During my childhood in the '50s and '60s women were crazy about sparkly pins, strands of necklaces and matching earrings. Stylish ladies collected an over-flowing pirate's chest of pearls, studded peacocks and swirling leaves. I've amassed a collection of full jewellery boxes over the years and have turned some of my inventory into floral artworks.
The prettiest costume jewellery at flea markets and thrift stores seems to be more expensive in recent years, but if you've inherited some baubles like my friends Darlene M. and Lynn H., here's an idea you might want to try.
These pictures are also a way to preserve sentimental items that you can't make yourself discard, but you're pretty sure you won't be wearing in this lifetime.
I use Weldbond glue which seems to be really strong once it dries. A glue-gun or silicon may also be worth a try. Either fabric or fancy paper can be used as a background and small thrift store frames work well with the old-style jewellery.
Don't rush your project. The fun is arranging and re-arranging and fiddling till you're happy with the flow of the pieces.
I designed this larger floral bouquet on left-over fabric: on the left is a strip of old flowery curtains found in our house when we first bought it, and a scrap of my grandmother's wedding veil became the vase. I tried to keep the design loose and flowing and a bit abstract.
I splurged on a custom-made frame for this one.
