by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Sept. 27, 2003 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
One of the biggest inspirations behind the crafting movement is the desire to have something no one else has. Or at least something that pops out.

If you're into belts, the options are endless. Artists have constructed chunky waistwear from pictures, bottle caps, clay and metal.

This particular project jumps on the glass-gem bandwagon.

Mostly used in scrapbooking or magnet-making, these see-through "puddles" (a name they are also known by) will leave an inspiring impression once they are connected.

I used images from an Archie comic, but you can alter the style by incorporating collage art, letters, words, and rubber-stamped effects or exotic fabric. Supplies can be found at Diane Ribbon and Notions, 2319 W. Holly St., Phoenix.


Comic book belt

Supplies
1 comic book
15-20 large glass gems (clear and flat on one side)
White craft glue
Scissors
15-20 bola tie slides
15-20 key rings, 1 1/2 inches in diameter
1 piece of leather fabric, 8 by 10 inches
E6000 adhesive
Large clasp
Needle-nose pliers

Directions
Tear out pages from the comic book and lay them on a flat surface. Rub a drop of glue over the back of the glass gem and place it over the image you want to show through. Press firmly. Let dry and then cut the paper from the edge of the gem. Repeat the process for the remaining gems.

Lay the leather shiny side up. Add a drop of white glue to the back of the picture that is on the gem and lay flat on the leather. Let it dry and cut off the excess from around the gem. Repeat for the remaining gems.

Lay the gems back side up on a flat surface. Add a dollop of E6000 to the back of a bola slide and press it in the center of the backside of the gem. Repeat for the remaining gems. Let dry overnight.

To connect the gems, use the needle-nose pliers to open the prongs on the back of the bola slides. Insert a key ring on one of the prongs and clamp it closed. Repeat for the other side. Connect to another gem in the same fashion. Try on the belt to see if you should add more gems to make it longer. Use the pliers to connect the large clasp.

Tips and variations: Make a bracelet by using smaller gems and jump rings.


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* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: paper, wearable, wearable art