DIY Jewelry: Comic Inspiration

If you need DIY jewelry making ideas, the frames present in most comic books lend themselves nicely to funky, chunky handmade jewelry pieces. With a little bit of basic jewelry hardware, some clear-drying decoupage or school glue, acrylic sealer and either some comic drawing skill or some frames clipped from low value comics, you can create a one of a kind piece of jewelry perfect for everyday or that special convention functions.

Bracelet
Get a plain wooden bracelet, about 1-2 inches wide, or create a basic bracelet using wire and paper-mache. Draw or cut out enough comic book frames to completely cover the outside of the bracelet with the comics, leaving at least 1/8 inch for overlap onto the back. Apply a thin layer of the glue to the bracelet. Line the comic up and press it gently onto the bracelet. Smooth it as necessary. Once the comics are in place, apply a second, more generous coat of the glue to the outside of the bracelet. When the glue is completely dry, apply a coat of acrylic sealer.

Earrings & Necklace
Purchase one frame-style pendant and a chain for a necklace or two plus hardware for earrings. Or you can get three pendants and all the hardware to make a full set. Draw or cut out the comic book frame you wish to use, to match the size of the pendant(s). For earrings, you can either use two different frames or make a mirror image copy of one frame on your computer. To make the full set of necklace and earrings, use three different frames. Glue the frame(s) into the pendant(s), applying a thin coat of the glue to the pendant first, then pressing the comic book frame carefully into the pendant and coating the frame twice again with the glue. Allow it to dry and then coat it with sealer, if desired. Once completely dry, attach the appropriate jewelry hardware to the pendant(s).

Tips
If you are using actual comic books for your jewelry, you should make sure the ones you plan to use are not valuable. Also, if you intend to sell any of the pieces, you will need to check the copyrights of any actual comics, so drawing your own is probably the best way to go in that instance. Using small parts of large frames, rather than choosing all small frames can make bold abstract artistic pieces, which might have more impact than just pictures of faces. The same is true for choosing frames composed of fighting words like "Kapow!" and "Blam!", two words which would also make particularly attractive earrings when used together.