Wine Glass Charms

Here is a fun and timely little project that will satisfy your inky craving while avoiding the guilty feelings of "Oh, I should really be doing...".

Why you might ask? Well, they are not only inky fun but they are practical and useful as well. Wine Glass Charms! They can be given as hostess gifts or used at your own parties and come in perfect time for all of your New Year's parties you may be hitting in a few days.

These little gems are fairly quick to make, use a few supplies which you may already have on hand and can be personalized by using any stamps you have in your arsenal!



Supplies Needed:

Rubber Stamps (Image in the example is from B-Line Designs)
Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks
Ranger Adirondack Metal Mixatives
Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
Ranger Posh Accent Pen
Shrink Material
Sizzix Large Dog Tag Die
Hoop Earring or Wine Glass Charm Findings
Jump Rings
Beads

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting several tags from the shrink material using the Sizzix large size Dog Tag die. I used 8 for this set but you can make as many as needed.

2. Stamp desired image (images) onto the tags using Archival Ink. You may use the same image on each of the tags as I did or mix it up.

3. *Shrink the tags according to mfg. recommendations.

4. Place the tags on the Non-Stick Craft sheet. You will flip your tags over so that side that has not been stamp is facing up. This is the side that you will add apply the alcohol inks on.

5. Apply Alcohol Inks in desired color combinations on each tag. For this example I used Cranberry, Butterscotch, Terra Cotta, Pesto, Denim & Wild Plum. You may also apply a Metal Mixative as well. I used the Silver Metal Mixative with each color.

6. Once all of the tags have been colored with the Alcohol Ink, use the Posh Accent Pen to highlight the edges and tag hole. Set aside to dry.

7. Add beads to the wire findings.

8. Using a jump ring, attach the shrink material charms to the beaded findings.

You're done!

It's time to give them a test run ;)

Additional Tips & Helpful Hints:

-Stamped Images - If you don't want to use the same image for each charm, mix em up! Make a set to match the particular holiday or theme. Use various sayings for each charm. Personalize the charms by adding each guests name to the charm. The possibilities are endless!

-*Shrink first - Alcohol Ink later!! You will want to apply the inks AFTER you shrink the tags. If you don't the color will become so intense as the tags shrink you won't be able to see the image stamped on the other side. You will be able to control the color application far better once the tag has been shrunk.

-Many places sell wire findings specifically for Wine Charms but it may pay you to look around a bit. You may find that wires for hoop earrings come in larger packs for less money! I know that was the case when I was shopping. I was able to purchase a bulk package of hoop earring wires (48) for the same amount it would have cost for 12 "Wine Charm" wires!

-Beads - Unless you're going with a specific color scheme or theme, don't be afraid to mix the beads up a bit! This will be an additional characteristic to help your guests keep their drinks straight. Besides, it's a great way to use up all of those spare beads left-over from previous projects!

Happy Inking Friends!!