Shari Beaubien

Shari Beaubien

These little charms evolved simply because I didn't know how to solder! I wanted to create the look of a glass charm, housed inside of a frame. Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention. Here's what I came up with:

1. Stain watercolor paper with coffee. (Immerse paper in regular, brewed coffee for several seconds. Remove and allow to dry.)

2. Cut squares from stained watercolor paper, measuring 1" x 3/4".

3. Create a base for each piece of paper using polymer clay. Roll the clay thin and press the cut watercolor paper down into the clay. Trim around the edge, leaving a very thin margin of excess clay. Round the edges of the clay upward slightly around the paper to create a little tray. Bake according to manufacturer's instructions.

4. Once cool, create a mini-collage on the paper side. I used fabric, color copies, collage paper, paint, and permanent marker.

5. Fill the interior cavity of each charm with resin. Follow the manufacturer's instructions in order to eliminate air bubbles and cure completely.

6. Finish by spraying each side of the charm with a coat of gloss varnish. Once dry, drill a small hole at the top, add a jump ring, and tie with a pretty ribbon.