Easy Craft Project - Make a Jeweled Ornament
Turn a Jewelry Box Staple into a Beautiful Work of Art
Sep 25, 2009
Costume jewelry was very popular during the mid-20th century, and while many pieces have been saved and preserved, just as many end up in broken pieces at the bottom of jewelry boxes. Rather than throw them out, why not use them to create something new? Before writing off these vintage beauties, give some thought to some other ways they can be used and displayed.
A very simple yet incredibly beautiful idea is to create an embellished ornament.
Materials Needed to Embellish an Ornament
- Glass globe ornament
- Jewelry pieces
- Strong jewelry glue or epoxy
- Needle-nose pliers
- Ribbon or thin fabric
- Chain necklace (optional)
- Beading wire (optional)
Not everyone is lucky enough to have pieces of old costume jewelry lying around but they're readily available for purchase in a number of places. Flea markets, antique shows, second-hand shops, and online auction sites are great places to find old jewelry. Auctions (online and otherwise) are particularly great places to buy costume jewelry because they can be purchased in large lots, sometimes at rock bottom prices.
Keep in mind when using vintage costume jewelry that some of it is quite valuable and shouldn't be broken apart. Try to use pieces that are already broken (yes, there are plenty of broken pieces out there for sale) or ones that are not made by the more collectible designers.
Vintage glass ornaments can also often be found in these same places. If you don't already have some that you want to use for this project, check out some flea markets and auctions. Sometimes the hunt for the perfect materials can be just as fun as the craft itself.
Instructions for Making a Jeweled Ornament
- Remove the backs from the earrings or pins, as well as any other excess portions of jewelry as necessary.
- Glue the jewelry pieces onto the glass ornament in a pleasing pattern. The pieces will likely need to be bent a little bit to follow the shape of the ornament.
- Loop a piece of ribbon (velvet or satin looks glamorous and elegant) through the ornament loop.
You can stop here and hang the ornament by the ribbon or with a classic ornament hanger, or you can move on to the next step and hang it somewhere other than on a tree (like in front of a window or mirror).
- Attach a necklace chain to the ornament loop with thin beading wire. The ribbon atop the ornament will hide the wire. If you don't want to hang it by a chain, ribbon will work just as well.
While this type of ornament is traditionally displayed at Christmas time, don't be limited by the season. They can be used to add a glamorous decorative touch to your home all year.
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