Abstract Painting Jewelry

Here are instructions to make tiny abstract paintings into unique, colorful pendants, rings, earrings and bracelets.

These little works of art are really fun to make and wear. They are very durable and can be personalized with painted initials and charms. They make terrific gifts, but plan ahead because of the drying times.

Depending on your colors, they can be worn by anyone. (And are tough enough for kids.)

Bottle caps &

Something to punch a hole in the metal &

A rice sized piece of any kind of hardening clay (I use Fimo or epoxy clay) &

An eyepin, screw eye or paper clip

OR

A premade bezel

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Acrylic paint - you only need a drop or two of each color

Clear epoxy resin (about a tsp per cap)

Paint brush

Toothpicks

Small mixing cup

Wax paper

Findings or cord

Patience

You will need a way to attach or hang the bottle cap when it's finished.

(If you want to skip this step you can buy pre made bezels which have loops attached.)

1 - Punch a hole in the side of the clean bottle cap so that the raw edge ends up on the inside of the cap. The metal is soft, but punch carefully. I use a tiny hole punch from the craft store.

2 - Insert the eyepin or screw eye. Use a bent paper clip if you don't have these. Trim the metal if it comes more than 1/4 of the way into the cap.

3 - Seal the hole around the eyepin on the inside of the cap. Harden the clay according to the instructions on the package.

Pick a solid base color (acrylic) for your painting and paint the bottom inside of the cap or bezel. Let this dry fully before the next step.

Select 2 - 4 additional colors and put a drop or two of each on the base color. Let them spread out for a few minutes. It's fine if they touch. Then use clean toothpicks to drag the colors into each other. You can create zig-zags, swirls, spirals lightening bolts etc. Paint like this until you like your painting. (I use toothpicks because these are so small that paintbrushes just make a mess.)

Let the paint dry completely. This may take a day or more.

If you want to add anything to the pendant, now's the time. Small charms, beads and glitter all work well, but don't add too much. If you add more paint or glue they must be 100% dry before the next step.

Set a sheet of wax paper on a flat work surface (I use a cutting board). Mix resin according to the package instructions.

Optional: Set each bezel or cap on a few coins to raise them up a little.

Fill each cap or bezel with enough resin that the resin just barely forms a dome, but doesn't drip over the edges. Let the resin set and thicken up before moving.

I let these cure for at least a day or two before handling because I don't want any marks on my jewelry.

When the resin is fully hardened, you can add findings. The bottle caps are ready to wear - some bezels will need a jump ring or two. Then just add a cord or chain.

Time to show off your little abstract paintings!