Memories...

photo by photo, charm by charm

         If a picture is worth a thousand words, then photo charms accompanied with small 

         mementos, are worth many more.  They can offer tangible links to the past, each 

        charm representing a meaningful event.  Charms can be photos, tickets, buttons, 

        fabric, words, and dates.  The owner has the chance to unfold a piece of their 

        lives to wear close to their heart and to share with others...

       Family history is always an engaging subject and ever popular for charm bracelets.  

       But even current topics, such as last year's vacation, a friend's successful battle, or 

       your very first marathon, are rich in material and possibilities.  Charm jewelry, after 

      all, provides a way to evoke moments past -- off of a facebook or instagram post 

      and on to a physical display.

     The following links are filled with ideas for arranging your findings.  I create charm 

     jewelry with distinct themes and moods, embellishments with a mix of handmade, 

     found items and store-bought flourishes.  But the best inspiration may come from

     the photographs and trinkets gathered by you -- and the story they combine to tell...

 Click HERE for ideas

Mementos of those who have passed

Achievement Charms

New Baby

Anniversary

Reuse and Recycle Broken Jewelry and Accessories

Don't Throw Out That Broken Jewelry!

Oh my gosh, DON'T!  Start a small bowl or jar, just as you do for your loose change.  

Start saving those lost half earrings, broken necklaces, stopped watches, and broken 

pearl strands,  even buttons! You can add pieces that are out of style or that you just 

don't care for anymore.   In no time you'll have a substantial 'stash' to work with.  What 

a perfect opportunity to begin collecting to make your very own charm bracelet.

The options are endless...whether you reuse pieces to create
new pieces or to have spare parts on hand to
repair your own broken jewelry

If arts and crafts is your thing, check out these bright ideas using jewelry parts and pieces:

Make a collage of pieces...

Who would've thought?
This makes such a beautiful mirror
for your vanity, bedroom or closet!

A Stunning Idea!

 Broken, unused and unwanted jewelry can be recycled into new items  

Bummer!  My favorite stretch
bracelet broke, but the actual
pieces are fine...

I just happened to have bought a cute pair of
new sandals.  I used a hot glue gun to glue the
broken pieces of my stretch bracelet to the centers!

 

Once you have a collection of pieces, you can begin adding them to a chain...

Begin adding pieces to a chain that
can later be turned into a
necklace or charm bracelet

    I think you get the idea.  The options and possibilities are endless, 

so start saving those spare jewelry parts and pieces!

                                  See other possibilities and ideas HERE