Necklace - Upcycled Scrabble Tile

When it comes to crafting, I find inspiration all around me.  So when Teri posted Nerdtastic Holiday Gift Guide, on Off-The-Deep-End,  I had an idea.  Sometimes those ideas stick in my head just waiting for free time to create them.  That time is now. 

Teri’s wish list included a set of Scrabble Tile Coasters and two pieces of jewelry.  My idea was a combination of these gifts . . . a personalized Scrabble Tile Necklace. 

This is so easy to make.  And inexpensive.  Trust me. 

For starters, we are going to upcycle a Scrabble Tile.  (I don’t often go to yard sale, but if I do I always look for Scrabble games.  Those little tiles are so much fun to use in craft projects.)  Next, glue a bail to the back of the tile using a strong adhesive like Super Glue.

Make a pretty little beaded charm to go with it.  I used a 3” head pin, two silver seed beads, and  two Swarovski bicone beads (a small crystal and a large blue).  You are going to do what is called a wrapped loop.  This is my favorite method of finishing off a beaded charm.  (The alternative would be a single loop.)  I found the perfect video tutorial and step-by-step instructions for you at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.   Fire Mountain Gems and Beads is a great place for beading instructions and to purchase beads.  Add a jump ring to your charm and it’s ready to be strung.

The last step is to put it all together.  You’re going to love this part.  The chain is ball chain and although you can buy it at your craft store or jewelry store, I bought mine at the hardware store.  It’s a lot less expensive and it’s the same thing.  The only thing to factor in is whether or not you like the size.  Typically the hardware store’s smallest size is bigger than what is sold at craft and jewelry stores.  I’m okay with this.  I like the casual look of it.  I think it makes for a fun necklace.  If you don’t like the look of the ball chain, you can always buy a silver chain and put the charms on it.

Here some alternatives: 

·         The bails are sometimes hard to find and probably the most expensive thing in this project.  An alternative would be to drill a tiny hole in the top of the Scrabble Tile and screw in an eye hook.  You can find eye hooks in the hardware section of Walmart or at any hardware store.  Add a jump ring to string onto your necklace.

·         If you really don’t want to make your own beaded charm, buy one.  It doesn’t have to be beaded.  You can find a variety of charms in the jewelry section of your craft store.  You could add a flower, a butterfly, an airplane or whatever.  Just add a jump ring to it to fit onto your ball chain.