Modified Dragon Pendant

I put some sizzle in my new dragon necklace.
I got this dragon necklace at the county fair for $4. As cool as it was, I knew it could be better. It didn't have a finish and only one crystal, so it looked a bit flat. The changes cost virtually nothing. Here's what I did:

1. Washed and dried it thoroughly.

2. I painted segments of the pendant black with ordinary acrylic craft paint (29 to 50 cents a bottle). I used a paper towel to wipe the paint off as I worked. This left black paint only in the grooves and details, making the highlights pop.

3. The additional rhinestones came from a nail decorating kit I got for a dollar. (Crafter's jackpot. Glue, hundreds of rhinestones, and six miniature vials.) I tried to use hot glue (miserable failure) but the glue that came with the kit (similar to super glue but virtually invisible) was perfect and has proven durable. I applied them with tweezers.

It only took a few minutes. I think a few subtle changes made a big difference, and it looks better, bolder, and higher quality. For pennies!

Don't you love DIY?