Saturday Studio: Costume Jewelry

Naomi Vanderleest, Education Assistant

Bill Smith wasn’t an artist I was aware of until the exhibition Bill Smith: Jewelry’s Maverick opened here at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art on May 25th. Now, I see his work as a perfect example of costume jewelry (jewelry made from less valuable materials) during the 1960s and 70s. Some would describe Smith’s studio like that of a mad scientist, experimenting and transforming materials to create value through color and shape. Look at this pendant necklace, below. What do you notice about it? 

I am drawn to the design of the bird. I enjoy how its shape reminds me of a normal, round pendant but, upon closer inspection, you can see the detail. The feathers frame deep blue and shining white stones that form a pattern to guide your eyes around its surface. Even though we don’t have access to the materials that Smith uses, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own costume jewelry using materials found in your home. To make your own unique pendant, you’ll need the following:

• 20-30 sheets of construction paper 
• Scissors
• Glue
• Water
• Cup
• Sandpaper
• Paintbrush
• Hole punch
• Heavy object (like a book or brick)
• Mod podge or alternative clear sealant

Start by cutting out the same shape with construction paper until you have a stack of 20-30. (You can use choose a circle, like Bill Smith, or any other shape.) The more paper you have, the thicker your pendant will be. To create a design that pops, use alternating colors of paper.

Next, use a hole punch to create a hole on each sheet of paper. This is the opening for the chain to loop through so you can wear your necklace.

Then, create a mixture of about 1 cup of glue and one tablespoon of water and mix with a paintbrush. Use this mixture to stick the pieces together by fully saturating both sides of the paper. Stack them carefully so the hole punches line up, otherwise you won’t be able to wear it.

Once every sheet is glued together, press a heavy object, like a large book, against the pendant to squeeze out any excess glue and create an even surface. Leave the book on top while the piece dries (we recommend at least one full day). TIP: The piece must fully dry before you can continue! If the pendant feels cool or damp in the middle, then it needs more drying time. It took my pendant three days to dry completely, but you can try leaving it outside to speed the drying process. 

After the pendant is fully dry, your design can emerge. Rub the pendant over a piece of sandpaper to peel away layers. TIP: This will take time and patience. Eventually, the paper layers will be shaved off, creating a design. Look at my pendant, above. Do you think the design is complete? 

Once you are satisfied with your sanded creation, apply a layer of mod podge to seal it. Now you have a wearable piece of art! Would you wear this? If I were to make this again, I would use smaller circles. Try creating rings or matching earrings!

Check out the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and its Paradigm Gallery on their free night, Thursday from 5p-8pm, for more jewelry ideas and to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces from working artists!