Day 1: Memory Pendant

(So this was actually Christmas Crafts Part 3, but since it never got posted, we'll turn it into Valentines Fun Day 1 ;-)

Lockets have been the traditional way to keep memories around your neck and close to your heart. However, last year I ran across this cool idea in Wondertime Magazine and thought it was so cute! I can't find it on their website now, but there are countless other fabulous ideas there- check it out!

Anyhow, this simple craft makes an adorable gift with sentiment. I made the one pictured for my mother in law this Christmas using a piece of Eric's well worn baby blanket (pictured here).

To try this yourself you will need:

• a ceramic donut bead (I picked this one up at Michael's)
• a special piece of fabric, wall paper, wrapping paper or even a photo printed on lightweight paper
• a pendant pinch or leather cord (optional-also found at Michael's among the beads)
• modge podge glue
• a pencil
• scissors
• exacto knife

Directions:

1. Trace around the bead onto your piece of fabric.
2. Carefully cut the circle out of your fabric, handling delicately so as not to cause fraying.
3. Apply a thin coat of glue to the surface of the bead and lay fabric on top
4. Apply a top coat of glue over the fabric, paying special attention to glue down edges. Resist the urge to keep brushing the glue, as this can cause brush marks to remain.
5. Cut out the center hole using exacto knife. Press raw edges into the hole for a smooth finish.
6. Apply two more top coats of glue over the fabric and edges, allowing coats to dry in between.
7. When bead is completely dry, add pendant pinch or tie up using a leather cord.