Mini Masterpiece Necklace

Pendant Necklace

You’ll need:

Watercolor Paper {preferably hot press}
Tombow Dual Brush Pens, assorted colors
Pentel Aquash Water Brush
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen 01
Mod Podge
Pendant Tray with Clear Cabochon
Antique Gold Jump Rings
Antique Gold Necklace Chains
Jewelry Pliers
Pencil
Scissors

Creating Your Pendant

Step 1: Trace the cabochon onto your watercolor paper.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to trim slightly inside your pencil lines to make the paper fit into the pendant.

Step 2: Create your background using one or both of the following techniques.

Watercolor Wash:

The simplest way to do this is by using Tombow Dual Brush Pens and an Aquash Water Brush. First, scribble with each marker onto a non-absorbent surface, like a plastic baggie.

Next, rub the tip of the water brush over the colored areas on the baggie to pick up the ink. Now, as you move the brush across the traced shape on the watercolor paper, you’ll paint in the area with color. By using different colored markers and mixing them together, you can create an ombre effect like this purple and magenta one I made below.

Watercolor Florals:

To create tiny watercolor flowers, start by using the thin ends of your Dual Brush Pens to draw spirals.

Use the water brush to blend the colors of the spirals and fill in the shapes. To create leaves, pick up some green with your water brush and carefully use the tip of the brush to create tiny leaf shapes. You can also add darker centers to the flowers by making little dots with the thin end of the brush pen.

Step 3: Add words.

Because the writing needs to be so small, I like to use a Micron 01 pen. Since it’s not a brush pen, I use my faux calligraphy technique to get a brush lettered look.

Part of the beauty of this project is that you can write anything you like…a word, a name, a phrase, or even something in another language! Each piece is totally unique.

Step 4: Cut out your shape. Attach it inside the pendant tray with a thin coat of Mod Podge.

Mod Podge comes in many formulas, and just about all of them would work well for this step.

You can, of course, apply the Mod Podge with a brush. However, I typically end up just using my fingertip because it’s quick and easy. Try not to get too much excess glue on the pendant base because you don’t want it oozing out all around the sides.

Step 5: Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the back of the cabochon. Place it directly on top of your pendant.

Initially, you may see residue from the Mod Podge, but it will become clear as it dries. You can use any number of Mod Podge formulas for this step, depending on the look you want to achieve. If you want an aged look, the Antique formula will tint the paper sepia. Feel like a little bling? Sparkle or Extreme Glitter is the way to go. If you want the Mod Podge to be all but invisible, try the new Ultra Matte Chalk formula.

No matter which formula you choose, this step is the most important because it seals the pendant together.

Step 6: Attach a jump ring.

Unless your pendant blank comes with its own jump ring already attached, you’ll need to add one to make it hang properly from a chain. Remember, always twist a jump ring open rather than pulling the ends apart. This helps avoid reshaping the ring.

Step 7: Place your pendant on a chain.


That’s all there is to it! Once you learn the basics, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Here are a few others I created using the same basic technique. Have fun experimenting with different colors, shapes, and words. There’s nothing to lose by playing around…you only have to turn your favorites into actual necklaces!

I am loving the way these turned out! Which one{s} do you like best? How would you create your own mini masterpiece? Be sure to tune in to the Plaid Crafts Facebook page on May 19 at 10 AM to see me create this type of necklace on Facebook Live!

Hand Lettered Pendant Necklace

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4 Comments

  1. This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do. I was wondering how you kept the Mod Podge from smearing thr water based ink & paint? Did you encounter any problems with that? Also, what size settings did you use? Thanks!

    1. Thank you so much for answering. I’ve always been complimented on my handwriting (& I’m a lefty!) & used to do calligraphy when I was a teen. With the pen you dipped in the ink. That was 40+ yrs ago, but I want to try doing initial jewelry. I’m hoping to find the micron pens in colors as well as the black.

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