Showing posts with label Jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jewelry. Show all posts

Monday, February 4, 2013

Re-purposed Vintage Earring Bracelet

So, if you are like us and collect vintage clothing and accessories, you well know that over the years, either because of age or carelessness, some items become damaged or lost. We have several incomplete sets of vintage earrings that have either been stranded somehow, possibly when moving or cleaning and others that are in just bad shape. Even if I no longer have the pairs, I just feel bad tossing them out because of how pretty they are. Needless to say, we were so excited when we discovered you don't have to get rid of them and you can actually give them a new life by turning them into bracelets! How sweet is that?

We just love recycling items and giving them a new life, even if it is not how they were originally intended to be used. 

Here is what is needed:
 Adhesive - (Make certain it is one that can be used for metals!)
Bracelet Blanks - (We had to look this up and suggest you do the same if you are not very jewelry savvy. They are not easy to find in stores, so our suggestion is you order online.)
Vintage Earrings - (Depending on how many blanks are on the bracelet, that is how many earrings you will need. Ours had 5 blanks, so we used 5 earrings. Also important to make sure the size of the earrings you are planning to use are similar to each other and depending on the shape of the blanks, that will be the same type of shape you will want to have in the earrings you are using. For example, for round blanks, use round earrings.) 


Next step is removing the back of the earrings, so you are left with a smooth, flat surface. We did this simply by bending the metal back and forth and pulling off with jewelry pliers. Now, simply assemble the pieces and glue on to your bracelet blanks. Allow enough dry time. Over night should be more than sufficient. Once the glue has dried, your bracelet is ready to be worn and enjoyed!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Swap Meet Haul

One of our favorite past times here at "What's Bippin?" is thrifting. We love searching for hidden treasures at second hand stores and swap meets/flea markets.
Recently we took a trip down to what some say is one of the best swap meets in the country: Kobey's in San Diego. We were in search of some needed items for some of our upcoming craft projects and with not a lot of money to spend it was the perfect place.
You never know what you're going to find at the swap meet, which is part of the excitement and appeal, however, it is also the downfall. We have had our share of disappointing swap meet outings where we've left with nothing, making it a huge waste of time. And then you have days like this day, where it pays off big time! On this Saturday morning the swap meet was packed. Tons of vendors, tons of stuff! We found many goodies for close to nothing. Sure, some items were a little rough around the edges, but nothing a little T.L.C. won't fix. Cue "Waterfalls"... I kid, kid.

So, here's what we got:

Vintage Earrings
Vintage Pins & Necklace
Vintage Earrings
Vintage Bracelet
Vintage Sweater Clip
Vintage Sweater Clip
Vintage Tie Clip
Vintage Earrings
Vintage Earrings
Vintage Earrings
Vintage Earrings

Vintage Chain Necklace
Vintage Notepad
Vintage Notepad (open)
Vintage Bentley BX-3 Toy Camera
L'oreal Gorgeous  Gold, Revlon Endless Possibilities, L'oreal Silver Sparkle


The stuff we got was literally purchased at 4 different stands. We didn't even cover half of the swap meet and we would have continued to shop, except we ran out of money. I (Lesli) made a rookie mistake by not hitting up the ATM before going and only had $20 to my name. Next time, which will hopefully be soon, we will be better prepared.
Thrifting is by no means an easy job. It's dirty and grimy, but we endure in the hopes of finding something spectacular we can give new life to. 
Happy thrifting to all! And as the Hunger Games say, may the odds be ever in your favor... unless you're at a thrift store or swap meet near us, in that case, don't take the good stuff. ;)

With Love,
Lesli and Michelle