Learn how to make washer necklaces using Mod Podge and Dimensional Magic. This jewelry craft is SO easy and great for kids, teens, and adults!
Skills Required: Beginner. You’ll have success with this project even if you’re a newbie crafter. My only recommendation is that you test Dimensional Magic if it’s your first time using it.
When I grew up in Seattle, and then later when I lived there as an adult, I never visited the Space Needle. I’m not sure why – my parents just never took me. It was until I came back as a tourist years later that I went to the top of the Space Needle for the first time!
There’s an analogy here . . . because I haven’t done of the most basic Mod Podge projects. You might assume someone from Seattle had been to the top of the Space Needle just as you might assume someone who runs a Mod Podge blog would have made washer necklaces.
DIY Washer Necklace
But it’s not so! I’m glad that I finally got to remedy this situation. Part of my reason for doing this easy craft was to make some simple decoupage jewelry . . . the other part was to see if it’s really as easy to make washer necklaces as some make it appear.
The answer is YES. These DIY necklaces were so easy to make! Plus I got to use Dimensional Magic, which is my favorite. Learn how to make this simple Mod Podge jewelry craft at home.
How to Make Washer Jewelry
Gather These Supplies
- Washers of various sizes – I like to use at least 3/4″ and larger
- Leather or satin cords with chains
- Mod Podge Hard Coat
- Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
- Scrapbook paper to coordinate with your necklace cords
- Scissors
- Craft knife and mat
- Pencil
Start by tracing your washer on the back of your scrapbook paper with a pencil – trace the inside and outside. Then cut the outside with scissors.
If you have really small scissors, you might be able to cut out the center; otherwise, you’ll need to use a craft knife to cut out the center.
The next step is to brush a medium layer of Mod Podge on the washer – coat the entire thing.
Place the paper down onto the washer with the design side up and smooth thoroughly. Wipe away any Mod Podge that squeezes out the side with your paintbrush and let dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
Once dry, add a top coat with Mod Podge. You need to let this dry for several hours before applying the Dimensional Magic.
Add the Dimensional Magic carefully, pricking any bubbles with a pin (sometimes I remove them with my finger too). Let the Dimensional Magic dry in a warm area. If it’s too cold, it will crack!
Once the DM is dry, place the bottom of the necklace cord through the center and then thread the necklace back through – your cord should look like this:
That’s all there is to it! Now I need to see what other beginner crafts I need to try to maintain my decoupaging reputation.
But until then, I’ll enjoy my necklaces. Oh – and I was thinking about it . . . these would be a perfect summer craft for kids or craft for girls. Tweens and teens especially would love them!
Washer Necklace
Equipment
Materials
- 3 Washers of various sizes
- Leather or satin cords with chains
- Mod Podge Hard Coat
- Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
- Scrapbook paper
Instructions
- Trace washer on the back of the scrapbook paper with a pencil – trace the inside and outside. Cut the outside with scissors.
- Use a craft knife to cut out the center.
- Brush a medium layer of Mod Podge on the washer.
- Place the paper down onto the washer with the design side up and smooth thoroughly. Wipe away any Mod Podge that squeezes out the side with the brush and let dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Add a top coat with Mod Podge. Let dry for several hours before applying the Dimensional Magic.
- Add the Dimensional Magic carefully, pricking any bubbles with a pin. Let the Dimensional Magic dry in a warm area.
- Once the DM is dry, place the bottom of the necklace cord through the center. Thread the necklace back through to finish.
Video
What do you think I should try next that you haven’t seen yet? Let me know in the comments. I’d also love to know if you’ve tried washer necklaces! Don’t forget to visit these other jewelry crafts:
Crystal
Thursday 15th of September 2022
These would be great for our upcoming ladies retreat next spring. I'm thinking about using paper from old song books and maybe adding a musical charm. Since I don't have extra drying time, does anyone have another idea?
Amy
Friday 16th of September 2022
Hi Crystal! I recommend having a hair dryer on hand to dry the paper and Mod Podge. You don't *have* to add Dimensional Magic on top. They can just glue accents and charms on top without the Dimensional Magic. Is that possible?
Deborah Moore
Wednesday 22nd of September 2021
What would happen if you just finished them with a coat of regular Mod Podge, but not the Dimensional Magic? Trying to keep the cost down to make several this time around.
Amy
Wednesday 22nd of September 2021
You can definitely do that! The Dimensional Magic adds interest but is not required :)
Sharon Kay
Saturday 10th of July 2021
How would you finish the backside of the washer? Paint it? Decoupage it also? It just seems half finished to me.
Amy
Saturday 10th of July 2021
Hi Sharon! You could definitely paint it - or decoupage it. I like the metal but it's totally up to you! A lot of people paint them with nail polish. :)
Mandy Williams
Thursday 24th of September 2015
I made them with tweens. Cutting wasn't perfect so, after adhering to the washer, we ran an emery board over the edges to soften the look of the paper. We used ribbon for our "chain" as we made several and needed to keep costs down. Free source of patterned paper ~ check the envelope liners from bills, bank statements, etc. You'll be surprised at the designs you find.
Sharlene
Friday 18th of September 2015
Hi Amy! These necklaces are beautiful! It's funny--I have seen them numerous times, but like you have never made them myself. Now I must certainly try! I was just wondering where did you get the colored necklaces? I really the coordination of necklace and paper colors. It's an extra-special touch.Thanks!