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How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

I have always loved the sparkle of chandelier crystals, and they’re not just for light fixtures and wind chimes.
They can be ornaments and pendants too.
How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant
A while ago I was lucky enough to thrift a box of mixed vintage glass chandelier crystals, which included about 80 lovely vintage prisms that are faceted on the front and flat on the back… just perfect for decoupage projects.

A few weeks  ago I showed you my french inspired decoupaged chandelier crystal tree ornaments that I made.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

When I went to write that post my tutorial photos were mysteriously gone. I think one of the cats must have deleted them. (Yah… that’s it. One of the cats did it.)

Anyway… today I’m sharing how to make a reverse decoupaged chandelier crystal pendant, which is the exact same process.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

You’ll need some Mod Podge (I used a matte version because that’s what I had), a brayer, and some chandelier crystals with the flat backs. You could experiment with the crystals that are faceted on both sides, but I haven’t tried that yet.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

You can use any graphic you like. I found this pretty french floral graphic on the Graphics Fairy site. I saved it to my computer, resized it to make it small, and printed it on good quality 20 bond white copy paper. I’ve also used watercolor paper, and that works well too.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Place your crystal on the graphic until you’re happy with its position.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Mark the outline of the crystal with a pencil. You’ll have to hold the crystal down firmly so it doesn’t move as you make your way around.

Unfortunately I only have two hands so I couldn’t take an action shot.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Here’s the pencil outline.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

After you cut it out with scissors there may be some remaining pencil marks.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Simply remove them with an eraser. Be careful not to press too hard, and try not to handle the front of the image too much.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Spread a light coat of Mod Podge on the back of the crystal, including the faceted edges, and on the front of the image.

It’s very easy to spread too much MP here so be careful. If you use too much it’ll be oozing out everywhere.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Place the front of your image onto the back of the crystal.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Gently flatten the image on the back with your fingers and press into the faceted edges. Remove any excess Mod Podge that oozes out with a paper towel.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

This is what the back looks like once the graphic is in place. Don’t worry if it doesn’t perfectly match the faceted outline of the crystal. Believe me when I tell you that it’s not going to be perfect no matter what you do.

Embrace the imperfection… and don’t stress it.

Handmade things don’t have to be perfect.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Then use the brayer, if you have one, to flatten out the graphic just to get rid of any wrinkles that may have formed. (This step may or may not be necessary depending on how it goes.)

I only use the brayer because I have it, and it does help to spread out the MP under the paper.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

You’ll notice here that the image appears to have faded. That’s just because the Mod Podge hasn’t completely dried yet.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

I always apply 3 light coats of Mod Podge to the back letting it completely dry in between. It’s important to apply the MP along the outside of the paper along the faceted edges to create a good bond and seal.

Again, remove any excess MP that gets on the crystal.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Once the back is done and completely dry use a toothpick to poke a hole in the paper where the chandelier crystal hole is.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

Add any type of bail you like for hanging. I like to use pinch pendant bails. Make sure the paper is completely dry before attaching the bail or you might tear it.

To attach the bail you simply place each end into the hole on either side of the crystal and pinch the bail closed. It’s that simple.

How to Make a Reverse Decoupaged Chandelier Crystal Pendant

And Voila. Just like that a unique piece of jewelry is born. I used a thrifted silver chain from my stash for hanging.  I love how the facets on the front of the prism play with the image underneath. It looks a little different from different angles.

These could be personalized so easily, and would make fabulous gifts. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination… which I know is limitless.

Thanks so much for reading. Merci beaucoup.

Sprinkle some sparkle somewhere today, and smile.

XOX

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25 Comments

  1. A well written tutorial and excellent pictures Tuula! The necklace idea is genius and I love the pink background!

  2. Love how these crystals turned out and what a great tute . . . and she speaks French, too! I'm just getting into decoupage and I'm adding this to my techniques. Like you said, the possibilities are almost unlimited for creating great pieces.

  3. I will have to pay attention to crystals now ti find ones with flat backs. I would love a white Christmas tree with these all over it. Or hung around the bottom of a lampshade or.. Gotta run find dome crystals. Beautiful!!!

  4. Those are just gorgeous Tuula! Now I need to keep my eye out for some crystals. Your posts always seem to add to my thrift store list in a beautiful way! Thanks!

  5. Oh so pretty Tuula! Funny when I saw the word breyer… I would've called it a roly thingie. I thought breyer only made ice cream LOL! Have a great weekend friend!

  6. What a Wonderful tutorial. I so appreciate the step by step instructions. Very helpful. Thank you.
    I'm going have to go dig out my box of crystals that I have collected over the years.
    Have a fun and enjoyable weekend

  7. I've made these before, and yours are lovely! Thanks for sharing your great step by step tutorial with us at Make It Monday!

  8. This is so pretty! Thanks for the tutorial – it was very well explained with good photos. xo Karen

  9. These are lovely! Thanks for sharing them at the Vintage Inspiration Party – I'm featuring you at Knick of Time this week!
    Angie
    KnickofTime.net

  10. SO pretty Tuula !
    Cheryl from Wisconsin made me some of these but magnet holders – Paris themed.
    I have a ton of chandelier crystals – thanks so much for sharing !!!!!!
    Love them !
    xoxo

  11. Love this. I have some acrylic pendants. Wonder if it work on that. Probably wouldn’t look as nice. I want to try this. Love the idea. Great tutorial.

    1. Tuula McPhee says:

      Thanks Debra! I would give the acrylic ones a try and see. You never know. 🙂

      1. Thank you, might do that.

  12. Dana Salser says:

    I have a box of Crystals and I have been wondering for years what to do with them.
    I love this idea!
    Thank you so very much!

    1. You’re so welcome Dana! I still use mine on my Christmas tree every year.