Comments on: Designing Jewelry from Vintage Items

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:49:48 +0000

Thanks, Marie! I’d love to see what you create from your “junk” treasure stash! 🙂

By: Marie Davis

Marie Davis — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 17:43:50 +0000

I’m excited to read your article and its companion. I love the idea of upcycling items. I’ve bought a couple of lots of “junk” jewelry (eBay; Goodwill) and have had a good time taking them apart and being inspired by individual pieces. Sometimes I get some components that are just not attractive, so I try to combine them with things that will bring out their inner beauty. I’ve had several successes.

By: Pamela Dudrow

Pamela Dudrow — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:41:10 +0000

Annie, I’d be reluctant to place a piece of pottery in a tumbler. You might find there’s nothing left when you open the tumbler. There’s is a machine you can use that grinds off the rough edges, and you are in control of the process! Practice with soft solder and a soldering gun w/ a reostat (control the heat settings). That, I think, looks the best for using shards in a jewelry piece. Plus the design isn’t covered up with wire wrapping. Best of luck!
PS: there are books available devoted to this entire process. Check out Craftsy.com

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 20:51:18 +0000

In reply to Edna.

Edna, thanks for letting me know – that’s wonderful to hear! I’d love to see or hear about how your vintage inspiration turns out! 🙂

By: Edna

Edna — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 20:31:34 +0000

Hi! I always look forward to your messages. I need all the ideas and instructions I can receive. I am so excited about this email I read in your ideas about doing something about vintage items but I had no idea how. Thanks a MILLION Edna

By: Annie

Annie — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 10:36:51 +0000

Pam,
I have a broken plate from Spain that I loved and have kept, hoping I could use it in jewelry making somehow. I also just bought a small rock tumbler at a garage sale. Should I be tumbling the pieces of pottery to help round them off before using them to make jewelry (either by wrapping or some other way)? I hadn’t used them yet because they are so sharp (which is why I jumped on the rock tumbler when I saw it).

By: Pam

Pam — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 17:21:36 +0000

Yvonne, I have used pottery shards many times. I think the easiest way to incorporate these is to wire wrap it. I have also foiled and soldered them for brooches, makes it easy to solder the pin back onto it also. One word of caution, if you do this use lead free solder.

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:03:21 +0000

Ok, I need some ideas on how to use broken pottery pieces for jewelry. I have been saving my broken pottery for another craft project,but I would love to use to make jewelry. They are beautiful pieces.

By: nani kalthoff

nani kalthoff — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 18:59:38 +0000

so glad I found you.Just started working on repurposing old jewelry.Wanted to know what size of wire I use for attaching broaches to a silver chain bracelet,and how to attach earings and broches to the bracelet.What is the best glue to use .Thank you nani

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:07:29 +0000

Hi Pat! For projects where I’m using the customer’s components, I charge for my time plus whatever additional components and packaging I provide.

By: Pat Watson

Pat Watson — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:32:28 +0000

I saw your post about remaking the vintage long bead necklace into 3 projects for your customer. How much do you charge for something like that?? Hourly rate?? By the piece or what determines your compensation?