Have you ever opened up a package of refrigerated crescents or other rolls and thrown away the packaging? Of course you have; we all have. But those metal lids on the ends of the roll can actually be recycled into some pretty cool things. In fact, the next time you have crescents, remove the metal ends, and you can make two necklaces that look like glass.
The cool thing about those cheap metal lids is that they’re slightly indented on one side. That makes them perfect for sinking a round picture in, and covering it with glass. To begin, clean and dry the lids. Take one of them and draw around it onto a piece of cardboard. Cut this piece the tiniest bit smaller than the drawing so that it will fit nicely down into the lid. Glue it in place.
Make a design on the cardboard. This can be a circle, with a picture, poem or book excerpt, printed from your computer. Or, use flat things to make a collage-type arrangement. Cut shapes or images from scrapbook paper, use a punch to create other paper designs, or even cut foil into shapes. Glue or tape each thing in place to make a dimensional arrangement, or other design.
Coat the design on the cardboard with a thin layer of decoupage adhesive and allow to dry overnight. Then, use a paper glaze product to give the image the look of glass. You’ll find this product at any craft store. Apply it, following the directions on the package, by brushing it on to the picture or collage.
After the glaze has been applied you’ll notice that there are some tiny bubbles in it. Use a pin, toothpick, or similar implement, and just poke each one. Allow the glaze to dry completely.
There are different ways to use the finished glass piece. You can glue a pin backing on it and wear that way. Or, make it into a necklace. To do that, drill a tiny hole in the top of the lid, and screw in a bitty eye hook. Another way is to just use a chain, and glue the center link area to the back of the lid, using an industrial-strength adhesive.
The little glass photo can be anything from a photo of a friend, to a picture of a lighthouse, to a famous personality. Make one as a tribute to a pet who has passed, as an announcement for a new baby, or as a mini map to a favorite destination.
You’ll wear the glass-look necklace everywhere but don’t be surprised when people ask you about it. After all, isn’t the attention that it will get part of the fun of making it?