Repurposed Wristwatch

 

Hello my friend!

Today I was going through a bag of 

thrifted jewelry and found

a couple of old flex band watches.

One was missing the interior, one was in better shape.

Both watches were broken. The bands were in good condition.

They were also missing the stems.

I thought I could turn the watch

 into a keepsake locket type of bracelet.

I used a paperclip to pry open

the watch case.

I saved the clock face- of course-

I have a collection of sea glass

 from many wonderful trips the beach.

We loved to walk the shoreline looking for treasures.

I sorted through our collection

 to find some small

pieces.

I love the mix of colors.

Fill with the tiny sea glass, beads, photo-

any small memento to make a personal keepsake!

The back snaps easily into place.

The tiny glass stones can be seen through

 the watch front window. It makes a beautiful

sound when shaken.

Can you see the tiny surprise inside?

I  made two-

Now they can be worn and enjoyed

as a sea glass keepsake bracelet.

 Your visit means a lot to me!

Thank you

XO Lisa S

Making Beads from Vintage Silverware

Hi Friends,

I have a Craft Show coming up

in October and just making a few last minute items.

Here's an easy idea I have been working on-

I have collected a few 

silver plated knives over the years

 that I use for all sorts of things!

I have noticed that some knives have solid metal

handles and some are hollow.

We are going to use the hollow ones today.

Don't worry if the knives are tarnished.

We will clean them later.

We will take a hollow handled knife,

place it in my husbands vise along

with a soft cloth while we cut.

I mark my cut line with a fine point SHARPIE, I tend to cut crooked.

I used a Dremel tool to cut and sand the ruff edges.

  along with the husbands' help...okay a lot of help-

to cut the handle into beads!

He claims he doesn't want me to to get hurt,

but I think he enjoys making things like I do!

I'm thrilled to have him help!

I cleaned the beads with metal cleaner.

The design on the silverware really pops!

I put the beads on different lengths of chain.

I think they make a pretty necklace.

Thanks for visiting!

xo Lisa S

More ideas I've shared using silverware-

Bottle Topper

Pumpkins

Birch Pillar Candles / Birch Secret Ring Box

Hi Friend,

I spoke too soon last week and the summer came back!

Oh well, it's 95 degrees and I'm in the mood for candles.

I went out to the wood pile, wondering if it will ever be used-

looking for a Birch log.

 

I found this piece that looks like a HEART!

I have a plan for later-

I picked a log and marked it in three different lengths.

Made my cuts and checked the size.

I like things in threes!

We have two choices for candles-

You will need this tool.

It's called a Forstner Bit- 

They come in different sizes

.

It will make the hole and hollow it out.

It is 3/4" the same size as the tea light candles.

It attached to our drill.

Add tape to the bit so you only go to the depth needed.

I didn't like the white candles so I painted the battery

powered ones to match the color of the wood.

These candles are Vanilla scented! I liked their color.

The candles have the metal inserts and the pillars will not burn.

ALWAYS KEEP CANDLES IN SIGHT WHILE BURNING!!!!!!

After the tealights have burned down,

new ones can be easily replaced.

If you don't have any Birch logs available,

These CANDLES are easy to make!

Now for the next project!

To make the Secret Ring Box,

You will need another piece of birch wood and a 1'' long piece of dowel.

My wood is 3" high with a 3'' diameter.

Make a mark for your cut at about an inch.

This will be the lid.

Use this Forstner Bit attached to your drill 

to hollow out your base.

Drill a small hole to fit a 1'' dowel.

Wedge it into place or use wood glue.

Flip lid to the under side. Mark with a pencil where

lid matches the dowel.

Check and double check before you drill hole in lid.

The two pieces need to match up perfectly!

Do not glue the lid. It will turn on the dowel to close.

Wouldn't this be a wonderful secret box for and

engagement ring or wedding bands?

I'll show you how I made this

THANKFUL sign HERE

It is a reverse stencil.

I love candle weather!

I can pretend for now-

Pumpkin candles are my favorite, how about you?

xo Lisa S

Thrifty Find- Clock Turned Shadow Box with Yarn Covered Hearts

Hi Friends!

I found another clock- well actually the clock was missing already.

Someone had saved me the work of removing it!

Because the clock was missing, the case was marked $1.99!

I know some of you would probably paint this piece,

but I love wood and if at all possible I like to keep it that way.

I can always come back later and paint it.

I cleaned it up and used my favorite BRIWAX stain to cover any scratches.

We removed the front door. 

My idea was to cut the clock opening,

which was a circle  into a larger square.

I left the box alone for a hour and

 Mr. FreshVintage decided to cut it for me. 

 He's very helpful that way:)

So no before photo! Sorry-

Well it worked!

I used a piece of glass from a picture frame.

Glued it in place with hot glue.

Then came back with metal framing tabs to hold in the glass.

I covered the inside with thick sheet music.

Then lined the bottom of the drawer.

It made a sweet little shadow box.

I thought of so many ways to use it!

A girl can never have to many places to store treasures, right?

It fit some tiny books.

I decided to make some yarn hearts for Valentines Day!

They are easy to make.

I used some vintage clip earrings.

How to make Yarn Covered Hearts-

You will need a heart shape cut from thick cardboard.

Some Yarn- I had a thrifted half-skein of  Ivory.

I didn't measure but had plenty of yarn.

Just start wrapping :)

Wrap back and forth, all directions.

You can't make a mistake.

Keep wrapping-

The heart begins to puff into shape.

When the cardboard is covered you are done!

Just tie off your end and tuck it under.

I used white satin ribbon to tie a bow.

I clipped a vintage earring over the center of the bow and

stamped the word 'LOVE' on the tie.

Thanks for the visit.

I loved having you here!

You are welcome anytime.

xo Lisa S