Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often packed away and forgotten after the big day, but there is a way to preserve a piece of your dress forever. You can transform a small piece of your wedding dress into a beautiful pendant to wear on a necklace. This is a simple craft that can be done at home with just a few tools and a bit of creativity. You can also pay a professional to do it for you, but this can be expensive. This guide will take you through the process of making your own pendant from your wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Piece of wedding dress, pendant tray, adhesive, chain |
| Tools | Scissors, wet paper towel |
| Steps | Cut fabric to size, glue fabric to pendant tray, attach chain |
| Time | A few hours to a few days |
| Difficulty | Easy to intermediate |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your wedding dress pendant is a crucial step in the creation process. Here are some factors to consider:
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric you choose will depend on the style and design of your wedding dress. Commonly, lace is used for wedding dress pendants as it is delicate and creates a unique, stunning piece of jewellery. However, you can also use other types of fabric such as silk, satin, or chiffon, depending on the material of your dress.
Fabric Thickness
It is important to consider the thickness of the fabric. Thicker fabrics, such as raised lace, may not fit inside the pendant, so finer pieces of fabric are usually more suitable. Ensure that the fabric is not too thick to fit inside the pendant, but also not too thin that it becomes flimsy and difficult to work with.
Fabric Colour and Design
The colour and design of the fabric should complement the overall style of the pendant. Consider whether you want the fabric to be a subtle accent or a statement piece. If you're using a colourful fabric, keep in mind that the colour may change slightly during the gluing process, so choose a fabric that can withstand the potential colour alteration.
Fabric Size
Cut the fabric to the appropriate size to fit inside the pendant. A standard pendant size is 25mm, so cut a piece of fabric that is slightly smaller to ensure it fits neatly inside. You may need to trim the fabric once it's inside the pendant to ensure a snug fit.
Fabric Preparation
Before placing the fabric inside the pendant, ensure it is clean and free of any stains or imperfections. You may also want to iron the fabric to create a smooth and crease-free surface. If there is a particular area of the dress you want to be featured, make sure to cut the fabric accordingly and inform the jeweller if you are getting it professionally made.
Creating a wedding dress pendant is a beautiful way to preserve your special day and can make a great gift for yourself or your loved ones.
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Pendant shape
The pendant shape you choose for your wedding dress necklace can depend on a few factors, including the type of fabric, the design you want to create, and your personal preference. Here are some ideas and considerations for pendant shapes:
Circle: A circular pendant is a classic and versatile shape that can complement various wedding dress fabrics. It provides a simple and elegant frame for the fabric, allowing it to be the focal point. This shape is often used in DIY pendant projects and can be easily found in jewellery supply stores or online.
Heart: A heart-shaped pendant adds a romantic and sentimental touch to your wedding dress necklace. This shape is especially meaningful if you want to create a keepsake or gift for a loved one. Heart-shaped pendants can be more challenging to find in craft stores, but you can always order them online or customise your own.
Square: A square pendant offers a modern and unique alternative to the traditional circular shape. It provides a more structured frame for the fabric and can be a stylish option for showcasing intricate lace patterns or fabric details. Similar to heart-shaped pendants, square pendants may require a more specialised search or customisation.
Dome or bezel: A dome or bezel pendant creates a three-dimensional effect, often achieved by using resin or glass to encapsulate the fabric. This shape adds depth and texture to your necklace, giving it a more intricate and handcrafted appearance. It is a popular choice for DIY projects and can be filled with resin or sealed with a glass cabochon.
Tube: A tubular pendant is a unique and stylish option that can be created using a Fimo Effects block, gold metallic spray paint, or even a large tubular bead as a base. This shape allows you to showcase the fabric inside a cylindrical frame, resulting in a contemporary and eye-catching necklace.
It's important to consider the type of fabric you are using and how it will fit within the chosen pendant shape. Ensure that the fabric can be trimmed and placed neatly inside the pendant without poking out. You may also want to experiment with different shapes to see which one showcases the fabric in the most aesthetically pleasing way.
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Adhesive
Choosing the Right Adhesive:
When it comes to choosing an adhesive for your pendant project, there are several options available. Fabric glue is a popular choice, as it is designed specifically for bonding fabrics. Look for fabric glues that offer a permanent and flexible bond, such as Gorilla Fabric Glue or Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive. These glues can also be used on embellishments like beads, sequins, and glitter. If you want an adhesive that dries clear, both Gorilla Fabric Glue and Aleene's Fabric Fusion offer this feature.
Another option is to use adhesive sheets, such as Aleene's Fabric Fusion Peel & Stick Sheets. These double-sided sheets are easy to use and instantly create a permanent bond without the need for heat setting. This can be helpful if you want to avoid the potential mess of liquid adhesives.
Using the Adhesive:
Before using any adhesive, always read the instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Some adhesives may require the use of gloves and proper ventilation during application. It is also a good idea to test the adhesive on a small scrap of your wedding dress fabric to ensure it works as intended and does not cause any discolouration or damage to the fabric.
When applying the adhesive, use a small amount at first and add more as needed. A pea-sized drop of adhesive per square inch of fabric is usually sufficient. Spread the adhesive evenly across the surface and wait for it to become partially dry before joining the materials together. Press the materials firmly and remove any air bubbles that may be trapped between them.
For projects involving multiple layers or embellishments, work in stages, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. This will help ensure that your pendant has a strong and secure bond.
Drying and Curing:
Most adhesives will require a minimum of 24 hours to fully cure and set. During this time, avoid handling the pendant or trying to speed up the drying process with heat. Allow the adhesive to air dry naturally for the best results.
Tips and Troubleshooting:
- Always use a small amount of adhesive first to avoid excess glue seeping out from between the layers of your pendant.
- If you get adhesive on your skin, rinse it off with water.
- If you get adhesive on the glass or stone of your pendant, wipe it off quickly with a damp paper towel before it dries.
- Store your adhesive in a cool, dry location, and keep it away from children and pets.
By following these instructions and tips, you can effectively use adhesives to create a beautiful and secure pendant from your wedding dress fabric.
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Pendant tray
Types of Pendant Trays
Materials
Sources for Pendant Trays
You can find pendant trays at craft stores, both online and offline. Websites like Etsy offer a wide variety of pendant trays in different sizes, colours, and materials. They also provide customisation options for a more personalised touch. Amazon is another online retailer that stocks pendant trays for jewellery making.
Using Pendant Trays
Once you have selected your pendant tray, the process of incorporating the wedding dress fabric involves adhering the fabric to the tray securely. This can be done with adhesives like FabriTac or E600 super glue, ensuring that the fabric is smoothly applied without bubbles. If using a glass dome or cabochon, place it carefully over the fabric, creating a sealed pendant.
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Necklace chain
When making a pendant out of a wedding dress, you can attach it to a necklace chain of your choice. Chains can be made from a variety of materials, such as copper, silver, stainless steel, gold, or aluminum. You can also opt for a fabric cord, such as hemp or nylon.
The length of the chain is another important consideration. You can make your necklace short, with the pendant resting at the center of your collarbone, or go for an ultra-long style that reaches your belly button. It's up to your personal preference and design choice. If you're making a choker, a common length is 16.5 inches (42 cm).
When choosing a chain, consider the style and weight of the pendant. For example, if you have a delicate lace pendant, a thin and simple chain might complement it better than a thick, chunky chain. On the other hand, if you have a larger or heavier pendant, a thicker chain might be more suitable to balance the weight and proportions.
Additionally, you can add extra elements to your chain, such as beads or multiple strands, to create a more intricate necklace design. You can also personalise your chain by adding design elements such as charms, additional pendants, or other decorative features.
When attaching the pendant to the chain, simply slide it onto the chain or cord and secure it with a clasp or knot. You may also want to consider the size of the chain in relation to the pendant. Ensure that the chain is thin enough to fit through the hole in your pendant, as some pendants may have smaller openings.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a piece of fabric or lace from the wedding dress, a pendant tray, adhesive, and a chain.
Cut out a piece of fabric or lace from the wedding dress that is slightly bigger than the pendant tray. You can trim the fabric further if needed to ensure it fits inside the pendant tray without poking out.
Put the fabric inside the pendant tray, then place a glass stone or cabochon on top. Secure the fabric and stone with adhesive.
Chains can be made from materials such as copper, silver, stainless steel, gold, or aluminum. You can also use a fabric cord such as hemp or nylon. Choose the length of the chain depending on your desired style, such as a choker or a longer necklace.
Slide the pendant onto the chain and secure it with a clasp or knot.
