It’s not unusual for our jewelry boxes to be filled with piece we haven’t worn in many years. Maybe the piece is outdated or maybe the clasp is broken. Either way, the piece was kept with a thought to possibly wear it again.
Repurposing jewelry, to give it a new look, is an excellent DIY project. Refurbishing outdated or broken beaded jewelry is a fun and easy way to be creative while making a new, stylish signature piece. On any given day, I meet women at bead boutiques who are seeking beginner instruction on knotting pearls and how to use materials from broken jewelry in a new way.
The best way to get your DIY jewelry project underway is to pop into a local bead boutique with your baubles. Let the staff know what you have and how you’d like to use the items to create something new. Most likely, you will be speaking with someone who also instructs classes at the boutique. This is a great thing! Their expertise will help jump start your project.
For those who have never made jewelry before, I suggest signing up for an introductory class to learn the fundamentals of creating jewelry. Classes offer guided instruction from start to finish. Beginner classes are usually rather inexpensive and typically include all the materials needed to finish the class project.
If you choose to not take a class, be sure to ask as many questions of the staff as you can before making a purchase of any additional materials needed and leaving the boutique. Let the staff know this is a new experience and that you want to repurpose the piece on your own. Take notes & soak up all the information they share.
Repurposing jewelry is a great way to make something old and broken new again. By adding a few new materials and utilizing basic jewelry design techniques, you’ll create a piece you are proud to wear and share the story of.
Leslie Chatman is a chic thirtysomething in Dallas with a huge fetish for jewelry. Leslie is the owner and designer of LunaTeal Jewelry. She also writes for fine art of jewelry, a jewelry blog.
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