Repurposed Romantic Jewelry


Inside the current issue of Jewelry Affaire (Autumn issue) you’ll find my article in the Vintage Jubilee department.

This article includes the specific instructions on how to create these romantic looking necklaces.  All three necklaces were made using spare parts.  I know that many of you enjoy repurposing miscellaneous items as well…it’s fabulous that we have this in common!

I found the hanging parts (old metal hooks) during a family vacation in Geneva.  While traveling together, Bill and Brook very often accompany me to the local thrift stores…this makes the browsing experience that much more fun.  BTW, these metal hooks came in a glass jar full of other sewing notions – I think I paid 3 or 4 dollars for the whole jar…I love, love, love a good bargain!

In addition to using the metal hooks, I repurposed a vintage pin by attaching it to a strip of delicate lace, along with a couple of classic pearls.

I think these silvery-colored beads look pretty against the chunky crochet trim.  The mix of shine with texture, within a neutral palette feels elegant and easy.

With the holidays fast approaching I’m thinking of making some more of these quick to assemble necklaces to give as gifts.  And I’ll soon be happy-busy making ornaments as well, perhaps some felted wool items and all things cozy in general.  What special things do you enjoy making for the holidays?



27 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. These are beautiful! I love how you combined the lace with the bling. Your gift recipients will be so happy when they open their packages.

    Happy fall!

    October 4th, 2011

  2. oh becky, i love their soft & hard, gorgeousness & gorgeousness!
    XOX

    October 4th, 2011

  3. I love the contrast and the play of the metal against romantic lace~ These are beautiful~ What a wonderful gift!

    For the holidays I enjoy baking a lot of our family favorites. We give several tins to close friends, our extended family. I also love to make heart felt gifts, something that will evoke a warm or funny memory!

    October 4th, 2011

  4. These are lovely Becky! I can’t even begin to think about the holidays yet. I WISH I could plan that far ahead but it just isn’t in my makeup. 🙂

    October 4th, 2011

  5. Your necklaces are simply beautiful – I saw them in the magazine and had to buy it. you have a real flair for taking simple things and combining them to create something so special.
    I like making many things for the holidays: cards for sure, plus cookies and sauces and potpourri as well as small ornaments. I package them all up in boxes for friends and assembling them is one of my favourite Christmas tasks of all.

    October 4th, 2011

  6. what beautiful necklaces. I love seeing what you do with “spare parts”, its so inspiring. And I am definately looking forward to seeing what ornaments you do this year. I loved last years.
    Thanks for sharing
    love me 🙂

    October 4th, 2011

  7. These are wonderful. Once again you have taken such simple elements and combined them into an interesting and lovely piece of art to wear. I really enjoy crocheting during the cooler Autumn weather. Something about taking a string of yarn and turning it into a scarf or afhgan or such. Congratulations on your newest publication. Warm hugs…

    October 4th, 2011

  8. i love these necklaces. you have such a special touch! thank you for sharing today.

    October 5th, 2011

  9. Thank you for sharing your project likes, and thanks for the supportive comments too.

    October 5th, 2011

  10. laura huffman

    these pieces are gorgeous. love the mixtures of texture. love baking for the holidays, exchanging cookies with my sister-in-law. also love making ornaments-stained glass, scherenschnitte, felt pieces, sewing. love experimenting too. but my pieces don’t usually look this good. love.

    October 5th, 2011

  11. simple and elegant and oh-so- gorgeous! I just love these Becky! they’d make lovely ornaments as well if you made them on a larger scale! where does your creativity end??

    October 5th, 2011

  12. Becky, these are really pretty and unique. I know what you mean about buying a jar full of mysterious goodies, spilling them out onto a table and making discoveries of treasures!

    I think it’s almost time for hubby and I to take a little trip to our favorite antique mall soon. The rain has kept us home. But….now that the sun’s shining he has to catch up on garden work before winter. 🙁

    Have a happy day!
    Diane

    October 5th, 2011

  13. So nice, Becky. I just love the simplicity and bling combination!!!
    Hugs,
    Suz

    October 5th, 2011

  14. Gorgeous! I LOVE these necklaces, and what you’ve done is both clever and perfectly executed – as usual. :o) Thank you for sharing more of your beautiful creations, Becky. You have such a gift…
    Melody

    October 5th, 2011

  15. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!! There is nothing like “giving a new life” to things. I was planing on making some Christmas ornaments for me and for my friends, but I will be a long way from home for the whole month this October, so I don’t know if I’ll have enough time to do that. Who knows, maybe I come back all inspired and full of energy, and hopefully with lots of art supplies for some new pretty things…:)

    October 5th, 2011

  16. i could spot your beautiful, sophisticated, nostalgic style from anywhere! your necklaces are all of those things, and more!! absolutely gorgeous, becky!! xoxox

    October 5th, 2011

  17. These are perfect, each one is so lovely. I love using spare parts, as well…you have such an incredible talent for this! These are just beautiful, congratulations on your publication.
    ~Scarlett

    October 6th, 2011

  18. Ann Marie

    Oh Becky, these are truly stunning!!!! love, love, love!

    October 6th, 2011

  19. Becky, I am crazy for these. When you get these back, please shoot me an email if you plan to put them in the shop. Thank you!

    October 6th, 2011

  20. Becky,
    these are wonderful! Thanks for the inspiring idea!
    I’m already busy making Christmas ornaments, as I haven’t a house of my own at the moment and all my things are in storage… and guess what? I am making felted wool and warm, cozy ones!! :))
    Monica.

    October 7th, 2011

  21. Wow, Becky, these are simply scrumptious! You just amaze me with what you come up with! These are little charmers for sure!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I’m kind of chomping at the bit to get to making some ornaments myself!! Sure would be fun to create together!!
    Maybe one day…who knows?

    Hugs,
    Becky

    October 7th, 2011

  22. Love these! I will have to look through my old box of notions for some of those big hooks.

    October 10th, 2011

  23. These are lovely, love the mix of textures! Great way to repurpose old jewelry!

    October 10th, 2011

  24. Last Minute Lynn

    You are so clever and creative! I love how you use little “bits” in your work. In always look forward to what you have come up with. Thank you for sharing!

    October 12th, 2011

  25. Becky I love seeing your gorgeous jewelry creations. My daughter has recently gotten into beading, and I signed us up for class on making beaded holiday spiders next month. One doesn’t automatically think spiders when they think ornaments perhaps, but I thought what a unique idea!

    October 15th, 2011

  26. Rob

    Hi Becky, I’ve just come by to visit from the Rusty Rooster. I absolutely love these gorgeous necklaces, all of the elements go together so beautifully.
    I’ve been having a look around and I will be back.

    October 21st, 2011

  27. Hurray! They’re beautiful! Congratulations! I think this makes you a star!

    Hugs,

    Sheila

    November 15th, 2011

Reply to “Repurposed Romantic Jewelry”