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More Hardware Store Finds

by Lynda Carson.
(Spring Valley, California USA)

I too love to investigate hardware stores for materials for jewelry.

Haven’t had much luck though in finding copper washers. If anyone has a source, I’d love to know about it.

However, I have used brass washers. They are inexpensive and come in a wide range of sizes. The advantages are they don’t tarnish and stay with an ‘old gold’ color. They also look beautiful when textured with a hammer – a real work out, as brass is hard – but the results are great.

Here are two pairs of earrings. The one has textured washers hanging on sterling chains. The other has brass nuts hanging on sterling jump rings – funky and fun.

Lynda Carson
Fresh Baked Designs

Comments:

Hardware Store Jewelry
by: Rena

Great finds, Lynda! I love the industrial style of these.

Just a thought – have you checked a plumbing supply store for copper washers? Or perhaps ask a plumber what a good source for them might be. They often deal with copper pipes – so they may know more about supplies, or may even have some copper scraps or leftovers they’d be glad to unload.

Thank you so much for sharing your great shopping finds. Very inspiring.

Also, I love your custom earring cards with your “fresh baked” C on them! Very clever. :o)

And for anyone who hasn’t seen the other “hardware” post:

Jewelry Supplies from Hardware Stores.

Thanks for the lead, Rena
by: Lynda

Thank you, Rena, for the ideas on where to find copper–I appreciate it!
And the C you mentioned seeing on my earring card is actually a donut with a bite out of it–a referenced to ‘fresh baked’. As with many artisans and crafters, there may be no dedicated work space available in the home. My ‘studio’ happens to be the kitchen counter-so jewelry pieces are just one of the many delicious things that are created in my kitchen. Also, my husband loves donuts!

Lynda

More hardware store finds
by: Bev Carlson

I love your earrings made with hardware store finds! With the cost of silver going up so much lately, jewelry designers need to look around more. I’ve been using brass some lately too and need to scout out my local hardware store again.
Bev

copper washers
by: laura t

if you have a harbor freight nearby , they have copper washers. i have order from monsterslayer, too.

Thank you, Laura!
by: Lynda

As soon as I read your comment about Harbor Freight, I googled them and there are several locations in my area or easy on line ordering. They have an assortment package of 110 copper washers for just under $10.00. I’m heading for the car right now!
The generous sharing of this on line community is wonderful.
Thank you, thank you.

farming supply stores too
by: Nicki

If you have a Tractor Supply or other type of Farm supply type store nearby, they also sell a wide selection of hardware…Harbor Freight is really good though, but they aren’t always everywhere, so thought I’d mention this option as well.

Hello
by: Madigan Jewelry

Hi Linda!! What a pleasant surprise to see you on this site! Love your stuff! The best place to find the copper washers is at Harbor Freight, but order them online. I find they usually don’t have in stock at the store, althought there is one in El Cajon. Good Luck!! Jen

Thanks, Jen
by: Lynda

Hi, Jen,
Love this site. The resources and sharing going on is valuable and generous. Thanks for the tip about Harbor Freight, too. When ever I think of the beginnings of my work in jewelry, always think of you.
You helped me see the excitement and the possibilities.

Lynda

More Hardware Store Finds
by: MichelleO

I have been shopping in hardware stores for about 2 1/2 yrs now. I LOVE THEM!!!! I buy most of my supplies there for my Unisex jewelry.
Stainless steel and brass washers, aluminum rod, copper tubing and copper wire. Yesterday I discovered 18g aluminum wire 18g braided stainless steel wire in the picture hanging department.
For copper washers and black O rings I go to Harbor Freight. They have multi packs for VERY reasonable prices. They have a great selection of hammers too. (I’ve got my eye on a cone shaped nylon. They also have an $8.00 mini torch that I have used for months with no problems. (The one I purchased at Home Depot for $25.00 never worked properly)
I could go on and on……lol lol!!
MichelleO.

Source
by: Barbara Bear

I buy my Copper Washers at Harbor Freight. A small box for about $7! Can’t beat it!

Copper washers
by: MzRedski

You can find copper washers and other copper thingys at your local auto parts stores…

Love Harbor Freight

by: Claudia Winter

I will freely admit that I have a soft spot for cheap stuff, so when my husband asked me to pick something up for him at Harbor Freight, I was in love! The stuff is so cheap that if it’s something you only use once in a while or just want to try, it’s great. I found a magnetic “parts” bowl-the same as the one I just bought at JoAnn for pins, $12-for $1.50! Scissors for $1, tweezers, hammers…but I didn’t know they had copper washers. Now I have a reason to go!