Jewelry Upcycled!: Techniques and Projects for Reusing Metal, Plastic, Glass, Fiber, and Found Objects

by Sherri Haab, Michelle Haab

Before you recycle that soda bottle, scrap that old T-shirt, or toss that broken china plate, ask yourself: “Could I use this to make something fabulous?” Impossible? Think again!
 
In Jewelry Upcycled!, jewelry expert and bestselling author Sherri Haab has teamed up with daughter Michelle Haab to show you how to transform metal, glass, plastic, fabric, and found objects—items you might otherwise recycle or throw away—into fun and exciting jewelry designs.
 
Explore the creative possibilities of these everyday materials in resourceful and innovative ways: Repurpose plastic bottles into pretty charms, turn broken cassette tapes into braided bracelets, and fashion one-of-a-kind pendants with found objects.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Jewellery Making, Jewellery

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2011

Reviews

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book may well be worth four or five stars, if one is a jeweler or artist. If one is simply crafty, as am I, it falls short. Some of the projects I was most interested in are only pictured, because they're art pieces. There's no "how-to" for them. The projects for which there are "how-to"s involve tools like kilns and respirators with fume filters and drill presses and glass grinders with diamond-coated bits. For the artist or jeweler, these may be either on hand or a worthwhile investment. Not for me. There are a few projects I could do, but not enough for me to be really interested in this book. I would categorize it as inspirational rather than a tutorial.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sparked more ideas for other projects. Yes, there is the need for more specialized equipment for some things, but a soldering iron isn't terribly expensive at around $15, and a small microwave kiln for glass work can be had for $100. Some projects, of course, are prettier than others - I've not seen reused plastic bag crocheted/knitted jewelry that's attractive, so can we just stop that - but the author shows that there's a different way to look at things as raw materials. Good how to information with plenty of photographs. Best are the Gallery sections at the ends of chapters, highlighting artist work.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Various ways to make jewelery from all kinds of recycled materials

[Amy Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I consider myself pretty handy, crafty, DIY-y, etc. I really like the idea of this book, and some of the pieces in the galleries are stunning! However, I had a hard time because it seemed that each project required pretty specialized tools. I was expecting a book that had mostly tools that a toolbox would typically contain then maybe a few specialty jewelry tools. However, you need things like bench blocks and rivet tools and soldering tools, or maybe a kiln. So, while it's a cool book to look at and to maybe get some ideas from, I wouldn't recommend it to the average crafter looking to turn a piece of trash into an heirloom treasure. That being said, if you are a little more advanced and you have some fancy tools, this book will be right up your alley!
I'd recommend this one to people who are serious about taking their skills to the next level. It's also great to look at to get some clever ideas about how you might reuse old items.

[Kate Woods Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jewelry crafters may find much to delight them in this book, but since my giant fingers don't lend themselves to jewelry-making, I read this book just for the general craft ideas. And I found a few, namely, a nice "polka-dot" necklace made from colorful recycled plastic disks, "charms" made from old shampoo bottle plastics, and "roses" made from old T-shirts. These ideas, at my house, won't become jewelry, but they might become something else. You may find something else entirely, and isn't that what we crafters like to do, anyway--find new uses for old things?

[Miss Pippi the Librarian]

Over 20 projects + mini galleries at the end of each chapter
Clever uses for metal, wire, plastics, glass, ceramics, fabric, leather and found objects.

Highlighted projects:
Gift Card Jewelry (any plastic cards)
Plastic Bottle Jewelry (PET plastic bottle, soda or water type)
Shampoo Bottle Bead Charm Bracelet (shampoo or soap bottles)
Sewing Snap Jewelry (snaps, hook-and-eye closure)
Electronic Scrap Ring (broken cell phone or electronic parts)

[Hollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for great ideas, 2 for being able to impliment them at home- she uses an awful lot of specialized equipment (glass grinder, soldering materials, etc) that you probably don't have for most, but not all projects.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to use some of these projects for teen crafts!! Some require too much specialty equipment, but the ideas are great.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

had some interesting artsy jewelry pics, but probably nothing I would/could make...always like the idea of reusing pieces.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great instruction and idea book for creating jewelry from all sorts of found objects. Most of the featured pieces were attractive or interesting conversation pieces.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

didnot make me want this craft. Some of it was just ugly.

[Jane Riebe-Tritten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but many of the items would not be very popular in the area that I live. :(

[Jules Brugel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting and clever ideas, will see if they actually work.