Chandelier Crystal Pendant Necklaces

These pendants are made from vintage chandelier crystals and are easy and fun to create.  Be sure to make several so you can give some as gifts!

Materials Needed:

Chandelier crystals (look for the kind that have one side somewhat flatter than the other)

Mod Podge (matte or satin)

Paint brush

Ball chain or other chain

Pinch bails

Pencil

Scissors

Emery board

Sourcing your materials:  Some of you might have an in-law that has always disliked you, and although I'm not advocating this, they probably wouldn't miss an occasional chandelier crystal being stealthily removed when you visit their home.  This is what I call "passive aggressive crafting".  There might be situations where taking a crystal from someone else's chandelier is forgivable.  Who am I to judge?  But don't take them from an antique store.  That's called shoplifting!  Other sources for chandelier crystals are lighting stores, eBay, Etsy, and online lighting supply catalogs.

Pinch bales can be purchased at a jewelry supply shop.  I get mine online, usually on eBay or Etsy. You will need to order large size bails that will reach the hole in your crystals, 24mm or larger might be necessary.   If you have wire-working skills you can create your own custom jump rings to go through the hole in the crystals.

Now select your images.  I used my beloved stash of vintage wallpaper for most of my crystals.  You might want to try scrapbook paper if you don't have anything old, or pay a visit to the Graphics Fairy and print out something.   To ensure that the image you print out on your ink jet printer won't smear, you need to copy it on a laser printer.  I take my images to FedEx/Kinkos or Staples and use their laser copiers to re-copy anything I print on my ink jet printer.

The image below shows a couple common chandelier crystals that look like winners.  They are fully faceted on one side but slightly flat on the other.  I'm going to clip the wires off and save the small crystals for another project:

Step 1:  Lay your crystals on the wallpaper or image of your choice, trace around them with a pencil, and cut them out.

Step 2:  Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge directly to the top of the image.

 

The flatter side of the crystal goes on top of the glue coated paper. 

Step 3:  Press thoroughly with your fingers so the excess glue squeezes out the edges and any air bubbles are eliminated.  Excess glue can be cleaned up with a damp paper towel.  

Step 4:  Next I usually wait for it to dry, then use an emery board to sand off any overhang.   A thin coat of Mod Podge can then be spread over the back of the piece to seal it.

Step 5:  You can pierce the paper covered hole in the crystal at any time with an awl or other sharp tool.  This allows your pinch bail to be inserted when the paper is thoroughly dry, and then the pendant can slide onto a chain. 

The image below shows pinch bails, which are what you need for this type of pendant:

All of the pendants below were made with vintage wallpaper:

 

The image used for the pendant below was taken from a Victorian-era trade card depicting Lily of the Valley.  I found just the right vintage chain for it in my stash.  I used a gold pinch bail and a large jump ring to connect it to the chain rather than sliding the pendant onto the chain.  There are various methods that can be used for hanging your pendant.  Silk "rat-tail" cord or organza ribbon are other options that would add more color to your design.

I think this is "upcycling" at its best!  Consider sending me pics of your finished project at mitziscollectibles@comcast.net so I can show them off for you some time in the future!

I'll be linking to the following link parties:  Momnivore's Dilemma, Rook Number 17, My Romantic Home, At The Picket Fence, Faith, Grace, and Crafts, FaveCrafts, and Allie Makes.

 

Comments

[Nelly]

Love them sadly chandelier drops are hard to find in my area.

[wendy]

These are just gorgeous! I have a chandelier, but the drops are black and round!

[Tamara @ Etcetorize]

Gorgeous! I love the look of the vintage wallpaper. If you're looking for another place to share your awesome tutorial head on over to Etcetorize (http://etcetorize.blogspot.ca/2012/04/make-it-great-monday_22.html) Party is still on and I'd love to see you there!

[Jenn/Rook No. 17]

Passive Aggressive Crafting -- LOL! I love it!

Your crystal pendant necklaces are beautiful! So glad I saw your link-up at Allie Makes!

Pinning your post.

Jenn

[Elizabeth F.]

Wow, just wow. These are so beautiful. I can't wait to try and make these for myself.

[Mitzi Made It]

Hi Jenn,

Glad you enjoyed my post enough to Pin it! Hope to see you again!

Mitzi

[Doni]

Why hello to you!! I'm so delighted that you joined me today for my party!
The lovelies you've shared today just make me think...now where have I stashed those chandelier pieces??? I have a few somewhere. Your tutorial seems so easy to do...and I LOVE the final products! Such pretty pieces!!
So good to meet you!
Doni

[Clairejustineo]

Love these,I have pinned them to try one day :)
http://clairejustineoxox.blogspot.co.uk

[Mitzi Made It]

Hi Claire,

Im glad you liked them! Youll really enjoy making a batch of them, too. Theyre easy and fun to make!

Mitzi

[barbara]

Mitzi (as I again try frantically to catch up!) - this is fabulous! And I like the new blog!

[Terry Moore]

Really cute, but i also like the idea of using these with the backing on a chandelier.

[Mitzi Made It]

Hi Terry,

I like that idea too! Thanks for suggesting it!

Mitzi

[Ilze]

Love how you made the necklaces. I am playing around with Modge Podge and it inspired me to try something more !!

Good luck with your new site !! Looks very interesting !
(i liked the journals you made too..)

[Mitzi Made It]

Isnt Mod Podge the best product? You can make so many great projects with it!

Mitzi

[Linda Leyble]

Hi - these are beautiful - what a great idea! I have to check to see if the ones I have left over from an old one have a flat back or not. I giess it would look too wobbly if the back was more faceted.

Great idea for a gift - especially to any chandelier lover!

From a fellow BYW-er...

Linda