Jewellery

Most girls love jewellery but not all of us have a budget that can cover some of the beautiful pieces out there. However there is no reason why you can’t make your own!

And we’re not talking tacky pieces of plastic here, we are talking clever uses of everyday items that you may not use very often.

One great idea includes the use of clear elastic, safety pins and small beads:

• Just get a thin piece of see- through elastic (you can buy it at most craft stores) and a few safety pins.
• Cut the elastic into two pieces that are long enough to fit around your hand.
• Pull the pieces of elastic through each hole at the top and bottom of the safety pins then alternate between safety pin and different beads.
• Once you have made a bracelet with the safety pins get the left over beads and open each safety pin, slip beads on to the pin of the safety pin so that the bracelet looks colourful.

This is heaps of fun to make but be aware of the pins - you don’t want to prick yourself!

Another option which is a lot harder and long-winded, but fun all the same, is to get a silver spoon with a pattern you like on it:

• Place masking tape on spoon to protect the metal.
• Use a hacksaw or rotary tool to cut the 'bowl' of the spoon off.
• Smooth the cut edges with a rubber mallet and use sanding paper to smooth off the edges.
• Do the same thing with each bowl (you can also do it with forks).
• Once you have cut enough you can drill a small hole at the top of each spoon bowl or fork and attach a ring (once again you can find it at a craft shop) which you can place on a chain or tie to wire.
• Between each spoon bowl you could also add beads and you can decorate the spoons and forks by using epoxy glue to add embellishments such as old brooches.

This makes a really pretty necklace! Check out a great website for fork/spoon jewellery here!

Or with Christmas upon us, why not head on down to the craft store and get some earring hooks, loops to attach jewellery to chains and some chains and get making Christmas jewellery. This can be easily done by finding your favourite Christmas decoration (and it can be as gaudy or under-stated as you like) and attach it to earring hooks or incorporate them with beads and make a necklace. Sometimes the simplest designs can be the nicest.

Once you have started you will find there are heaps of great ideas out there and you might even want to start your own little jewellery shop, it will be a cheap alternative to buying expensive presents over the silly season!

By Lucy Mullinger - Auckland