We all have a box or drawer somewhere full of old jewellery that we never wear. It seems a shame to throw it away, but it might be too worn or broken to send to a charity shop. The best thing to do is to reuse it in a useful way; old jewellery is actually a ready-made craft supply for all of your projects. You probably couldn't find the beads and stones anywhere else, making them the perfect materials to use again to create something unique.
Make Some New Jewellery
The most obvious idea is to make your own jewellery. Using basic tools like pliers and scissors, you can cut up your old jewellery and reuse the beads and fastenings to make something new. You might have to buy some new threading material or memory wire, but apart from that it's easy to refresh your jewellery collection.
Add Interest To Your Clothing
If you're any good with a sewing machine you could add beads and sparkles to your clothing. Old Swarovski and diamante jewellery is perfect for this if you can get the crystals out. Just use some special fabric glue to attach the crystals to your clothing in your own design or pattern. This is especially striking on a black outfit if you're going for a night out. Try doing the same to an old black handbag to make a matching set.
Brooches Make Great Shoe Buckles
Brooches are out of fashion at the moment and they're often quite difficult to take apart, so the perfect way to reuse them is on your shoes. They can hide scuffs and marks and give you a vintage-look pair at no cost whatsoever! A large crystal brooch makes a statement and there's nothing better than a striking pair of shoes!
Make Personalised Cards
Homemade cards are better-quality than you find in shops and are cheaper to make too. All you need is some good quality card and whatever trimmings you like to create a design. Old glass and crystal stones can be added to paper flowers or butterflies to give some extra sparkle. Card-making is a popular hobby and you'll have a supply of handmade cards to give to friends and family for the year to come. It's also a great craft to do with the kids and they'll love to join in and help.
Make A Home Decoration
From glass vases to candle arrangements, your old jewellery can spice up all of your home ornaments. Often these are sold in shops to add some interest to your room, but they're always very neutral to go with a wide range of decor. Your old beads and stones are the perfect way to make them your own. Sprinkled round the base of your candles or used to fill up a glass vase, their colours and familiarity will make your room feel more like home. At xmas-time they're particularly useful for your tree and table decorations and again, this is another craft that the kids will love.
Sylvia Kittens lives in Harrogate, England
