Metal Tag Charm Bracelet

Materials:

9 metal-edged 1-1/4" diameter tags
9 photos to fit tags
7-1/2" jewelry chain
lobster claw and split ring for bracelet closure
jewelry pliers
1/16" hole punch
index card
laminating sheet or Xyron machine
glue stick
cuticle scissors, craft knife or circle cutter
stylus (or knitting needle, inkless ball point pen, etc.)
computer and printer (optional)

1. Make a template of the tag by placing an index card over one of the tags and running a stylus (or stylus substitute) around the inside of the metal edge. With a craft knife or small manicure scissors, cut out the circle you just embossed into the index card to create a template.

2. Place the template over your selected photos to determine if they are the proper size for the tags (figure A). Laminate the photos. If you have access to a Xyron machine, use the cartridge that will laminate the front and put adhesive on the back.

3. Trace the template onto each photo by either using an erasable photo marking pencil or turning the picture over and holding it up to the light so the image shows through. Position the template and draw around.

4. Cut out each photo with cuticle scissors or a circle cutter and set aside (figure B).

5. Use your computer to generate the bio information you want on the back of each photo: name, birthday, age, or school year. Print on plain or patterned paper (figure C). You can also write this information by hand.

6. Cut out each bio to fit the tag, or punch out in desired shape: heart, star, etc. (figure D). Laminate each bio or run through the Xyron machine as you did the photos.

7. Peel off the backing of each photo and apply to the front of a tag. (Note: There is definitely a front and a back to the tags.) You can also attach them with a glue stick. Be certain that you have the photo facing up so the hole in the tag is at the top (figure E). Attach the bios to the back in the same manner.

8. Punch 1/16-inch hole in the photo using the hole in the tag as a guide. Attach a jump ring through each hole to join the tags (figure F).

Variations:

Instead of a bracelet, gather all of the tags on one large jump ring or notebook ring (punch larger holes) and add it to a long necklace chain.

Instead of photos, cut decorative paper circles and decorate as desired. Our bracelet featured many tags in two or three different sizes decorated with punch outs punched from peel-off adhesive-backed funky paper (figure G). Add liquid laminate to give dimension or just a coat of clear nail polish. Pre-teen girls might find this version fun.