Vintage Jewelry Projects

This is the perfect project for the vintage lover who enjoys puzzles. And if you love mementos and reminders of past, this project is for you. Grab your old jewelry, buttons and glue. Let’s create some artwork with with vintage jewelry!

It is Thrift Store Decor Team Wednesday! What better time to share a fabulous creative project! As is the case every second Wednesday of the month, at the end of this post you will find links to all of the team’s creative upcycled projects for this month.

I had seen this type of project maybe 15 years ago around Christmas time. Here are a few samples I have seen on Pinterest and Instagram.

Someone had created glorious artwork by arranging vintage brooches and jewelry in the shape of Christmas. It was mounted on velvet and I remember my awe in the regality and festive aura of the creation. While I still would like to make a Christmas tree, with Valentine’s Day approaching, why not focus on a heart theme? Part of the joy of creating is taking older projects ideas and reinventing them. So that is my goal for this month’s Thrift Store Decor Team project.

Select a Vintage Picture Frame or Twelve

You can start small with a tiny frame or go big with a larger frame. Of course, I will be making all of the sizes. Smaller frames can be a little more challenging because you need to keep your jewelry on a smaller scale. With the larger frame, you have a broader canvas to work with so sometimes this is easier.

I gathered a nice collection of smaller frames from my garage. Being a former antique store owner, I’ve still got a huge supply of items that are totally useless for daily life but perfect for a brainstorm of a project, just like this. I also grabbed a few larger frames. The smaller frames range in size from 3″ X 5″ to 7″ X 8″ and in a variety of shapes from square to oval to rectangular to diamond. I covered all of the proverbial geometric selections! Sister Pauline would be proud. The larger frames are 14″ x 17″ and 16″ X 19″. So I have a good variety. .

The most striking examples of brooch artwork creations had a rich background. So I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some velvet. At $17.99 a yard, I selected just 2 colors, black and red, and bought just 1/2 a yard of each.

I also gathered some other materials to use for the back of the frames including some fuschia crepe paper, assorted flannel fabrics, and even cardstock. Use whichever speaks to you. It is your creation.

Here are some other items you can use instead of brooches:

• Earrings
• Buttons
• Gemstones
• Coins
• Necklaces

Prep Your Frame

Most of my frames come from thrift stores, yard sales and garage sales.  Sometimes the frame assembly is in great shape.  Often the backs or glass fronts are missing.  You can find replacement glass at the thrift store!  Simply take your measurements and head to the local store with a tape measure in hand.  You are sure to find replacement glass and or backs at a great price. 

You can also make your own backs for your frame.  The side of the back facing front will be the base upon which you glue your jewelry. I use spare cardboard. 

In a pinch even cereal boxes will work.  Simply measure your frame and cut out a replacement back so that it fits snugly inside of your frame opening. Select a piece of cardboard that is sturdy and has a flat even surface. Bumpy or flimsy cardboard will make for a sloppy and disheveled backdrop for your art.

Add Your Fabric or Paper Backing

Once you have your back ready, apply some spray adhesive to the front of the cardboard (let’s call it the cardboard mat).  Since I am using a heavier fabric, I gave the mat a liberal spray and allowed it to set for a minute. 

Then I simply laid it on top of the back of the velvet, flipped it over, and smoothed the surface.  Instant background!

I repeated this process for each of the frames using my desired material to cover the mat. Time to piece together a design!

Create Your Design

This is the fun part!  I laid the first mat on my desktop so it was completely flat. Then I just started adding jewelry to created a heart. Play with your designs! 

I usually start with the larger pieces of jewelry and then fill in with the smaller pieces.  I use different sized beads as fillers.  Just keep playing until you get the look that you love.

Once you have achieved your desired shape, secure your jewelry and beads with glue.  I use E 6000 which is a crafters’ glue and can be used on all types of materials.  You can find it at craft stores, hardware stores and even Walmart. 

Because the dark velvet is rather unforgiving, I squeeze a small blob onto a paper plate and either dip the larger pieces into the glue or use a toothpick to apply.  Just lift the jewelry piece from it’s staged point, apply the glue and set it back into place.  Move to the next piece until you have glued all of the pieces onto the background fabric. I also used my Ryobi hot glue gun but mainly on the larger jewelry pieces.

I allowed the creation to dry overnight.  Then simply pop the entire piece into your frame.  Secure with a bead of hot glue or a few staples or nails inserted into the back.

Here is a link to another similar project where I created some artwork in the same manner as the vintage jewelry hearts but with buttons.

You know I couldn’t stop at one! So here are a few more but a little simpler.

I even have a few frames left over. I know there is an entire vintage suitcase filled with more jewelry somewhere in my garage. Gotta save a project for a rainy day!

I can’t wait to decorate for Valentine’s Day with these beauties!

Thrift Store Decor Team Projects

As promised, here are all of the projects from my talented friends on the Thrift Store Decor Team! We are so very excited about another year of bringing you monthly upcycled thrifty projects! Enjoy!

How To Hydro Dip Using Spray Paint My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Vintage Jewelry Projects Shop At Blu

Updating and Decorating with Thrift Store Art Our Southern Home

Get Organized With an Updated Magazine Rack My Repurposed Life

Updated Rattan Wicker Lamp Domestically Speaking

Washboard Cabinet Makeover Organized Clutter

Hanging Necklace Holder Petticoat Junktion

Wooden Sleigh for Winter Decor Sadie Seasongoods

Upcycling Junk – 3 Easy DIY Ideas Reinvented Delaware