I once made some earrings from recycled washers from a decommissioned instrument. These cannot be reused and it seemed such a shame to throw them away. So if you are eco minded or just love the industrial look, then hardware jewelry is for you.
Many artisans have already gone down that route. As you can see from Chic Steals' tutorial, all it requires is a good eye for possibilities. In her case, she used brass compression nuts and straight couplings from the plumbing section for her bold necklace above. In her excellent blog post, she wrote about the runway designs which inspired her and the funny conversation she had with a male customer at the checkout.
WASHERS
There are different types of metals used - zinc, stainless steel, copper, brass are some common ones. Also remember to keep the smooth side of washers against your skin, not the rough one.
1.Stringing/weaving
Blue Cricket design's tutorial weaves a whole bunch of washers together with an easy ribbon tie. It's hard to believe it is hardware store material, isn't it?
2.Stamping
Washers are just perfect for stamping! Brittney Walker's tutorial has all the instructions you need.
3.Wire Wrapping
JesseJov's video tutorial shows wirewrapping beads around a large washer to make a really neat pendant.
4. Paper decoration
Not keen on wire wrapping? Cathie and Steve have a really easy washer tutorial video which shows you how to decorate this donut with scrapbook paper and diamond glaze. Smaller washers will make super earrings!
Not everything at a hardware store is industrial looking. Bigmouth over at Craftster found flower rosette washers used in mounting wall mirrors to be perfect for her Girly Hardware Flower Brooch.
The washers and loops tutorial by Cynthia over at Shiny Little Things is not strictly a hardware store project as the washers are special ceramic glazed beads. But one could easily imagine using real washers together with the loops of Softflex wire.
METAL COILS
Impybat's tutorial on Cut Out and Keep will have you going to the electrical section of the hardware store!The focal in her necklace is a metal coil
COPPER PIPES
Geltdesigns' tutorial makes use of copper pipe for the main necklace portion. Charms could then be added.
Belinda Spiwak's approach is totally different. Her eclectic copper pipe based bracelet tutorial is fun and funky!
Related Post
Window Screen and Tackle Jewelry
Hardware Jewelry - My design and book review
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______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Many artisans have already gone down that route. As you can see from Chic Steals' tutorial, all it requires is a good eye for possibilities. In her case, she used brass compression nuts and straight couplings from the plumbing section for her bold necklace above. In her excellent blog post, she wrote about the runway designs which inspired her and the funny conversation she had with a male customer at the checkout.
WASHERS
There are different types of metals used - zinc, stainless steel, copper, brass are some common ones. Also remember to keep the smooth side of washers against your skin, not the rough one.
Blue Cricket design's tutorial weaves a whole bunch of washers together with an easy ribbon tie. It's hard to believe it is hardware store material, isn't it?
Washers are just perfect for stamping! Brittney Walker's tutorial has all the instructions you need.
JesseJov's video tutorial shows wirewrapping beads around a large washer to make a really neat pendant.
4. Paper decoration
Not keen on wire wrapping? Cathie and Steve have a really easy washer tutorial video which shows you how to decorate this donut with scrapbook paper and diamond glaze. Smaller washers will make super earrings!
Not everything at a hardware store is industrial looking. Bigmouth over at Craftster found flower rosette washers used in mounting wall mirrors to be perfect for her Girly Hardware Flower Brooch.
METAL COILS
COPPER PIPES
Related Post
Window Screen and Tackle Jewelry
Hardware Jewelry - My design and book review
Via via
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Thank you so much for including my tutorial for the brass couplings necklace! I truly appreciate your mention!
ReplyDeletexoxox
Carly
www.chic-steals.com
What fabulous ideas! Although my jewelry collection doesn't include stamped items, I'm really loving the idea...someday.
ReplyDelete-Stephanie
Great ideas...something interesting and unusual!!!
ReplyDeleteCheers
At first I thought I wouldn't like hardware jewelry because I like colorful and feminine jewelry. I was surprised to see that some of the designs are quite feminine. I guess you have to be open to new ideas!
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons why I write this blog is to open up my mind and those of my readers to other possibilities. Thanks to the fantastic artisans' tutorials, we can do just that.
ReplyDeleteAwesome tutorial!Since I am a wholesaler and retailer of fine Baltic jewelry and I love elegant, exquisite pieces, I'm actually surprised to say that hardware jewelry looks great too.
ReplyDeleteCool post! thanks for all the awesome tips!
ReplyDeleteI loved the article! These types of resources are extremely valuable to anyone interested in making jewelry. I can't wait to read some more of your articles!
ReplyDeletethx for share good post.
ReplyDeleteThat's some pretty awesome stuff - great ideas!
ReplyDeleteIt was my curiosity that brought me to this particular post and I'm glad it did. The necklace made from brass compression nuts looks as though it could be a 14kt gold necklace from a fine jewelry shop. All the designs are handsome in the most feminine sense of the word.
ReplyDeleteI will admit that I've been drawn to many elements seen in my local hardware store but have been hesitant as I wondered if these items could contain lead. I suppose one could purchase a lead testing kit to determine this but those kits don't come cheaply. Wonder if someone working in the store would be able to answer this question...of course the hardest part is just finding someone who works in the department that you're in.
A lot of the hardware stuff is brass, steel, stainless steel, copper or aluminum. But you're right, it is best to check with the store assistant IF you can find one! Pearl
ReplyDelete