1. Collect all your old stuff. They may be scraps of used or unused paper, old ratty clothes, snapped guitar strings, book covers, and the list goes on. Just grab whatever you can find. You can stack them in a box you can name “Box of good ‘ol stuff” or something. So whenever you feel like making something out of scrap, you can easily find materials to use.
2. Be imaginative. When you see something you would want to buy but think that it is too expensive for something like it, think of ways how you can make an alternative. It doesn’t have to be the exact same thing but it could look like it, just with different materials used. Be creative on your own. Like I said, it doesn’t have to be the exact same thing. In fact, it would be better if you add a personal touch to your creations, to add a flavor to it. Don’t just copy, add a twist.
3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. In doing jewelry, there are no tight rules, no inhibitions, just like making art. There is no right or wrong. There are no mistakes. So if you feel like there is something wrong with what you’re creating, then, just do something about it. Do a way with mistakes. That’s how life goes.
4. Be inspired. When you don’t feel like finishing your work, pause, leave it there on the table for a couple of minutes or hours, even days, and go out, take a walk, feel the air, have coffee with friends, view the sunset, in other words, simply relax and take a moment to feel new and inspired.
5. Collect more good ‘ol stuff. Of course, you’re making eco jewelry, making jewelry out of already existing stuff. There’s no need to buy raw materials when you actually have them in your home or in your mom’s home or your sister’s. When you have coffee with your friends or when you give your relatives a visit, ask them for their old stuff too. But see to it that the stuff that you’d be bringing home wouldn’t end up in the dumpsters. Make sure that they are still nice and can be useful for your endeavors. You wouldn’t want your house to be a messy old stuff dumping area, right?
I found Nathalie Brault at her blog http://recupefashion.blogspot.com/ who makes handmade items using recycled materials. According to her, the colorful wrist warmers (below) are made with re purposedcotton yarn. She used a tight crochet pattern so they are tight woven for a better look
She has listed what she is looking for for her eco friendly craft and jewelry creations.
- vintage & fun buttons, cabochon buttons
-vintage cotton fabric
-vintage jewelry and beads, broken chains, any kind of charms that you won,t use .
-old ribbons & laces
-anything computer, circuitry, key,
-calculator parts
-vintage cotton fabric
-vintage jewelry and beads, broken chains, any kind of charms that you won,t use .
-old ribbons & laces
-anything computer, circuitry, key,
-calculator parts
If you have anything like that, perhaps you can contact her :)
Lastly, have fun. Have fun in everything you do. Your creations would only be as good if they’re made with a happy heart.
Download lots of free jewelry making tutorials at DiyLessons! Are you a jewelry (jewellery) making teacher/ tutor? You can also list your tutorials here too.
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