I tried two different methods for making necklaces from washers. First I used acrylic paint then I tried the alcohol ink method. Both turned out really pretty, so I can actually recommend both. If you enjoy painting and you’re good with detail and a small paint brush, go with the painted washer necklace method. If you don’t enjoy painting, go with the alcohol ink method.
With either painting or alcohol inks, you will end up with beautiful necklaces. I separated the directions below so if you only want to try painted, just use this first section. If you want to try the alcohol ink method, scroll down to that section.
Try making some different designs to wear with different outfits, or for gift-giving.
Painted washer necklaces
A painted washer necklace is a quick and easy craft to make. They make great projects for art classes and summer camps. This method is probably better for kids due to no alcohol involved plus it’s really more creative. I think kids will enjoy coming up with their own designs and painting more than stamping with alcohol inks, which they might find boring.
This is a very simple technique. All you need is acrylic paint and a coat of sealer to protect the paint from scratching or peeling.
Supplies
- Washers – They are usually $1.00 to $1.50 for one large, 2 medium, or 3 small washers. You can buy at any hardware or home improvement store, or use old ones from your garage or tool box. Get a few in different sizes to combine to make beautiful necklaces.
- Acrylic craft paint
- Acrylic craft varnish
- Cording – I like the leather lace which is just thin strips of leather than you can get in the “make your own” jewelry sections of craft stores. However, you could also use twine, ribbon, yarn, or an old gold or silver chain that you never wear. Anything will work!
- Charms and beads (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Wash your washers (that just sounds funny).
If you’re using new washers they’ll likely be quite clean, but can sometimes have an oily machine residue on them, so whether new or old it’s best to wash in hot, soapy water, and dry them well before painting.
Be sure to put something down to protect your work surface before painting. I used old magazine paper, but you can also use old newspaper, plastic tablecloths, or plastic trashbags.
Next, we gave our washers a couple of coats of paint in one solid color. You can choose to paint only the front, or front and back. If you’re painting the front and back of your washer, they’ll need some drying time, but you can speed up the process with a hairdryer.
Step 2
Paint your washers
When your washers are dry, they’re ready to decorate. You can be very creative here! Here are some ideas:
Paint washer solid green and add some beautiful flowers to look like a garden.
Paint washer solid red and add black dots to look like a ladybug.
Splatter paint technique – Just dip your paintbrush into a color of paint and hold the paintbrush over the washer, tap the paintbrush so the paint splatters onto the washer. Choose two contrasting colors, or multiple colors.
Step 3
Add a coat of varnish
Let your washers dry completely. To protect the paint from scratching or chipping, brush or spray on a coat or two of craft varnish or sealer. This will protect the paint and it will make the colors really pop.
Step 4
String your necklace
Once the paint is completely dry, add your cording and your necklace is ready to wear. You can add two or 3 washers together, large, medium, and small. You can add charms and beads to personalize to your style.
There are so many possibilities for designs. I would love to try more ideas in the future.
Alcohol Ink washer necklaces
Once you purchase the necessary supplies, alcohol ink is actually much easier than painting. You just add the alcohol inks to the felt stamper, stamp your washers, and allow to dry.
Supplies
- Washers – They are usually $1.00 to $1.50 for one large, 2 medium, or 3 small washers. You can buy at any hardware or home improvement store, or use old ones from your garage or tool box. Get a few in different sizes to combine to make beautiful necklaces.
- Alcohol Inks – I purchased the Tim Holtz brand by Ranger. They come in packs of 3 so select 3 (or 6 if you buy 2 packs) colors that you would like to use for your necklaces.
- Mini Alcohol Ink Applicator – These come in packs of 2 applicators with 10 felt pieces. The mini size is all you need for washer necklaces.
- Alcohol Blending Solution – Use to lighten, blend, and remove alcohol ink. I also used this to clean the felt pieces when changing colors.
- Craft varnish
- Cording – I like the leather lace which is just thin strips of leather than you can get in the “make your own” jewelry sections of craft stores. However, you could also use twine, ribbon, yarn, or an old gold or silver chain that you never wear. Anything will work!
- Charms and beads (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Wash your washers
If you’re using new washers they’ll likely be quite clean, but can sometimes have an oily machine residue on them, so whether new or old it’s best to wash in hot, soapy water, and dry then well before painting.
Be sure to put something down to protect your work surface before painting. I used old magazine paper, but you can also use old newspaper, plastic tablecloths, or plastic trashbags.
Step 2
Stamp your washers with alcohol ink
Make sure you have a felt piece velcro’d to your mini applicator tool. Add alcohol ink colors to your felt piece. You can mix as many colors as your want depending on the design you’re going for. I used 3 colors for some, and 2 for some.
Stamp your washers with the applicator tool. You will see how easily and beautifully the colors blend together. Honestly, this is really the easiest method I have ever seen. You simply can’t go wrong because no matter what colors or stamping method you use, your washers will turn out beautiful. It’s mistake-proof with no painting skills required.
Allow to dry.
If you don’t like the ink design that evolved, just do it again by re-stamping over it.
When the first side is completely dry, flip over and do the back side of your washers using the same method.
Step 3
Add a coat of varnish
Let your washers dry completely. To protect the paint from scratching or chipping, spray on a coat or two of craft varnish or sealer.
Step 4
String your necklace
Once the paint is completely dry, add your cording and your necklace is ready to wear. You can add two or 3 washers together, large, medium, and small. You can add charms and beads to personalize to your style.
Plan for your leftover alcohol ink
I hope you enjoy trying the Alcohol Ink method in addition to painting some washers for necklaces. I just realized what you are probably already thinking as well. Since the alcohol ink bottles are .5 ounces each and it takes so little ink to create the washer necklaces, you will have A LOT of leftover ink. I will post another alcohol ink project later so you’ll have something to do with all of that extra ink other than make more and more washer necklaces.
See you soon in our virtual art world!
