Mother's Day is on the way, and it's time to show Mom the LOVE!
But let's get real here, shall we?
Not everyone can afford to head to a jewelry store and buy a sparkling gem for Mom.
It's not about how much you love her, it's about your bank balance
and being the responsible person she raised you to be.
So, how about some ideas for re-imagining baubles from the thrift store or flea market?
A few easy steps to make the old NEW again?
I mean, Mom loved those macaroni noodle necklaces we made in kindergarten, right?
So if she's into jewelry, and hip to vintage and reclaimed style,
let's make her something with a BIT more sparkle and shine!
This past week, I took some of the stuff that's been cluttering up my jewelry box
and took a good look at it all.
As I did, I started laying various pieces together, thinking about how they could be changed,
and came up with some new jewelry without spending a cent...
[unfortunately, I didn't photograph the 'befores' because it wasn't until I was DONE
that I decided to make this a blog post!]
Project 1: a multistrand necklace.
I had three various-sized and length silver metal chain necklaces (dollar tree, years ago)
one ultra-long chain with multi-colored resin beads (thrift store, $2.00)
and one chain with big loops and pink plastic beads. Yes, plastic.
I don't know why I held onto that pink one - but I am glad I did!
It became the base for the new piece....
I just opened a few of the large links, and slipped a link from the other necklaces into them:
The bejeweled chain was folded in thirds, then attached,
and the silver chains were spiral-wrapped around the others, then attached.
It's chunky, it's fun,
and it perfectly matches one of the bright graphic Mickey Mouse tee shirts I wear to work!
[ I have five strands of pearls that I am going to do something similar with, too]
Project 2: a pieced necklace
This one came about because I truly love the vintage pieces...
I had them listed here in the HOMEWARDfound shop, and they didn't sell.
Which is GOOD, because I really didn't want to part with them!!!
I started by deconstructing the clip-on earrings, removing the backs and clips,
and also the pin from the back of the brooch.
Then I took another cheap chain I had, one with metallic resin beads,
and took out the center chain link and removed the bead that had been on it.
Then I connected each of those 'ends' to the floral elements,
and attached that one bead to the bottom petal of the large flower.
The warm gold-silver tone of the chain picks up the gold accents on the vintage flowers,
and the beads make it fresh and fun.
It reminds me of stuff from Anthro - without the price tag!
Confession: I cussed a lot while making this one. A LOT.
This was tiny, tiny work.... I made a lot of boo-boos, and it took FOREVER!
But I finally got it, and I LOVE this piece.
Project 3: a found object bracelet
A delicate bracelet (flea market, $5.00) is the perfect place to add miscellaneous charms.
I used what I had, and added some vintage buttons with gold filigree centers,
a leaf from an old earring, a vintage rose charm,
and what I think is a charm from a school sorority or club.
You could do this with orphaned earrings, special buttons, even rings,
saved by Mom because they are reminders of the past!
And finally, an idea that I had so much fun with...
It's so SIMPLE and EASY and INEXPENSIVE... you just won't believe it!
Project 4: a magical transformation
No, it's not buying earrings that match your nail polish.
IT'S BETTER!
It's PAINT your jewelry with Nail Polish!!!
The stones in these earrings were originally red.
But as nice as they were (sterling silver, from Sundance) I haven't worn red for a very long time.
But I DO wear PINK!
I grabbed this new bottle of 'Enchanted Kiss' nail polish
from the Beautifully Disney makeup line
and blobbed some hot pink polish over the red stone in the earrings.
It was like..... MAGIC! ;)
These perfectly match the pink logo on several of my work tee shirts,
along with a hot pink dress that I bought myself for my birthday.
Those earrings I never wore? I wear them every week now!
What are you waiting for?
Go take a peek into your own or Mom's jewelry box,
hit the thrift stores or a flea market on Saturday,
and you can
BLING IT ON for Mother's Day!
shared online:
Yesterday on Tuesday | Project Inspire{d}
One Project Closer | Creativity Unleashed
