How to Make Papier-Mache Pendants

Some of the most interesting and beautiful craft projects are the ones that are made with unconventional designs, or those that employ recycled materials. Sculpted wire and paper jewelry is a fine example of both of these, combining the element of wire armature sculpting with the surprising beauty of scraps of colorful magazine print. Use wire and paper sculpting techniques to create designs in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

For this project, you'll need the following:

Craft wire

Needle-nosed pliers

White glue

Old magazine pages

Scissors

Darning needle

Wax paper

Waterproofing fixative

Beads
Jewelry cord

Step 1: Create a wire frame. Twist the wire into a shape that you'd like to have as the foundation for a large bead or pendant. Make either a flat shape for a two-dimensional pendant (such as stars, hearts, circles, squares or ovals), or add some extra "ribs" to give the wire frame some depth. Twist the wire as securely as possible using a pair of needle-nosed pliers

Step 2: Cut strips of magazine page. Choose the most colorful and interesting sections of a page of magazine print (don't worry about what's in the picture, as you won't be able to see it) and cut thin strips of paper with scissors. Taper the ends of each strip down to a small point to create some varying thickness, as this will make for interesting lines.

Step 3: Wrap the wire frame. Soak each strip of paper in a solution of one part white glue and one part water, then wrap it around the wire frame, overlapping the pieces as you go. If you need to, first stuff the frame with scrap paper or paper towels to give it some body. Wrap at least three or four complete layers of paper.

Step 4: Poke holes in the pieces while the jewelry is still wet. Use the darning needle to carefully poke holes in the glue and paper to make beading holes or a hole for hanging a pendant. For best results, twist the needle back and forth and move it slowly, creating something of a drill-like motion that will minimize any misshaping of the paper surface.

Step 5: Position the pieces on wax paper for drying. Make sure none of the pieces are touching, or they will stick together permanently.

Step 6: Spray the finished pieces with fixative according to the instructions on the fixative container. This will make them water-resistant (though not waterproof).

Step 7: Make the bead and pendant pieces into jewelry. Thread with beads of complementary colors using a fine beading cord or dental floss.