More Awesome Hardware Jewelry Tutorials / The Beading Gem

Image by Cat Ivins

I've recycled some old nuts and small washers from defunct equipment before to make fun and funky earrings. Rather simple affairs compared to these designs from some of the most creative online jewelry makers!

These super talented individuals wrote excellent tutorials. I've selected them to feature because each design uses a unique approach.

Cat Ivins of the Olive Bites blog not only recycled bottle tops and buttons but her amazing ring clamp pendant tutorial allows for interchangeable inserts! Who knew hardware store clamps for hoses could be cool for jewelry making?

I wrote "insanely brilliant" in the comments of Michelle's blog post, In which Mich gets overexcited at the hardware store. She used the spring for holding window screens as unusual bracelet clasps. They stretch making the bracelet very easy to put on!

Image by Mich in LA

I will also never look at hex nuts the same again. Erica over at the Honestly...WTF blog was inspired to create her own version of a brass braided hex nut bracelet. The doubled row hex nut design can surely be applied for a necklace too.

Image by Honestly....WTF

Also fantastic is her DIY Box Braid necklace tutorial which uses micro-fiber faux suede and washers. Wearing two of them together is just stunning! Who knew washers could get this classy?

Image by Honestly...WTF

Stephanie Joy of the Joy in the Middle blog has an easy washer necklace tutorial. She really transforms ordinary washers with her mod podge technique. This is a wonderful "cross-over" method because she uses scrapbooking paper. She has inspired me to go get mod podge!

Image by Joy in the Middle

Want to get some frustrations out of your system? Check out the easy Hammered Copper Washer Pendant Tutorial from Gelt Designs' New Jewelry a Day blog. The texturing was done with a border or goldsmith hammer. If you have a blunt chisel, that might work too.

Image by New Jewelry a Day

More Hardware Jewelry Inspirations and Tutorials

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips

8 comments

CarolJune 4, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Very neat stuff!!! I love it when people think outside the box. These are great ideas.
Carol
Michelle L.June 5, 2011 at 1:42 PM
All inspiring! Thanks so much for including my bracelet, Pearl! I am going to visit all these tutorials now, my favorite type of project as you know!
BetteJoJune 6, 2011 at 12:10 AM
Okay - some cool stuff there. I never think of looking for jewelry components when I'm at the hardware store though. Shoot!
Almost PreciousJune 8, 2011 at 2:44 PM
Wonderful pieces and the hose clamp pendants are incredible.
I've thought about using some of the washers and nuts sold at the hardware store but was always concerned about the lead content as there are more stringent standards for jewelry components than there are for hardware.
The Beading GemJune 8, 2011 at 5:51 PM
Many hardware findings are fine if they are copper, stainless steel or aluminum. Just find out the content. If in doubt, don't buy!
Mixed KreationsNovember 24, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Neat! These are really cool ideas. Very creative. I especially like the washers with the mod podge. Cute.
AnonymousJune 14, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Hi,
This post has given me a lot of new ideas!
I had a question about the hammered copper washer pendant - could a regular household hammer work to give it that texture too?
The Beading GemJune 14, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Yes, you can do some texturing with household hammers although you will be limited with what you can achieve. There are proper texturing hammers available for jewelry making.

You're AWESOME! Thanks for the comment and feedback. You do make a difference on my blog!

More Awesome Hardware Jewelry Tutorials

8 comments

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