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-- End Ad Box --->let’s cut the piece to the proper length. A ring
DO YOU HAVE HEIRLOOM SILVERWAREsizer, a tapered metal rod with size markings up the
THAT’S HIDDEN AND NOT APPRECIATED?side, is very handy to do this task. You can
Did mom or grandma pass down her old silverwaredetermine your ring size by using a ring that fits you
and it’s stuck in a drawer, closet or attic justand placing it on the rod. Take your piece of
waiting to be discovered and used again? Dosilverware, and at the size you want, put the tip of
something with that beautiful flatware, that not onlythe piece on the rod and roll the rod one full
will you appreciate but so will those that see yourrevolution with the silverware moving but not slipping
creation. These handcrafted pieces can make greaton the rod. Add ¼” and that will be the length
gifts for family members, not only to wear andyou need for your ring. Cut the piece in two at that
enjoy, but to pass down to their children. Sure, thatpoint.
silverware is tarnished, you might even say hopeless,2. Grind the bottom side of the piece to an even
but that’s where the fun begins.thickness and a slow taper to the cut end. The
That silverware can be handcrafted into jewelry thatthinner the piece is the easier it will be to bend on
will receive compliments that you would never havethe metal rod. File the edges of the ground area to a
believed. The jewelry created can range in style fromsmooth, rounded finish and you are now ready to
rugged to elegant. Some patterns in silverware arebend it.
very ornate and make beautiful necklaces, rings or3. A ½” to ¾” wide, 4” long piece of
bracelets. The spoon ends can be pounded into afiber (which is what I use) or a hard wood, such as
rugged looking pendant for a necklace that worksmaple, with a ¾” half moon cut out in the side is
also for the guys when you put that pendant on agood to use to pound the piece into the circle that
heavy leather or hemp cord, You’ll be amazed.we want to achieve. With the rod positioned securely
Beading can be added for women on either thein a vice or cradled in a wooden jig, place the piece
rugged or classy look and be color coordinated for aof silverware over the rod with the half-moon cutout
great look. You might ask, “How do I turn mydirectly over the rod on top of the piece and pound
flatware into a beautiful piece of jewelry”? Well,with a hammer. Work your way the length of the
let’s see what we can do with your flatware.piece and it will begin taking shape. You can use a
If your silverware has a wide handle and is verypair of adjustable pliers with leather over the jaws
ornate, it can be made into a beautiful pendant for aand taped in place to help bend the piece, never use
necklace or a bracelet. If you like a wide ring, thatmetal tools directly against the silverware as it will
might also be a possibility. If your pieces are narrowscratch or mar the surface. Keep working the metal
with a beautiful design, a ring or bracelet might beuntil you have a true circle and it is the size you
the most desirable. Let’s start with a pendantwant.
to make that beautiful necklace.4. Now try it on for size, if it fits the way you want
NECKLACE -give it a final polishing and wear it with pride.
1. Buff the handle on a buff wheel. You can get aBRACELET-
buff wheel and buffing compound at a local hardware1. Start by the usual buffing on two of the pieces. If
store. Put your buff wheel on your bench grinder andyou have a bracelet that fits well, especially if it has a
buff away being very careful not to catch the edgechain on one side and a lobster claw clasp on the
of the handle on the wheel. If your silverware is onlyother, that will give you a good idea of the shape
lightly tarnished, you could just use a cleaningand length you want to achieve in your creation.
compound. Don’t use any kind of a stripper to2. I use a 1 ¼” PVC pipe T to bend my
remove the darkness down in the crevices of thesilverware on. You can hold the piece with your pliers
piece or you’ll lose the character and beautyand bend into a circle or make a clamp on the PVC
of the piece.with a flat piece of steel that’s covered on
2. Cut the piece approximately 5/8” longer thanthe clamp side with leather and bolted onto the PVC.
needed, that extra length will make the loop thatOnce you have the piece held in place, bend it until
your leather rope will go through to hang the pendantyou get the shape you want. Bend the second piece
when finished. Now grind that extra length to anthe same way.
even thickness, approximately 1/16” thick, so it will3. Cut the pieces to the length you want and file to a
bend easily to form the loop. If it is too wide yousmooth finish. Drill a 1/16” hole in each end of the
can grind some off of the width before you bendtwo pieces to accommodate the jump rings and
the loop. With a fine file, smooth the edges of thesmooth the edges of the holes. Use a large jump ring
ground metal so that it will not mar the leather andto join the two pieces together. At this point, try the
will slide easily on the cord.pieces on your wrist and see how they fit. If further
3. With a set of jewelry pliers with round jaws, bendadjustment is needed, use your adjustable pliers to
the complete loop to a size that is bigger than theget the exact shape you want. At the other ends,
cord that you will be putting it on. Give the piece ayou can use a split ring to join the lobster claw clasp
final polishing and it is now ready to put on the cord.to one end and to join a 1” chain to the other.
You can add beading of your choice or just leave itGive it a final polishing and wear with a smile. I hope
as is, and you now have a very unique and beautifulyou have a great time with this project!
necklace.A FEW SAFETY TIPS!
You can find leather cord and ends, lobster claw1. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN GRINDING!
clasps, chain and beading at most hobby and craft2. DIP SILVERWARE IN A CUP OF WATER WHEN
stores.IT GETS HOT FROM GRINDING OR BUFFING!
RING-3. BUFF THE PIECE VERTICALLY WITH THE
1. Start by buffing the piece of silverware. NowLENGTH OF THE PIECE.