Showing posts with label Upcycled Creations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Upcycled Creations. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2012

Not Your Grandma's Bracelet, But Made With Her Accessories


From the onset of my jewelry designing adventures with recycled materials, I have acquired a variety of vintage brooches, clip on earrings, out of style metal chains and sparkly crystal beads. Finding a use for these materials is a nifty and thrifty way to explore your creative talents.

I created this cool bracelet by revamping several pieces of jewelry that once belonged to a sweet little grandma living in St. Louis, Missouri. Her granddaughter now wears this fashion forward piece to the office. The flower pendant is an old brooch pin, which was reconstructed into a charm and is the focal point of this piece. The crystal beads and metal chain are also reclaimed materials! I added a lobster clasp and jump rings, which can be purchased from Jo-Ann Fabrics or Michael's crafts for $3-$5! 


Students and customers will typically ask for suggestions on what to do with heirloom pieces that once belonged to a loved one. If you are looking for a sentimental gift to give to your family members this holiday season, consider sifting through your granny's jewelry box and making something fashionable and sentimental!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Thrill of the Hunt at Thrift Stores

An exciting aspect of creating wearable art is the thrill of the hunt for unique materials. Whenever I travel to a new city, I always visit local thrift stores to look for inventory to add to my "made for art projects" collection.

My most recent find was a large assortment of vintage buttons. Buttons can be used for many different wearable art projects, including rings! Any local craft store should have various types of ring bases for sale, most  are available in one size fits all styles. I used a 22 gauge wire to arrange and attach the buttons in a fashionable way.
 Your new recycled button ring is a great accessory to compliment your fall wardrobe. These cool creations also make great gifts!