After making the no-sew window treatment in my last post using a pair of vintage clip on earrings from my collection – I hated putting the rest of them back into my crafts armoire. They looked so pretty out on my worktable. I just love them – they are so yummy – I am totally addicted and can’t get enough of them – they make me smile. Each one is the perfect little piece of stylish art that has its own story and appeal and they are too pretty to be hidden in a drawer.
I used to make and sell bracelets with them, but since I don’t need them for that purpose anymore I had to find some more ways to re-purpose my collection so I can enjoy their prettiness all day long. I had to ask myself, “Why am I collecting them if I don’t use them.” So I went around my house and…
I clipped some to my desk lamp.
Glued some to magnets and stuck them on my fridge.
Embellished a gift by simply clipping one over the knot on the tied ribbon.
I also remembered I posted about making Quick and Easy Place Card Holders with them when I first starting blogging.
Then I went searching online – Look what Disney from Ruffles and Stuff did with them – she added them to her drawer pulls.
I have even used them as a quick fix to replace a lost button until I have time to sew one back on. You simply run the back of the clip-on earring sideways through the button hole opening, clip it to the adjoining side and shut the earring securing the garment together. It works beautifully – no pun intended.
Are you addicted like me? How do you re-purpose them? I have lots and lots and need more ideas!
Fran Hughes says
I love what you do with them. I will be looking for them now at thrift shops, garage sales etc.
Paula says
I linked to this post on my blog
http://nativeamericanjewelrytips.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/repurposing-vintage-native-american-clip-earrings-a-pendant-waiting-to-happen/
Andrea @Oasis Accents says
LOVE! Lots of great ideas. I would probably cover the whole lampshade so that the light would shine through them. Wouldn’t that be a beautiful kaleidoscope of bling?!! You have an awesome collection, Diane!
gail says
that’s a nice collection of jewelry you have there! Fun ways to use them up too!
I used them on books for Jamie’s bridal shower back in march. (they were her mammaw’s old jewelry)
gail
Clip Earrings says
I am doing a wedding soon. Thanks for the great idea for putting Clip Earrings for the stand on place cards.
Chris says
That is some collection of clip-ons! I’d love to see photos of any you used in making bracelets. I’ve used clip-ons to turn into pierced earrings (original, huh?), pendants, magnets and push pins. I love them on a shade.
Peggy Banks says
I would love it if you would link this to my link party. It just started :)
http://diycraftstomake.blogspot.com/2011/10/whacha-got-weekly-linky-party.html
Lisa says
Love the versatility of them!
Vanessa says
Hi, Diane
You are making me drool! I love vintage clip on earrings. You have a great collections and I love how you used them around your home. Lovely!
Have a great weekend.
Vanessa
Carrie says
Diane, I love how you always think outside the box! Or, earring! My mom is obsessed with buttons, I’m going to show her this post so she can get some fun ideas of ways to use them instead of just sorting and re-sorting them. ;-)
If you get a chance, link up to my weekly party:
http://makinglemonadeblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/refresh-your-nest-friday-5.html
Tracey says
Love them!! OH.. I’m going to be on the look out at all the craft fairs coming up and grab myself some of these beauties!! Thanks for sharing your collection and Ideas!!
Holly L says
I am drooling over these beauties! A little touch of vintagey bling around the house makes me smile.
nelda says
Ooooh, I really like how you clipped the earrings onto the lampshade. I’m going to do that in my craft room so I can see what I have. I use them in my mixed media mosaics, fabric wallhangings, clay tile bookcovers, decorated boxes. I have also clipped some onto my jacket lapels and purses for a little sparkle.
Coastal femme says
They look so cute in your office…good ideas!
Nana Diana says
Great ideas for those old clip ons. I have several pairs that belonged to my mother. Love the little lamp shade! xo Diana
beachhouseliving says
Oh on the Christmas tree too. Clip to a chandelier crystal.
beachhouseliving says
Lets see, I toss some in a bowl, do the magnet and gift wrap thing.
I like to use them on cloth napkins. I’ve been known to clip onto a the label of denim jacket. I’ve clipped them to wire and inserted them between some fresh flowers, used them a centers for my flower pins…….I could go on.
If your looking to unload some I would be happy to take some off your hands
aimee says
i love them on the draw pulls, you have a great collection of clip on earrings, they look lovely around your house. xxx
Clip on Earrings says
Where did you get all your earrings to re-purpose in the first place? I love those!! The magnets, lamp shade…all of it! So creative! :)
Diane says
I have been collecting them for years. I used to be able to pick them up very inexpensively at flea markets, but now they are more pricey. I get most of them at thrift stores. I have never won a bid on ebay for them so I stopped even trying. My best resource – SHHHH! is retirement communities. Most of them have some sort of re-sell shop. They have tons and are very inexpensive. The old ladies love it when I come in to buy all their old stuff. They always want to know what I do with it all. They are so cute -God Bless them.
Pam says
Very nice job repurposing them! I love the magnets on your fridge, the one holding the ribbon and the placecards. Great ideas!
Pam
Laura @Ms Smartie Pants says
I love old jewelry! If you are considering selling any, let me know. I did a post about what I did with some of mine last Christmas. You can check it out here …http://ms-smartie-pants.blogspot.com/2010/12/more-christmas-crafting.html
Oh and that cork board behind your desk could use some glued to tacs!
Denise says
Love that lampshade Diane. Also love the pictures that give us a quick peek of your house. It looks like such a bright, cheery and happy home!
Laura says
I love vintage costume jewelry! I like the magnets and knobs too.
I actually wear mine alot but if I find one missing or come across a pair (often) at the flea market, I like to put them on bows on gifts or put them on the tieback to a curtain. One of the coolest things I’ve seen were vintage brooches used to make a wedding bouquet!
Britt says
What a cool use of all those wonderful buttons you have!! I especially love the magnets and the drawer knobs! Always something creative and fun with you Diane! :)