cardboard turquoise rings

If you are a long time reader, you will know that I LOVE getting creative and turning simple materials into something really fun! And cardboard is one of my favorite things to create and craft with. My parents will even tell you that when I was a kid, I would go through the trash looking for cardboard to use in my art projects. Cardboard is super versatile and it takes layers of paint really well. So well that you can even create jewelry with it. Today I thought it would be fun to share some turquoise cardboard rings that I created for my online class Camp Wanna-Create. This project is super simple but ends up being really dynamic!

I started with cardboard from our recycling bin and cut it into shapes. I collect turquoise statement rings so I cut my shapes a little larger.

Next I gave that cardboard a few thick coats of paint. While cardboard will never be waterproof, painting it will seal the surface from everyday wear.

After those layers of color dried, I used a rag and began dabbing different shades of turquoise, white and black onto the surface. My goal was to create a turquoise inspired look.

I continued to build up those layers of color with both a rag and a brush.

Then with a tiny brush I added a few details to look like veins in turquoise. 

Then I used gold acrylic paint around the edges to give the look of a soldered bezel.

Once the paint was dry, I gave everything a thick coat of polyurethane.

Last, I glued the cardboard to a ring back.

The result are some really unique turquoise rings that were made mostly from materials in our recycling bin!