One of the BEST things about DIY is that you are able to make something from practically nothing. It’s pretty darn cool. What’s even cooler is when you take something that you don’t normally find at the craft store and craft with it. Hardware store crafting is HUGE right now and this is hardly the first-ever washer necklace tutorial out there. There are tons and lots with a slightly different spin on the project that makes it fun and unique!

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

I also love crafting because it’s a way to pass time. It’s nice to crochet or embroider or do any number of crafty things, but sometimes you just want to play around, maybe make a mess and create something that is totally one of a kind. This is one of those projects. Out of 8 washers, there were only 2 that I liked well enough to make necklaces out of BUT this project is hardly wasteful of your washers and I’ll show you why a bit further in the tutorial!

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

For this project you will need:

  • Washers
  • Alcohol inks
  • Straw, cotton swabs, etc (optional)
  • Spray polyurethane
  • Alcohol and cloths or paper towels
  • Bails, chain, and clasps, as needed

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

Go out to the garage and raid the hardware drawer for some fun washers. If you don’t have a stash to raid, head to the hardware store where you can pick up 4 for around $1.25. Grab several thicknesses and sizes so you can experiment with the washers you prefer!

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

Drip, drop or brush on your alcohol ink. Leave as is or…

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

Use your implements, i.e. your cotton swabs or straws to move the ink around and make interesting patterns. This is totally random and you can’t really plan what happens. Just go with the flow and have fun with it!

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

And if, by chance, you create the ugliest darn washer in existence, simply wash the alcohol ink away with alcohol and a rag or paper towel. It’s really that simple to get back to square 1!

Oh, and I feel that since my shredded paper towels are in the picture I must inform you that I didn’t do that. My cat did. To all 3 rolls in the house so…

To finish when a washer you especially like has dried, seal the ink onto the washer by hitting with a spray of polyurethane. I only had satin and I wanted a high gloss shine, so after drying I went over my washers with a quick coat of clear nail polish.

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

If you’re new to jewelry, never fear. This is a pinch bail. They sell them at craft stores and beads stores. A pinch bail you simply open and pinch onto the item you want to turn into a pendant. It’s really that simple!

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

Glue on bails are just as they sound as well. Apply a strong adhesive, like E-6000 to the bail and press onto the backside of your pendant. Allow to fully dry and you’re ready to go. If the pad for gluing on is slightly too large for your washer, simply snip with some wire cutters to shorten for an appropriate length.

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

When your bails are all set, run onto chains. To keep costs low, I made my own chains but you can purchase pre-made chains with the clasps already on in different lengths at the same store you purchase your bails at.

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

This smaller washer necklace with the fancy bail is definitely my favorite. The pinch bail holds tight to the center but is loose enough that the washer turns, changing which part of the marbled pattern is visible at any moment. So fun!

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

The washer I actually show using the straw with is the pendant on the right. It’s much larger so I set it on a very long chain to hang really low when worn.

DIY: Marbled Washer Necklace Tutorial

So what do you think? Will you be marbling some washers for unique and fun pendants?