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    Home » DIY Projects

    DIY Washer Necklace Tutorial with Alcohol Inks

    by Patti Estep · Aug 30, 2023

    Jump to How-to Card
    Five washer necklaces decorated with alcohol inks.
    Alcohol ink washer necklaces over two sized washers painted with alcohol inks.

    Learn how to make a beautiful alcohol ink washer necklace in no time. Each one is a work of art and is incredibly easy to create.

    Alcohol in washer necklace next to a few decorated washers with alcohol inks.

    I've made many projects with alcohol inks. (see list below) The thing I love most about them is how unique the look is every time you work with them. Also, you basically can't go wrong as they always come out looking beautiful.

    I hadn't tried making washer necklaces yet. But I have used alcohol inks on metal tins so I know these would turn out beautiful.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Supplies for alcohol ink washer necklaces including cording, isopropyl alcohol, alcohol ink bottles, washers, and cotton swabs/pads.

    What You'll Need

    • Two different size washers
    • Alcohol inks
    • Isopropyl alcohol - > 90%
    • Cotton swabs and pads
    • Small fine mist spray bottle
    • Cording
    • Spray Varnish
    A hand wiping a washer clean with a paper towel.

    How to Make an Alcohol Ink Washer Necklace

    Start by wiping the metal washers with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to remove any dirt, grease or debris. You'll want to do this with both the larger and small washers.

    A metal washer with a few drops of alcohol ink next to a couple of cotton swabs and a painted washer.

    Next, start playing with the inks.

    Drop a few colors around the washer. Here I used purple, blue, and a blue-green color.

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    A gloved hand holding a cotton swab dabbing ink around on a metal washer.

    Take a cotton swab and dab color all over the washer.

    Note: You may want to wear gloves as the inks are messy. You can remove it with the rubbing alcohol but it's pretty rough on your hands.

    A metal washer with purple and blue alcohol ink dabbed around.

    Continue to add more as you like.

    A metal washer with alcohol ink that has been sprayed with isopropyl alcohol.

    Try spraying a little isopropyl alcohol on top and watch the color disperse and create a pretty texture.

    A metal washer with pink and yellow alcohol ink melding into each other.

    You can also let the colors meld and flow into each other.

    A metal washer covered in pink alcohol ink below several other painted metal washers.

    Or completely cover the washer with one color. Then add more or leave it as is.

    A metal washer that has been wiped clean with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel.

    If you hate it, simply wipe the ink all off with a paper towel and some isopropyl alcohol and start over.

    Several painted washers with alcohol inks and used cotton swabs on a plastic covered table.

    When you are finished allow the washers to dry for several hours or overnight.

    Then use some spray varnish to protect them. Follow the directions and be careful not to get too close. You could also use a brush on varnish or resin for the top.

    Adding a cord to the alcohol ink washer necklace through the middle of the washers.
    Slide loop from the top.
    Threading the cords through the loop in washers.
    Thread the cords thru the loop.
    Pulling cord tight to complete the necklace.
    Pull tight.

    After the varnish is dry you can use any kind of cording you like to finish the necklace. Cut a piece a little longer than you think you'll need.

    Fold it in half and thread the loop from the top of the two washers. Then thread the ends through the loop and pull. (see the images above)

    I just tied mine in at the back of my neck. However, you could add necklace clasps or "findings" to the ends that you can find in a craft store. Some are called cord ends, some lobster claws etc. Here's a basic video showing you one way to add a clasp to the ends of the cord.

    Five different colored alcohol ink painted metal washers attached to cording to create necklaces.

    They are so pretty and look even more vibrant when they catch the light. It's just another fun project to spend an afternoon creating with some great music or share it with a friend.

    Patti signature

    More Alcohol Ink Projects

    • Alcohol Ink Jewelry Dishes
    • Alcohol Ink Art - Painting on Glass
    • Alcohol Ink Trivets
    • Alcohol Ink Pumpkins
    • Alcohol Ink Ornaments
    • Alcohol Ink Marbled Paper
    Three alcohol ink washer necklaces.
    Alcohol in washer necklace next to a few decorated washers with alcohol inks.
    Print

    Alcohol Ink Jewelry with Washers

    Learn how to make alcohol ink washer necklaces with hardware store washers. It's so fun and incredibly easy to do you'll want to make more and more.
    Active Time30 minutes mins
    Drying time1 day d
    Total Time1 day d 30 minutes mins
    Cost: $5

    Equipment

    • 1 pair of scissors
    • protective spray coating
    • Plastic gloves optional

    Materials

    • 1 large metal washer approx. 1 1/4 inches
    • 1 smaller metal washer approx. 1 inch
    • alcohol inks
    • isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) > 90%
    • cotton swabs and pads
    • protective spray coating
    • cording

    Instructions

    • Cover your work area with plastic. You may also want to wear gloves because this is a messy project.
    • Wipe the washers with rubbing alcohol. (isopropyl alcohol)
    • Start placing a couple of drops of alcohol ink on the washer.
    • Use a cotton swab to dab the color around. You can also place ink on a cotton pad and dab it onto the washer.
    • Try a light spray of rubbing alcohol on top to see how it disperses the colors.
    • Continue to play around with the inks until you reach a look you like.
    • If you hate it wipe it all off with a paper towel and isopropyl alcohol and start over.
    • Once complete allow the ink to dry for several hours or overnight.
    • Next give it a couple of coats of varnish spray, waiting at least 30 minutes between coats to protect the ink from scratches or chipping.
    • Finish by placing the small washer on top of the large washer.
    • Cut the cording to the length you want the necklace to hang.
    • Fold the cord in half and thread the folded end through the washers from the top.
    • Then thread the ends through the loop and pull tight.
    • Tie the cord around your neck and enjoy.

    Notes

    You can use any kind of cording you want to hang the washers. 
    You could also add a charm or bead to the cords at the top of the washer. However, you'll need to make sure that your bead has a large enough hole or that the cords are thin.
    You could also add some fasteners to the ends for a more professional look. However, I just tied mine.
    The isopropyl  (rubbing alcohol) should be greater than 90%.
    You can use a resin or brush on varnish instead of the spray varnish.
    When using the spray varnish make sure that you don't get too close to the washer.
    Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. VERGIE MARIE MUSE

      April 29, 2024 at 9:16 pm

      do you paint both sides of the washer?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        April 30, 2024 at 7:09 am

        I did not paint on both sides. I guess you could if you want to.

        Reply
    2. Paula

      August 31, 2023 at 10:32 am

      I have never worked with any of these but you make them look so easy. I am going to try it. Thanks for the ideas and thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        August 31, 2023 at 10:45 am

        Paula, they are really easy and maybe even a little addictive. Also messy. Have fun!

        Reply
    3. Carole West

      August 30, 2023 at 3:01 pm

      All of your ink projects are fantastic and this one is exceptional. A necklace like this would jazz up a solid color top or dress in minutes. Love it.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        August 30, 2023 at 3:34 pm

        Carole, I'm so glad you like the necklaces. However, I cannot take any artistic credit. The alcohol inks are that easy to work with. You almost always come out with a winner.

        Reply
    4. Zuzanna

      August 30, 2023 at 1:11 pm

      First I contemplate stealing his blueberries, now I am after his washers. Here, kitty, kitty!

      This is a perfect project for me. Hopefully there are autumn toned inks available somewhere in northern Canada.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        August 30, 2023 at 3:34 pm

        LOl. You're too funny Zuzanna. Enjoy!

        Reply

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    Five washer necklaces decorated with alcohol inks.
    Alcohol ink washer necklaces over two sized washers painted with alcohol inks.
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    I'm Patti

    Join me to create lots of fun DIY projects, including crafts, gardening, home decor, and tasty recipes

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    Five washer necklaces decorated with alcohol inks.
    Alcohol ink washer necklaces over two sized washers painted with alcohol inks.

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