Long time ago I promised that I would post a tutorial on recycling sunglasses but it took me a while to write a post ot go with the pictures. But before going on to Sunglasses Pendant tutorial I have 2 confessions to make.
I love buying economic sunglasses from the roadside – I just make sure that their coating is strong and the frame is light weight before buying them. But these glasses break all the time and then we have to decide what to do with them. If the coating has gone off, they (the lens) cannot be saved, other wise they can be made into beautiful pendants.
I am going to be showing multiple things that can be done with these glasses. They can be mod podged, glazed or you can simply add findings to them.
I am going to be showing multiple things that can be done with these glasses. They can be mod podged, glazed or you can simply add findings to them.
Materials required :
– Spectacle/sunglasses lenses
– a sharp awl/ needle
– pictures for decoupage or findings
– Decoupage glue and clear varnish
Method:
1) First, its really helps if you plan out how you want your pendant to. Do you want it kitschy or ethnic, simple or fun. Plan it , sketch and in the meanwhile, wash and clean your lenses with a soft cloth
2) Regardless of the decoration on the pendant, on the top (near the conical edge) make a hole for a jump ring or a bail to pass through. This can be done by heating a sharp needle or an awl and piercing a hole on the lenses. This method will work on shell and acrylic lenses only
3) Attach any finding to the lens to embellish it with the help of a jump ring or eye pin. Your pendant is done. You could add multiple findings too.
Here I have used an antique gold hoop and a gold ball chain with dutone beads to get an ethnic look. Notice how the final look changes with the findings used.
For a more kitschy look
3) Follow step 1 and 2 mentioned above.Apply a coat of Modpodge on the lens. Cut out bits of magazine pictures, move them around on the lens t and glue them down.
4) I applied one coat of decoupage medium on the pictures alone and dabbed the excess from the sides.
5)For a glitter effect, I also applied silver nail enamel on the sides and let it dry completely
6) Then I applied one coat of clear enamel over the entire surface
7) For a more blingy effect I added some Rhinestones using decoupage glue. Once dry I applied two more coats of clear polish to seal the entire thing.
8) Add a bail/ jump ring to it and The Blingy – Kitschy – recycled pendant is ready now
You can use the same concept and add any number of layers or just use one big piece of paper/fabric to get a clean effect. Experiment with different shapes of lenses for different looks. A Rectangular lens could give you a strong masculine look and would be great for adding wordings. Some scroll like findings on a Cat eye shaped lens could give a very Art Nouveau feeling.
Power Glass Lens Makeovers
Here are other examples of pendants that I previously made using power glass lenses by glazing images inside them. I have used wire to make bails here.
Update: 2011 Chithiram Collection Sunglasses Pendant Necklaces
I hope you found these ideas interesting.
Cheers
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