Explore wearable objects from the Museum’s collection that were made centuries ago, and then make your own pendant inspired by your favorite creature.
The works of wearable art below feature animals or creatures. Artists combined different art-making and metal-working processes to create them. Use the downloadable resource guide or the information below to create your own wearable treasure using paper, foil, and yarn.
Frog Pendant, c.1300–1500; Chiriquí, Costa Rica; gold; 2 9/16 x 2 1/16 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of Morton D. May 202:1978
Crown, 10th–11th century; Chinese, Northern Song dynasty or Liao dynasty; bronze with gilding and repoussé decor; 7 5/8 x 8 x 8 1/2 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Funds given by Edith Spink in memory of her husband, C. C. Johnson Spink 108:2002
Disc for Armor, Chest or Back Plate, 7th–early 6th century BC; Italic, Orientalizing period; bronze; diameter: 9 3/4 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 53:1922
Creature Pendants
Make your own pendant inspired by your favorite creature. Gather materials such as those listed below to get started.
Suggested materials
Thick paper or cardboard, white paper, glue or tape, scissors, aluminum foil, pen, pencil, and string or yarn.
Instructions for making your own creature pendant
Take a small piece of white paper that is between four and six inches wide and long. Sketch an outline of your creature on the paper and fill in all the details you would like to add.
Take a piece of aluminum foil that is at least 12 inches long. Make a hamburger fold at four inches and then again at eight inches to form a trifold or threefold. Now you should have a piece of aluminum foil roughly four by six inches in size that is three layers thick.
Place the animal drawing on top of the aluminum foil. It will be helpful to have a pad of paper or a magazine underneath the foil. The cushioning will allow for all your details to show.
Trace your animal using a dull pencil or pen, gently pushing down on the piece of paper and foil as you trace.
When you are done tracing, remove the piece of paper and turn over the foil to see your creature.
If you would like to wear your repoussé creature as a pendant, punch a hole in the top center of your finished work. Cut a piece of yarn or string and thread it through the hole and tie the ends.
Your artwork is now ready to be worn as a pendant.
