Thank you DecoArt for sponsoring today’s post and giveaway!
It’s no secret how much I love making jewelry. If you have read here, well, EVER – you know this already. So when I had the opportunity to try out DecoArt’s new glass paint line, Americana Glass Paints, I thought I’d put it to the test on some glass pendant tiles. I whipped up this nautical, beachy-themed necklace, and I just LOVE how it turned out! What do you think?
(Hey, I warned you earlier this week I was in a beachy mood! I hope you’re loving the beach theme, because I’ve got even MORE beachy projects at the end of this post!)
What you will need to make your own nautical tile neckace:
- 1″ glass tiles – they can be clear or colored
- Chain, Jewelry Bail and Jewelry Glue
- Americana Glass Paint and Brush(es)
- Optional Stencils – you could also freehand a design if you paint better than I do!
- Optional charms
The beachy stencils immediately caught my eye and gave me a bunch of ideas – but for a 1″ tile, they were all too big to use properly. But check out these fun, summery designs! And I cannot believe how many colors these paints come in… the sky is the limit! Americana Glass Paints are available at Michaels, JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores, Pat Catan’s Craft Centers, A.C. Moore, Beverly’s, and other fine craft retailers. For more information on Americana Glass Paints visit http://www.decoart.com/glasspaint.
Now, since I was working on a smaller surface, I cut my own 3/4″ vinyl stencil on my Silhouette. I painted on 2 coats of frosted gloss enamel in turquoise, and gently removed the stencil. If you haven’t worked with glass paints before, they are a little different from acrylics or other craft paints, and stencils remove much more cleanly if you don’t allow them to dry fully before carefully removing your stencil – a wet set is perfect for getting those nice clean edges. Then, just set it aside and let it dry. (For a permanent paint job, allow your piece to dry for 4 days and bake it in the oven – there are directions for doing this on each bottle! That will ensure it holds up to general wear for the long-term.)
Another good thing to know if you’re considering trying glass paints for the first time is that DecoArt is offering a rebate right now on their glass paints – if you buy any 5 paints, you are eligible for a $5 rebate! Rebate information can be found here: : decoart.com/glasspaintrebate. Note: Online purchases or sales items are not valid for this rebate offer. This rebate is valid for US consumers only.
Next, to turn your newly-painted tile into a pendant, you’ll need a few basic jewelry tools.
I attached the bail to the back of my tile with jewelry glue. (You’ll notice that it doesn’t show through the tile – my tiles are painted white on the back side.) Then I strung it on a chain and added a couple of charms. I love this little turtle, I think it’s the perfect addition! I also added a beaded charm in some beachy colors.
If you haven’t made charms before, they are pretty simple. It make take you a try or two to get the hang of it, but once you have the technique down, you’ll be able to whip out any style of charm in just a couple of minutes.
First, choose a few beads you like. It sometimes takes me a few tries to get the look I want. For this charm, I used a freshwater pearl that had been dyed blue, a bead cap, and a couple of seed beads. Add these to a 2 inch jewelry head pin.
Using a pair of pliers (round-nosed jewelry pliers work best but aren’t absolutely necessary), make a loop just above the beads by wrapping the pin around the pliers as shown above. Then, wrap the excess wire around the “neck” of the loop you just made. Coil it 2-3 times, and you can nip off the excess with wire cutters.
Then, just add your charms to your chain along with your painted tile to get that one-of-a kind look!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these other awesome beach-themed projects using Americana Glass Paints!
And if all these fabulous ideas aren’t enough… DecoArt is sponsoring an awesome prize pack giveaway! Just enter below for your chance to win a $100 Michael’s gift card AND $100 worth of glass paints for you to try out too! Rafflecopter will walk you through how to enter. Good luck, and happy painting!
Hi, where can I find glass tiles? I’d love to play around with this idea. Thank you so much. Tamara
I have some glass plates that I would like to decorate. Thanks for the chance to win!
I have some empty glass wine bottles that are just waiting for the DecoArt glass paints.
I love all your ideas! I love beach themed everything!!!!
I would make Christmas decorations and Presents
I might just get some canvas, make some signs, I could list all possibilities but they are endless. I am loving this giveaway!! Thank you!!
I would make jewelry and charms!
I’m not sure, but I would use it to make things for my etsy shop!
My goodness, what timing! My son’s birthday party is coming up and we were going to do crafts with paints and tiles. The kids would love it!
This idea is so fun! The jewelry possibilities are endless! You could do this with a flower and a cute bumblebee charm! How did you make the stencil and what was it made out of?
I have a Silhouette machine, and that cuts vinyl, so I just sized and cut my own stencil. You could also do the same thing with a steady hand, an exacto knife, and craft vinyl or even contact paper. I used contact paper to create stencils all the time before I got my Silhouette!
I have a crafting group and we have really wanted to play with glass paints, so this would be a great prize to share! We want to make some gifts
This is a great idea!!! I am going to have to make one now :) Thanks!
I would make some stain glass art
I found some awesome vintage drinking glasses that some of the paint wore off over the years, I was just thinking I need to get some glass paint to touch them up.
Right now I’m into jewelry making! Earrings and bracelets! i would love to work with endcaps and leather.
What a great idea! Love the colors and theme!
Definitely would make some jewelry! Love your necklace, and love the Beachy theme you have going!! Awesome giveaway!!
I’d decorate some boring glasses and probably make some jewelry.
Awesome give away. Already dreaming and drooling! I see some beautiful butterflies on my kitchen windows and a stash of yarn for newborns in need blankets! Thanks for hosting!
Super cute! I need to make this for my sister.
I would make mother daughter neckless’!
Oh WOW! This is awesome! I’d have to try my hand at some sort of “stained glass”. Thanks for the opportunity!
Your blog has made me want to try SO much new stuff!!! I also LOVE jewelry and decided that instead of paying someone else hundreds of dollars, I could have SO much fun making it myself
My daughter and I have been making a lot of “stained/painted” glass projects…these are perfect!
I love the jewelry idea – would definitely play around with that!
I would probably use it to make something decorative for my home like a candle holder or picture.
I would make some jewelry to give to my family and friends.
I’d definitely get some glass paint and decorate some vases I have around the house! :D
be able to check off quite a few projects…I’d start with this tutorial!
Where would I begin? I would love to do some crafts with my daughter! I think we would start with making some jewelry and maybe some cute coasters as Christmas gifts! :)
I would love to decorate some mason jars!!
Maybe make some fake stained glass windows?
Wall art for my kids’ bathroom.
I’d make something for Fall – not sure what yet.
I love the necklace. I would try something similar.
I would paint all the glass in the house, obviously. ;) Seriously, though, I would love to test different ways to paint etched glass – hopefully this would be a good start!
What a fun giveaway, Adrianne! I think I’d make some jewelry for Christmas gifts.
Thank you for the chance to win. I am now sure what I would make with all the goodies. I do know it be some crafty time my daughter.
love the anchor necklace–would love to try something similar :)
I would make some decorative jars for my kitchen and some frames for my living room! Thanks for sharing! I love the necklace you made!
It won’t let me pin on Pinterest :(
Sorry, Paula – you can try just re-pinning mine:
http://pinterest.com/pin/58265388902368607/
I would definitely make jewelry and charms for my scrapbooks.
I LOVE this! So pretty!
I’d make something for my boys’ new shared bedroom.
I’m into birdhouses