DIY Network

Monogrammed Pendant

By Susan Pitts, Olivia Moon at etsy.com

Materials:

rub-on transferable letter or a letter printed from your computer
patterned paper (scrapbook or wrapping paper)
2 small pieces of glass, a little larger than your chosen initial
window cleaner
1/4" copper foil
small brush
Ruby flux
lead-free solder
soldering iron
glass cutter
T-square
bone folder or popcicle stick
stained glass finishing compound
jump ring
split ring

Figure A

Steps:

1. Rub transferable letter onto patterned paper or use your computer to print a single letter in a decorative font onto patterned paper (figure A).

Figure B

2. Cut two pieces of glass a little larger than printed letter and use window cleaner to clean them (figure B). Our completed pendant measures 1-1/2 inches by 1-3/4 inches. The completed size of your pendant will vary depending on the size of the initial and how much of the patterned paper you choose to reveal.

3. Turn on soldering iron to allow it to heat up.

Figure C

4. Sandwich paper between two pieces of glass, then wrap the glass edges with copper foil tape. Use bone folder or popsicle stick to press excess tape neatly over the edges, completing one side before moving to the next to ensure smooth corners (figure C).

5. Using a small brush, apply flux to copper tape.

Figure D

6. Hold the soldering iron in one hand and the solder in the other. Apply liquid solder to copper foil tape, making sure to leave a smooth line (figure D). If this is your first time using solder, don't become discouraged if your first try isn't a success. Just remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to soldering.

7. After allowing pendant to cool, attach a jump ring to pendant's top with a small drop of solder. Once solder has set, add a split ring to jump ring (figure E).

8. Clean the finished pendant with stained glass finishing compound. This will give your pendant a bright shine.

9. To complete your handmade gift, add a ribbon or chain to the pendant before giving.