Friday, February 5, 2010

Memory Necklace

I have been wanting to try my hand at jewelery making, but didn't want to start another hobby, but today I felt the need to make a memory necklace featuring Grandpa. I saw a great Idea over at sodderbug.com and thought I would give it a try. I had most of the supplies here, but needed a few things from Micheal's, and since I just had knee surgery yesterday, I couldn't drive, but a friend offered so I took her up on it! The first thing I did was grind down the edges of my stones, it would help the copper tape to stick. I printed out this photo of Grandpa onto cardstock and glued it to the back of the stone, then sealed it with mod podge. Then apply copper foil to the edge, along with a layer of flux to ensure the solder will stick. Then I attempted my first soldered pendant. It really wasn't too hard at all, a little practice and I was doing fine! It helped to have the pendant propped up, it gets very hot, and this helps make sure the solder is even around the edges. Once I had the edges soldered, I added a 7mm jump ring to put the chain though, my needle nose pliers came in very handy for this part! Here is the finished necklace, this is the most perfect picture of Grandpa, and on the pendant it almost looks like a water color painting. I couldn't make just one, I think there are a few other family members would would really love one, so I made several more! I also made some cute gift boxes to put them in and plan to make sure we all have them for tomorrow.


14 comments:

Fawnda@Fireflies and Jellybeans said...

What a beautiful way to remember your grandpa! Very very cool!

Unknown said...

Wow. Something I'd never have thought of. Love it!

Michelle
www.TrashToTreasureDecorating.com

Funky Junk Interiors said...

What a sweet way to remember!

Well done. :)

Donna

Sarah {The Student Knitter} said...

I'm sure everyone else will be very very grateful.

1 Funky Woman said...

Wow, you have made a real treasure that your family will cherish forever. Your grandfather would be honored.

Melissa said...

A fitting and beautiful memorial.

Katy said...

Thinking of you after your knee surgery! My sympathies for your loss of "Grandpa". Hope all is well!

Anonymous said...

Thanks to grandpa's memory you may have stared a new necklace craze! I would love to make the memory necklaces too but have'nt tried souldering yet.

the thrifty ba said...

i bet grandpa would love it.

Anny said...

What a sweet project and gesture towards your family members :)

Coleen's Corner said...

What a heartwarming and thoughtful gesture. Your family is lucky to have someone like you. Praying for your speedy recovery and spiritual healing in you great loss.

Lori said...

What a wonderful keepsake you made Missy and then to make more for others ~ love the phrase on the gift bags you made.

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

What a treasure! I am sure your other family members will treasure that as well. I am so very sorry for your loss, but hope that you will find comfort of his homecoming and celebrate his life. He lives on through all of you. You will be in my thoughts.
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com

Miss Mustard Seed said...

This is a great project and such a precious gift for someone.