Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Blue Jean Casual Denim Pendants.

A few days ago, at the tail end of another tutorial, I showed these cute blue jean pendants.


I want to give them their own post, 'cause they are charming, casual and frugal.  This is a great project for tweens, teens and kids-at-heart.  Case in point:


(That's my friend Kim.  Isn't she cute, rocking her blue jean necklace?)

Here's how to make a painted denim pendant:


Use any type of paint - it doesn't have to be a fabric paint.  In fact, non-fabric paint is best, because it will stiffen up and give the pendant some starch.  I used a mini paint set from the Dollar Store - came with its own brush.

The three simple steps:

Step one is optional, but it makes your paints stand out from the background: start with a pale base color, and let it dry before adding more colors.  I liked the denim showing through, so I didn't cover the fabric completely.

Over your pale base, paint a vague approximation of a flower or leaf or abstract - anything you like!  Let it dry.  With a black paint pen or Sharpie, draw a flowery doodle for a crisp finish:


Whee!


I have been wearing mine all summer.  Love it like a comfy old pair of jeans.

Kim's pendant is even simpler.  Instead of paint, I simply drew a doodle flower with several colors of Sharpie.  Then punched it up with tiny white dots of dimensional paint:

Trim away the excess denim, and that's it!  Yes, it may fray a bit.  But the rough edges are part of the casual fun of this look.

Turn your cute flower into a pendant in a flash with that super easy tutorial I mentioned.  I hope you have fun!

Hmm.  Writing this has me planning more blue jean ideas - I am off to raid the rag bag for denim.  If I have run out, y'all better back away from the crazy lady with the scissors...



Because no jeans are safe.



19 comments:

  1. Fantastic idea and you could put pinbacks on these too! So cool!

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  2. Kim looks so proud in her Mich original. Where else would you buy paint for one of your creations? Fabulous!

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  3. I'm seeing this as an accent on one of my daughter's sundresses! Can't wait to make one!

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  4. Oh the possibilities are endless with this one! So cute and friendly and warm... I'm having ideas of my own... thanks for the inspiration Michelle

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  5. Una gran idea, gracias por compartir. Besos

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  6. It could be an accent on a denim bag, too! I love the idea! Do you think it'd be okay to add a bead or six? I like the shiny stuff.

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  7. Hello there, Kim, pleased to meet you :)
    Hell yeah, she looks gorgeous with that bold statement necklace, and I think I know a little girl who would love to make a pendant or ten.
    I'm thinking... I recently saw a cute idea how to stamp with, oooh whatwasitagain, celery! It creates a beautiful flower shape, and I've been gagging to try it out anyway.
    Thanks for the cute idea, Mich! You do know that you'll have to start posting more pictures of your jewels being modelled, right? :D

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  8. Are Beutiful... Great idea!!
    Chao!!

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  9. Dear Mich...FYI, I have just pass you a sweet award...now pass it on and share it to the world!

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  10. How gorgeous is THAT?! So flippin cute. Love using denim as a canvas...such a nifty texture. Love it!

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  11. Just the right thing for summer days!! Fabulous project!!

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  12. LOVE IT! So fun, easy and creative! So happy you linked up to Point of View!
    xoxo,
    Amy

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  13. Oh Niceeee..this is a simple but awesome fun idea :) recycling is always cooool *(*

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  14. These are really cool, Michelle :) I love the added doodling over the paint at the end. That makes the whole thing stand out. Awesome project!

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  15. ME gustan muchisimo!!!
    A Kim le quedan fantasticos:-)

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