Decoupage a Byzantine Cross Pendant

Would you guess that this Byzantine cross pendant is made from cardboard? These pendants are very simple to make and lightweight to wear. Make them as large as your heart desires.

The one pictured is 3 ¼ inches high by 2 ½ inches wide. If you want a different size, adjust the supplies accordingly. The background paper can be done digitally or cut from magazines or gift wrap tissue paper.

Materials:
Mat board (as is used for matting pictures to be framed)
¾-inch high, flat-back, plastic or glass heart
Bugle beads to match the heart and form its aura
4 4mm gold metallic beads
Accent bugle beads for the ends of the cross’ arms
Gold acrylic paint
Mod Podge
1 yard of black stringing cord

Instructions
Right click on the picture and select copy. Paste onto a new Word or PrintShop document. Click on and stretch the image to the correct size. [This is easier if you have Rulers in your workspace view.] Print and cut out the pendant template.

Use the template to cut the mat board cross. A sharp craft knife is best for this. Use a small paper punch to make a hole for stringing. Paint both sides of the cross gold and set aside to dry.

Design and cut out your decoupage paper(s). The design above uses PrintShop border strips to extend along the arms and a fleur de lis circle for the center. Both were made black and white and then colorized with a bit of amber using the Photo Tools in PrintShop. Print and cut the design pieces.

Coat the front of the cross with Mod Podge and lay down the design pieces. Smooth out bubbles and let dry. Add another coat of Mod Podge. Press the heart and beads firmly in place.

Add additional coats of Mod Podge as desired. When thoroughly dry, coat the back of the cross with Mod Podge. Let dry and string.

Tags: Byzantine cross pendant, Mod Podge, decoupage pendant, PrintShop, beads