I’ve got an awesome tutorial for you that incorporates two upcoming holidays in one post, Earth Day and Mother’s Day! This photo pendant recycled watch jewelry is an absolutely beautiful way to remember someone special to you while putting to good use a broken and discarded watch. Win/win for everyone!
Supplies needed to make your own recycled watch jewelry:
- Old Watch
- Copy of a Vintage Photograph
- Hercules Tape
- Steampunk Antique Copper Chain
- Gold Brass Head Pin
- Gold Plated Eye Pin
- Assorted Glass Beads
- Precision Jewelry Pliers
- Lobster Clasp (Or any other clasp of your choosing.)
Step One. First things first, you’re going to have to assemble the supplies for your recycled watch jewelry. For the purpose of this tutorial, I thrifted my two watches but you could also use an inexpensive one passed down from your mother or grandmother that has no hope of ever working again.
As for embellishments, you can see that I bought a variety of Steampunk Jewelry Pieces to possibly use with my watch pendant. Consumer Crafts has tons to choose from!
Step Two. Use the appropriate pliers to disassemble your watch. Mine had little notches to insert the tip of the pliers in and open. Since your watch is probably different from mine, you may have to look online for tutorials on how to open the watch back. Remove the handles as well.
Step Three. Print a copy of the vintage photograph and trim to fit inside watch back. (This is a great way to showcase old pictures of your mom or other family members.) Just make sure to make a copy of the photo so that you don’t cut up cherished family photos. Use double-sided tape to secure in place and then reassemble watch.
Step Four. Look through the huge bag of beads until you’re happy with a combination of shapes and colors. Use head and eye pins to connect the pieces together. Depending on your watch, you may have to get creative with some other jewelry findings. Don’t worry, Consumer Crafts has got you covered!
Step Five. You can either leave the necklace the original length and just slip it over your head or shorten it with a lobster clasp or any other finding. Regardless of the length, you’ll love having your loved one so close to your heart!
Oh Happy Day! Hope you enjoyed this tutorial for a recycled watch jewelry pendant. It’s the perfect way to celebrate both Mother’s Day and Earth Day!
If you’re having trouble choosing just one photo to display in your watch pendant, consider making this mini watch album DIY gift for mom. You can display a number of favorite family photos inside!
More Project Ideas
Vanessa is a self proclaimed sleep deprived mother of two adorable boys and when she has a little time to spare, she makes things and posts about them on her craft blog, Tried & True. If she’s not cooking, sewing, gluing or making, she would probably go crazy. Join her on her crafty adventure at Tried & True.
Vanessa, thank you so much for sharing your clever recycle idea. My mom died several years ago and her jewelry remains dormant in my jewelry chest. Now I know how to turn them into wonderful, cherished remembrances. I can’t wait to get started.