Story Simone Nash-Pronold 

Photo Jessica Runyan-Gless

My interest in bottle caps began in middle school. It started with various Henry Weinhard’s root beer bottle caps that pictured the old-time brewer saying phrases such as “Flip My Lid” or “Roll Out The Barrel!” Soon, I began drinking different kinds of soda out of old-fashioned bottles so I could add new caps to my collection. I also found beer bottle caps on the street to expand what I had even further.

The box slowly grew over the years, and finally I had no idea what to do with the caps. I was inspired in high school by a woman selling bottle caps filled with pictures at an art show. My crafty self knew I could easily make them on my own. I went home and made my first pendant for my little sister — a Rolling Rock cap containing a photo of the two of us. She still wears it to display our sisterhood.

Materials:

• Metal bottle caps

• Hammer and a small nail

• Plastic resin and activating catalyst

• Pictures, magazine cutouts, glitter, stickers, beads, or other small objects that will fit inside the cap

• Skewer or paper clip

• Metal jump rings

Caution: The resin used for this project is highly toxic and volatile. Make sure you conduct the project in a well-ventilated area. 

Instructions:

1. Use the hammer and nail to make a small hole near the edge of the bottle cap.

2. Place photos, cutouts, or object to fit inside of the bottle cap. 

3. Insert the paper clip or skewer into the hole to block any resin from filling it.

4. Mix the resin and catalyst according to the instructions on the bottle.

5. Pour the resin into the bottle cap. You can fill it completely or do multiple layers of pictures and objects.

6. Allow the resin to dry. This can take from twenty-four to seventy-two hours, depending on air temperature and thickness of the resin.

7. Once completely dry, pull out the blocking device and insert a jump ring into the hole. 

You can use these filled caps to create pendants, key chains, or earrings. You can also skip step 1 and attach a magnet or thumbtack to the back for decorative office supplies. Be creative!