In addition to writing, I make jewelry. So naturally in anticipation of PETDEMONIUM’s publication, I made a glass pendant of Donifur (the villain featured on the book’s cover).
I wore the pendant the night I donated a copy of my book to my critique group, the DFW Writers Workshop. “Wow!” Rosemary exclaimed. “You have merchandise.” I do? I did? Right. Yes! I do! I immediately made several more pendants.
Here’s how.
You will need:
- Large clear flat marbles (available at craft stores, many dollar stores, flower shops)
- Clear glittery nail polish
- Small paint brush
- Scissors
- Silver bale
- Mod Podge or Diamond Glaze
- Jewelry glue
- Black cord
- White paper (card stock weight)
- An image sized to 1″ wide and 7/8″ high (approximately)
Step 1: The Image
Select an image to use for your pendant. Keep in mind that the final image will be less 
than an inch when resized and cut out in a circle. (Side note: I used Paint to draw a circle on it so it would be easier to cut out). In Word, I inserted the image and then resized it to 1″ by 7/8″. Print on regular paper. Place a large flat marble over the printed image to verify the sizing. When you are satisfied, print the image on white card stock. If you plan to make several pendants, copy and paste the image to create a full page. I was able to get about 40 images on a page.
Step 2: Cut out the Image and Adhere it to the Marble
Cut the image out. Since all marbles aren’t create equal, you may need to trim the picture a little to get the best fit. Generously coat the flat side of the marble with clear nail polish. Gently place the image picture side down on the marble and position it so it is centered. NOTE: Do Not press down. Doing so will squeeze the polish to the edges and create bubbles in the middle of the image. (Been there. Done that.) Let dry for several hours.
Step 3: The Bail
After the polish sets, use a drop of jewelry glue to attach the bale to the top center of the soon-to-be-awesome pendant. Let dry for several hours. (Yes, this is a recurring theme.)
Step 4: Seal the Back
Since the back is paper, it needs protection from sweat, water, dirt, etc. Using a small paintbrush, coat the back with Mod Podge or Diamond Glaze. Make sure to cover the edges of the paper image. Let dry for several hours. (Yes. Again.)
Step 5: Attach the Cord
Nuff said.
Step 6: Promote
Wear it. Sell it. Give it away as a prize. Include it with each book purchase. Use your imagination.
Now, you may be thinking, “Wow, Kay. That’s a lot of money to spend just to create one pendant — even though it is the BEST pendant ever.”
My answer is: “You’re absolutely right.”
The solution: mass produce them. Once you have all the supplies, making more pendants costs you practically nothing. You can buy 100 bails and 100 cords at a time. The Mod Podge lasts forever. So does the glue. A bag of glass marbles (about 25 of them) costs a dollar at, well, a dollar store. All together, I calculated that each of my pendants cost me around twenty-five cents.
I hope you have fun with this. I’d love to rejoice with you over the results. Please leave a comment below and let me know how it goes.
A special thanks to Rosemary Clement-Moore (author extraordinaire) for the ah-ha moment.
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