Shrink Art Pendant

Hi there! Today I'll be showing you how to make a cool pendant out of shrink film.

You'll need the following supplies:
- Clear Shrink Film
- Heat It craft tool or toaster oven
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Color pencils
- Jump ring
- Pliers
- Hole puncher
- Sharpie

Optional supplies:
- Large stamp
- Staz On stamp pad

First, decide what your image will be. It should be at least 3-4" tall to accommodate for the shrinking.  You can use a stamp with Staz On ink, or hand draw your image.  I chose to draw mine.  First I drew the image on a piece of white paper.  Then I traced over the lines onto the shrink film with a Sharpie.

Whichever method you choose, make sure your image is lined up either horizontally or vertically on the film to ensure it shrinks evenly.

Next, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out your image.  Once it is cut out, flip it over and sand the back of the film with the fine grit sandpaper.  Move in horizontal and vertical strokes. Once that side is roughed up you can begin to color your image using the color pencils.  Sanding helps the color pencil adhere to the surface of the film.

Once you are done coloring, use the hole puncher to punch a hole at the top of your image.  Make sure you don't punch it too close to the top so that the hole doesn't crack.

Now you are ready to shrink! You can use a heat tool or a preheated toaster oven to do the shrinking. It happens very fast and don't be frightened if it starts to curl up while it's shrinking, that's just part of the process and it will eventually flatten out again.  Once it stops shrinking you can gently press it down using a flat object to get it nice and even.

 













Once the image is done shrinking it will be a little less than half the size of the original.

Use the pliers to open up and loop the jump ring through the hole.  String it on a chain or piece of cording. You can also add beads or other charms as well.

Now you're ready to show off your new handmade piece of jewelry!

You can stop by our Māpunapuna location throughout the week (excluding Wednesdays) and watch Taka as he creates awesome pieces of jewelry that combine shrink film and resin.

Hope you enjoyed this project and until next time, happy crafting!

Rachel @ Māpunapuna

Mother's Day Pendants

Hi there! Looking for a personalized but easy gift to make your mom for Mother's Day? I have the perfect thing! These pendants are super easy to make and are so precious.

You will need the following supplies:
- Sweet beads Fundamental Findings pendant, any style
- Mod Podge, matte or glossy
- a photo sized to fit your pendant (print multiple copies in case you make a mistake)

First, either use the image template that comes with your pendant or use the pendant itself to trace the shape onto your image.

When I used the image template I noticed it was a little too small and when I used the pendant to trace it was a little too big.  I used the bigger one and just trimmed it down a little bit.

Next, use a little bit of mod podge to glue your photo into your pendant. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Finally, use the epoxy dome that comes with your pendant and press it over your photo.

You can use any photo for this project but I recommend not using an original.  Make a copy on printer paper or photo paper.  You can also add a quote to your photo in Microsoft Word or Photoshop.  To make it a complete necklace you can put your pendant on a nice chain or cording and maybe add some charms or beads to dress it up, all can be found in our Bead Shop.  Moms will adore this gift!

Until next time, happy crafting!
Rachel @ Mapunapuna

Crankin' Out Crafts On the Road in Texas with Mattie - Episode 361 Clay Pea Pods

This week, Crankin' Out Crafts goes on the road! Meet our new friends that will show us some great craft projects that you can make, too. Today, watch as our friend Mattie demonstrates how to use Sculpey clay and create peas in a pod.  

Our new friend Mattie from Texas and JFlo

Watch Mattie show us how to make these cute Pea Pods out of clay here on our YouTube Channel! Crankin' Out Crafts On the Road in Texas with Mattie - Episode 361 Clay Pea Pods

Supplies:

green Sculpey clay

Xacto Knife or Cutting Tool

Clay Mat

stylus (ball tool)

black acrylic paint or fingernail polish 

white acrylic paint or fingernail polish

scrap paper for paint or nail polish

aluminum foil

cookie sheet

*Don't forget to line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil before baking in the oven

*Bake clay at 275 degrees F, 15 minutes for every 1/4-inch thickness

Mahalo Mattie for sharing such an adorable and fun project! After Mattie's demonstration, she shows you some of her favorite clay charms. Follow her on Instagram @mattiemayfield28 to see more of her clay creations! 

Resin Paper Punch Pendant

Making your own pendants out of paper has never been easier! Using UV Resin to seal, harden and protect the paper you can turn just about any paper punch into jewelry!!

Supplies:
Martha Stewart Butterfly Paper Punch
UV Resin
UV Lamp
Jump Ring
Necklace chain




Punch the butterfly out of any paper you want, I used a cream colored cardstock. Using the silicone pad, cover one side of the paper punch out with UV Resin, place under the UV Light for a few minutes and then flip it over and repeat on the other side. This will coat the paper punch out with hard clear Resin. Add the Jump ring and put onto the necklace chain! You now have a cute necklace that you did ALL YOURSELF!

Resin-ating Everything

You may have seen a lot of posts lately about our new UV Crystal Resin that we are now carrying in our stores. That's probably because this product is so super cool that all of us are excited about using it. I personally like this resin because it makes making classy jewelry amazingly easy and, well, classy looking. Also, as you will soon find out, it is gloriously versatile in the things that can be done with it.

This lovely Parisian looking piece is a cell phone charm straight out of a kit. The kit includes everything that you see (plus more) and everything you need to make this chic charm.

This pendant borrows an idea from the lovely Beth at our Mapunapuna store. I was so in love with her sprinkle pendant that I just had to make one for myself. I mean, who doesn't love candy?

This nautical stunner was made by our very own Toni and is a purse hook. I'm thinking handmade Christmas gifts for all those large handbags that my friends frequently tote around. 

 

And this piece, believe it or not, is a jelly jar lid. This is another great gift idea for Christmas. Give to your friends who need a small jewelry holder that is just as elegant as their jewelry.

What did I say? Totally versatile, right? I'll expect to see you all in our stores soon to get your hands on some awesome resin-ating fun.

Puna @ Enchanted Lake

Scroll down for fun with Popsicle sticks for the holidays on Crankin' Out Crafts!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 268 - Clear-backed Resin Pendant

The glass-like clarity of our Super Resin UV Crystal makes it a clear winner. Today Puna shows you a technique to make see-through pendants.

Check out our selection of Resin Jewelry Making Kits!

Watch our next Resin segment here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 268 - Clear-backed Resin Pendant 

Supplies:

Super Resin UV Crystal

Transparent image

Quick links solid metal ring

Crimp bead

Toothpick

Scotch tape or packing tape

Small piece of cardstock

UV oven

Board to cover oven

Watch or timer

Don't forget to pop all the bubbles in the resin before baking your layer. You cannot take bubbles out once the resin has hardened.

*Resin supplies and kits available exclusively at our Hawaii Ben Franklin Crafts Stores

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 267 - Resin Pendant

We are introducing our new Super Resin UV Crystal this week with lots of new products exclusive at HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts. This new product will enhance your craft projects in just minutes. Watch how JFlo creates this beautiful pendant using a photo and the Super Resin UV Crystal.

Introducing new resin products available exclusively at Hawaii BFC stores!

Catch our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts: Episode 267 - Resin Pendant

Supplies: 

Super Resin UV Crystal 

UV Light oven

Toothpick

Photo

Pendant Base

Scrap Cardstock

Board to cover UV Light

Watch/Timer

Embellishments

Optional: glitter, sticky tool

*Don't forget to scroll down and read today's earlier post - a very fun necklace idea from Enchanted Lake BFC!

Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 242 - Mom Charm

Moms have a soft spot for handmade items. Show your love by making a cute clay charm.

Make a personalized pendant for Mom!

Watch our episode here: Crankin' Out Crafts Episode 242 - Mom Charm

Supplies:

Sculpey clay

Clay roller

Clay stylus or knife

Oven

Hemp cord

This charm can be made into a pendant, bracelet, or even a pretty purse charm.