects for us to make with our friends on the front porch.  With that in mind, here is a quick and easy jewelry project that you can make together this summer.



Materials:
Mod Podge
Paint brush
Fabric scraps
Clear acrylic pendants
Large jump ring
Extra bead embellishments, head pins, jump rings (optional)
Ribbon or leather (20" for each necklace)
Scissors
Tapestry needle



Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your pendant.  I used 100% cotton because it's super flexible which formed around the pendant easily.



Paint a coat of Mod Podge on the back of the crystal and place fabric on top.  Roll the crystal on it's side to burnish the fabric in place.  Set aside to dry.



Trim excess fabric around the edge of the pendant.



Seal the fabric with 2 more coats of Mod Podge and leave to dry. (tip: you can use a hair dryer to speed the drying process a bit)



Use a tapestry needle to poke a hole through the fabric where it hangs from.  Beaded embellishments can be added as well with extra jump rings, bits of chain, etc...  (Another tip: Mis-matched earrings make great added dangles, too, because they are essentially pre-made.)  If you want more tips on how to make your own jewelry, check out my jewelry making video on PlaidOnline.



String the pendant onto a piece of leather, ribbon or cord of your choice.
Tie around your neck with a bow for summer fun style!