Making Photo Jewelry for Christmas Gifts This Year

Last Updated on August 14, 2020 by Ellen Christian

I love making my own Christmas gifts and spend quite a bit of time thinking about what I’m going to make for friends and family. I’ve made many different types of handmade gifts over the years from my orange flaxseed soap to my peanut butter fudge. This year, I”m thinking about making photo jewelry.

Making Photo Jewelry

When I decide what to make for Christmas each year, I want something personalized and useful. I’ve been working on decluttering and minimizing so I don’t really like things that take up a lot of space. I like gifts that have a purpose or can be used up. Last year I made gifts in a jar like brownies and cookies but this year it seems like everyone is dieting so I don’t really want to go that route again. Making photo jewelry is a perfect alternative.

Make your own photo jewelry

I’m seriously thinking about making photo jewelry for Christmas for the women in my family.  I really love photo jewelry because it is more than just a fashion statement.  It’s a memory that the receiver can treasure forever. Learn a few green ways to care for your jewelry.

How to make photo jewelry pendants

There are a lot of different types of photo jewelry from the classic pendant women have been wearing for years to something more modern like a bottle cap necklaces. This glass photo pendant is made using clear glass tiles. Or, you might want to try making resin jewelry. It’s a bit more complicated but I love the final result.

DIY photo jewelry ideas for beginners

If you’re new to making jewelry, check out a few of these easy DIY photo jewelry ideas. They’d make great Christmas gifts this year.

• DIY photo earrings by Looking Fly on a Dime
• Photo pendant by Ginger Snap Crafts
• DIY photo keychain by Life Your Way
• DIY photo pins by DIY Inspired
• Hand-colored photo jewelry by Rena Klingeberg
• Epoxy statement necklace by A Beautiful Mess

Photo jewelry supplies

If you want to try making your own photo jewelry, you’ll need some basic photo jewelry supplies first. I find that these pendant trays or these pendants with ball chains are a simple place to start. Or, this DIY photo pendant kit has everything you need to get started.

Tips for making photo jewelry

While it’s possible to make photo jewelry using photos you already have, it can be a challenge to find the right dimensions. Instead, you might want to consider printing out the photos in the correct dimensions for the bezel you’ll be using. Be sure to use sharp scissors or an x-acto blade for a sharp edge. You’ll adhere the photo to the bezel using Mod Podge.

Photo jewelry bracelet

One of the easiest ways to get started making photo jewelry is by making a photo jewelry bracelet. You will need a set of these pendant trays to use as the charms. And you will need a charm bracelet to add the charms to. You will also want some basic jewelry making supplies. This kit has everything you need including the pliers and the jump rings. It also has lots of other supplies in case you want to try a few other jewelry projects.

How can I package these to give?

There are lots of pretty jewelry sized boxes with foam batting available to package your gifts. You can keep it simple and just place your jewelry in a box. Then, tie it with a red or green ribbon. Or, you can wrap the box with wrapping paper and attach a bow. Or, why not include it in a little gift basket with a scarf or a new sweater. It all depends on what your recipient would enjoy receiving as a gift.

More crafts you can give as gifts

If you want a few more ideas for crafts you can give as gifts, why not make these poured paint votive holders. Or, you could make this orange peel soap recipe. This pen caddy is a great gift for anyone with a desk or office.

If you’re looking for a unique gift idea, making photo jewelry is a great way to give a present that will truly be appreciated.