Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects: Creative Projects, Simple Techniques

by Marthe Le Van

After exploring the exquisite ideas and 35 projects  showcased in this one-of-a-kind jewelry collection, you’ll never look at “found items” the same way again. There are countless suggestions for recycling everyday objects, from electrical wire to soda cans, and uncovering their vast potential for beauty. Begin by examining various metal types and forms, and the techniques for shaping and cold-connecting them. Select from a range of surface finishing treatments, and find out about special skills often used for working with stones, shells, plastic, wood, and bone. The wildly creative pieces include a driftwood brooch, a bracelet with wooden game pieces, and a pendant featuring old boat charts.

Genres: Jewellery Making, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Bunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hey, you know that collection of fast food sporks you have stuffed in a drawer? Have you ever looked at those and thought, "OMG! I could make the most FABULOUS necklace out of those!!" ?

What about that collection of toothpicks you have that you're never going to use? Have you ever though, "That would go BEAUTIFULLY with that strand of pearls that just looks silly on a necklace all by itself!" ?

What are you going to do with that drawer full of disgusting, grubby, chewed down half pencils? Ever thought, "Those would be AMAZING with my silk blouse and a kicky pair of heels!" ?

Then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!

Who MAKES this shit?

It's great as an art book. But don't go into it looking for real project ideas. Christ.

[Elaine Meszaros · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ran across a copy of Fabulous Jewelry in the Kohler bookstore. In a country of excess in a season of too much, the idea of recycling everyday found objects into functional art is both appealing and intriguing. Admittedly, the chances of me wearing a Elizabethan collar made of playing cards or a necklace of toothpicks are pretty slim. However, less showy chapters show how to take old scrabble tiles, pretty bottle caps, broken glass and other bits and bobs and clean them up to use as jewelry elements. They even have a chapter on making those plastic snap-bracelets that we used to wear in middle school! The book includes actual step-by-step directions on creating jewelry and finishing the pieces with everything from basic tools to soldering irons. Hooray for hands-on books!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmmkay...I see where this was going...quite interesting. it's more of an artsy type book, there are some techniques involved though. A lot is jewelry most people would not wear, and the stuff you would doesn't have directions. It does show some cool ways to recycle things you wouldn't normally think of, into jewelry. Though I scratch my head at the one who included human nails and skin in their piece...I think this was also the same piece that included crack vials though...amusing, though I wouldn't buy it.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Lark. This shows jewelry made by artists from found objects. Some of the pieces shown in the book even come with step by step (plus illustrated) directions on how you can make them too. Found object projects are one of my favorites to do and to teach. It is fun to see how "trash" can become something beautiful and may get students to think about recycling and reusing.

[Amy Denim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the projects in this book were absolutely brilliant. The toothpick necklace on the cover, the pencil necklace, the lightbulb necklace, the bingo rosary, the lost earring bib, the triple word score bracelet (from scrabble pieces), the hardware charm bracelet, the guitar pick necklace, and more. But, some of the projects really just looked like someone glued some junk together.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

745.5942 LE

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring with examples of work, and step-by-step projects to try. i might use a project or two for a crafts session with teens.

[Leslee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas . . .I haven't tried any of them yet, though.