Grungy Graduation Year Jewelry Tutorial
by Rena Klingenberg. © 2003-Present Rena Klingenberg. All Rights Reserved
Graduation year hand-stamped on an antiqued metal “photo turn”, layered with round grungy metal disc, and attached with a jump ring to antiqued ball chain.
These grungy graduation jewelry styles are a fun alternative to the traditional class rings and pendants.
“Class of 2013” earrings – copper hardware store washers hand-stamped with graduation year, then attached to earwires with jump rings.
The start of the new school year is an ideal time to give high school students (especially seniors!) jewelry inscribed with their graduation year.
Grungy graduation year bracelet: a hand-stamped antiqued metal jewelry blank is attached with a jump ring to a doubled leather cord; bracelet closes with simple hook and eye clasp.
This cool jewelry would also be a fun project for teens to make for themselves and their friends!
And wouldn’t it be a blast to give these to your former classmates at a class reunion – inscribed with your graduation year?!
Metal and leather graduation year necklace – stamp the year on an aluminum washer. Darken numbers as described below. Use two distressed leather cords to make a larks-head knot in the washer. Finish off cord ends with a clasp.
To make grungy graduation jewelry, you’ll need a set of number stamps (and if you’re new to metal stamping, see my easy tutorial, metal stamps – tips and techniques).
Grungy graduation year earrings: hand-stamp two antiqued “photo turns”. Darken numbers as described below, and then use jump rings to attach your stampings to a pair of earwires.
For metals to stamp on, you may want to get an assortment of metal washers from a hardware store (I find that copper and aluminum washers are easiest to stamp).
You can also get an assortment of antique-finish jewelry tags, pendant blanks, etc. from a craft store or jewelry supplier.
Grungy graduation necklace – hand-stamp an antiqued jewelry blank, darken numbers as described below, and use a jump ring to attach the stamping to an antiqued ball chain.
You’ll probably also need a variety of jump rings, rustic chains, clasps, leather cord, ear wires, etc.
After stamping the year onto a piece of metal, I recommend using the finest-tip black Sharpie marker to darken the stampings so the numbers will show up better.
Then wipe any excess Sharpie ink off of your metal, using a scrap of paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Now have fun finding ways to combine your gorgeously rustic elements to make groovy, stylish jewelry!
I think most of these grungy graduation jewelry styles (especially necklaces and bracelets) can be worn by both guys and gals.
