Sunday, March 31, 2013

Burlap Necklace with Crystal Lacquer (and a coupon)

Finished necklace 3 (645x800)
This project was fast, easy and fun!

I have been hand dyeing fibers and I thought it would be fun to incorporate some of my ombre burlap into a necklace:
Dyed burlap (800x595)
I also wanted to try Sakura Crystal Lacquer in Susan Lenart Kazmer’s new Media Mixage bezel cups.  So I decided to put some of my burlap into the heart bezel cups.  Here’s what they look like empty:
Bezel cups (562x800)
Each cup has a corresponding die, so you can cut whatever media you choose and it will fit exactly.
Media Mixage dies 2 (800x692)
I stiffened some burlap with Mod Podge to keep the edges from fraying.  For instructions on how to do that, see my tutorial here.  When it was dry, I cut out the hearts using the Media Mixage dies that matched the bezel cups I had chosen.
Burlap diecuts (600x800)
You can put anything you want into the bezel cup, and make multiple layers.  I wanted to keep it simple, so I poured a little Crystal Lacquer into the cups first, then laid my burlap on that, then added more Crystal Lacquer.  Then all I had to do was let it dry, and assemble my necklace!
Drying (800x629)
I also decided to use a couple of rectangle bezel cups:
Prepared bezel cups (800x666)
I did have a few air bubbles show up in the Crystal Lacquer, which hadn’t happened to me before.  I don’t know if it was because I had multiple layers of Crystal Lacquer, or because I got some air bubbles when I poured some Crystal Lacquer from a big bottle into a small bottle.  It wasn't hard to get them out, but I learned something important.  When I used a toothpick to pierce a bubble, the result was multiple smaller bubbles.  When I used the toothpick to sort of lift the bubble up, it would disappear.  You need to get the air bubbles out before the Crystal Lacquer hardens.

The Crystal Lacquer was perfect for this project!  It holds the burlap in place and protects it at the same time!  You could use almost any media, including paper and other fabrics. It looks a little cloudy in my photos, but in real life, it is crystal clear!

Now is a great time to try Crystal Lacquer, because during the month of April, you can save 20% by entering the code Terri04 when you check out at Sakura Hobby Craft.  You will be amazed at how easy it is to use!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions about this project!

6 comments:

  1. What a neat idea. Never would have thought to use burlap to make a necklace. TFS the tips about the air bubbles, too. Great project!

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  2. Awesome necklace! love it!...my address is...... lol just kidding, Great Job.
    Peggy

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  3. great idea! just think of things laying around and there you go!

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  4. GORGEOUS! What a great idea - THANKS for sharing Karen!

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  5. Absolutely awesome, love it thanks for sharing!

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