Necklaces crafted from Silver Antique & Vintage Fork & Spoon Handles

December 18th, 2008 in member junk

JunkMama1, member

4 users recommend

Photo: Displayed on a vintage purse

Add Comment
Print

I'm sure you've seen Key Rings crafted from old silverware. Well, my husband and I while looking at a Key Ring realized that old flatware is so beautiful that the handles would make beautiful necklaces! I wore one to work one day and after selling several pieces to co-workers, we started selling them at craft shows. It's wonderful to hear customers say, "My Grandmother used to have this silverware"!

We also enjoy finding pieces the are so dirty, you just have no idea what they really look like, and then taking them home and shining them up to be suprised by their beauty! I think my husband secretly likes hiding out in our little shop with a little spinning wheel he put together...just cleaning and enjoying music!

We sell the pieces on silver chains, as well as, black, brown and beige leather cords. The younger people seem to like the leather and it really makes the piece pop!

I've been thinking about selling them on Etsy.com and would be curious if other members of JunkMarket have had any luck doing so?

Pattern or design used: My own design - Urban Iron Art & Newtiques

posted in: member junk, funky, shabby chic, silver, Jewerly

Add Comment Print

Comments (13)

JunkMama1 writes: veridiantclaret - I do not currently have an online shop, however, we could connect via My Space - Urban Iron Art and Newtiques and work something out. You can also find me on Facebook.
Posted: 9:33 pm on June 16th

veridiantclaret writes: Hi, I just stumbled across this site while doing a google search for spoon necklaces. I really love your stuff and was wondering how/where I could buy it? Thanks! Posted: 2:14 pm on June 15th

pofolksdecorator1 writes: Love spoon, and fork jewelry. I tried to use a blow torch to cut handles off. How do you cut them? Also, I live in a small town far from anywhere. I made 25 custom rag dolls all different colored hair, eyes and outfits. I am still trying to set up an etsy.com account. Do you think ebay would be better? HOw much do you sell the pieces for? Annie Posted: 11:35 am on May 9th

JunkMama1 writes: Thought I would answer a few questions that have been raised about the flatware necklaces.Sorry it took so long?

How can you tell that an old piece of flatware is silver?
well, I've learned over time that silver is heavier than stainless stell. As well as, Silver tarnishes. So, if you pick up an old spoon or fork that feels a little heavy and you can tell at one point it used to be beautiful, it definately will be once you clean it! LOL

Do we use a grinder to asw off the end? Yes! In fact we have jars full of the bottom halves of spoons and forks...savings those for a project I have in mind. And the bending my hsband does...I'm just lucky that he's a blue color kinda guy, who works with heavy metal all day!

Thanks for all of the wonderful commnets, feedback and suggestions!

Claudia AKA JunkMama Posted: 12:01 am on April 7th

ela1203 writes: These silverware peices are really wonderful ways to make jewlery. I have a question, do you use a grinder to saw off the one end? I agree with the one viewer who also that feels like she has ADD when you see so many greats projects on this site that it gets me motivated so I am doing a bit of everyting. Great job!!! Posted: 6:09 pm on March 13th

pofolksdecorator1 writes: I love your necklaces. I saw where someone had just cut the ornate end off, drilled a hole added a wire earring. Awesome. When you go to a flea market make sure its real silver, and take it to the jeweler. He will charge about 30 dollars and you will have an awesome ring! Annie Posted: 10:30 am on March 11th

scubacuba2 writes: You've done a very nice job. How can you tell if it's sterling or not? Are the pieces marked or stamped. Posted: 8:10 am on January 25th

purple412 writes: Hi Junkmama1,
Love the necklaces! I too, am a hugh silverware junkie. I have a few dozen pieces right now and I've been playing around with jewelry ideas. My problem is that I'm also pulled into another project so easily, I think the common term is ADD! I have a shop on Etsy and I do see lots of silverware jewelry but craftmanship vs. price is always a major draw to buyers. It's pretty easy to set up your shop and I'm sure your jewelry would get attention!
Good Luck! Posted: 3:00 am on January 5th

suewhitney writes: Wow, these are great! I love the leather cord and I'm 50. OK, so my daughter does suggest that I am past my prime and maybe I should start dressing my age, but what the hay...we're all young at heart. Right? I would think that you would have much success selling these Etsy...you've done a great job with your execution. Good luck and let us all know how it goes.

Happy Holidays,
Sue Posted: 9:08 am on December 21st

JunkMama1 writes: Candy,
Yes, we often do find monogrammed pieces, and once turned upside down (after bending the stems of the flatware) "M"s become "W"s and so on...which brings more creatvie thinking!

JunkerMidge,
Thanks for the compliment about the leather cords...we often do get the twenty something or hip Mom buying these pieces! Posted: 12:13 am on December 20th

junkermidge writes: What nifty jewelry! Some of those silverware pieces are so ornate and beautiful it's little wonder that they've become a fashion statement. I like the idea of the leather cords. I can see my kids wearing something like that.
Midge Posted: 9:09 pm on December 19th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: Have you ever come across monogrammed pieces? That could be really nice.

Thanks for sharing!
Candy Posted: 8:08 am on December 19th