Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea...

May's DIY project ~ hand stamped spoon charms

Custom Designed by The Charm Hunter

  I just LOVE these!  I did this project in an afternoon and you can too, providing

you have all the tools and supplies ready for some creative use.  I took four 

salvaged spoons and forks and repurposed them into beautiful charms in just 

7 steps.  They can dangle from a bracelet or necklace, even one alone with 

a pearl looks fabulous!  These monogrammed initial charms cans symbolize
names of children, grandchildren, wedding couples, or even lucky numbers!
This was made for my mom, one for each of her four children, two of which have
passed, which makes this even more sentimentally special.

Honoring my special mom on this Mother's Day with monogrammed
charms of your loving children, Susan, Michael, George & James.
We Love You SO Much! 

So I have stash that I collect from wherever I find them.  I usually see them in 

Antique Malls and Consignment Shops, as well as garage sales from time to time.

They come in plain or fancy.  "IF" you can buy them separately that's best, but 

most times they're sold in sets.  I've found that the knives are too thick, but the 

forks and spoons are PERFECT.  And, the thinner they are, the easier they are to 

work with, but sometimes, you just don't have that option.

Supply List:

OK, don't cringe when you see the necessary tools needed for this project.  If you don't 

have some of these tools, chances are your husband, in-law, neighbor or friend will.  

Otherwise, overall it's a small investment to make to personalized gifts for friends and 

family throughout the year!

• Silverware/Flatware, of Sterling Silver or Stainless Steel
• 8mm Jumprings
• Necklace chain (I used a ball chain)
• Single Pearl and Bead Charms
• 24" Bolt Cutter
• Power Drill with a bit made for METAL
• Metal Stamp Punch Set
• Sanding Block or Metal File
• Fine Point Sharpie Pen
• Piece of Scrap Wood
• Tape
• Safety Goggles

Step 1:                 

                              Cut ends off with bolt cutter

Step 2:

                                            Vigorously sand ends until dull 

Step 3:

            Determine hole placement with size of drill bit used 

Step 4:

                  Tape piece to wood block, mark spot and begin to

           drill.  Be patient.  These took about four 30 second

        drill sessions each using moderate pressure. (2mn. total)

WARNING!  your piece will be HOT

Step 5: 

                                            Hand stamp initial onto center

Step 6:

            Use a fine tip permanent marker to highlight indention

Step 7:

~~ W O W ~~

           Attach jumprings to each piece, then string onto a chain

                                 (If you're unfamiliar with jumprings read this tutorial first)

               That's it!  YOU can do this.

I just love repurposing vintage finds into new and 

beautiful creations.  Join me!  Click Here to see

the rest of my Assemblage Jewelry.  Read more 

about me and my work here.

A Mother's Day Surprise...

         I was reading one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, and came across an
         interesting factoid received from their Mother's Day online survey:

         "When we asked moms for the most meaningful gift they had ever received, 
      30 percent said it was homemade."     (May 2013)

      I couldn't agree more!  This was a custom made charm bracelet featuring a mother's
      greatest joy, her precious grandchildren; honoring "Nana" this Mother's Day :)

                                                                   
                                                                 See other images here

                                                                  Additional gift ideas
   

Simple DIY Vintage Charm

Saw THE cutest vintage looking charm on a lady the other day and commented on how cute it was so I could buy more time to study it and take the mental notes!  I noticed the filigree frame right away since I already had some at home :)   She told me her son bought it for her birthday from a local boutique.  A very sweet gift indeed.  Here's my rendition of the charm necklace.

This project requires 5 minimal materials:    Filigree charm base, any chain you may already have, rosary link or even an eyeglass necklace will do, a single jumpring, a Vintage looking image cut from a card or downloaded and printed from free or purchased images available online, and lastly a clear sealant.

That's it!  This would make a lovely Mother's Day gift.  (hint, hint)

See other gift ideas here.