I’m enjoying the challenge of upcycling jewellery at the moment and I found a couple of pairs of 80s earrings – biggish, with white plastic middles (just right to tone with those classy white stilettos and matching handbag to dance round to George Michael!) and gold-tone borders – which were in fairly good condition and crying out for something interesting to be done with the blank canvas of the middles.
Initially, I toyed with pieces of cotton print and silk kimono fabric, but although the fabrics were attractive, the effect was a little thin. Then I found some scraps of fine strip patchwork and the extra thickness given by the seams was perfect.
I like being able to tuck the edges under the rolled metal borders for extra neatness.
Then the tear-drop shaped pair.
The pointed end made these a bit more challenging to work with as the fabrics wanted to fray right away on such a narrow area.
From brash 80s costume jewellery to unique textile pieces. I’m so pleased with these and my Etsy shop doesn’t know what’s hit it – three new listings in a week! Check them out here and here.
I especially love the square ones. They are to big for my tiny ears – otherwise my ‘check would be in the mail’ *smile*. You’re being wonderfully creative with your upcycling of vintage items.
They are lovely, what a splendid idea!
What a great idea – and what a great improvement on the originals!
what a fantastic idea! As for dancing round to George Michael…..I remember it so well but I could never walk in those shoes!!
Nice! Love a bit of upcycling 🙂
absolutely love them!
Such a brilliant idea and they look brilliant, I really like the teardrop ones, really funky! 🙂
Ooh, fabulous upcycling!