If you're looking for a way to make eye-catching jewelry, you may find yourself in search of a spoon bracelet making tool.
What are Spoon Bracelets?
Spoon bracelets first appeared in the 1960s and 1970s as a popular accessory among those who loved tie-dye t-shirts and Birkenstocks. The idea of recycling an old and unwanted object into something useful and new appealed to the resourceful nature of young people at this time.
While the hippie subculture is less visible today, spoon bracelets are still popular as fun accessories and handmade gifts for both guys and girls. To make the bracelet look a bit more masculine, simply choose a spoon with a geometric pattern instead of the floral design you'd use for a woman's bracelet.
Choosing a Spoon for Your Bracelet
The first step in making a spoon bracelet is to select a spoon for your project. Spoons with long and decorative handles work the best, since they give you some extra material to work if you need to make a larger than average bracelet.
If you don't have any mismatched old spoons around your house, hit your local thrift store to see what is available. Many stores have beautiful vintage flatware that is sold for just pennies. Garage sales and flea markets can also be good sources of materials.
Spoon Bracelet Making Tools
Spoon bracelets are a very affordable craft to make, since there are very few spoon bracelet making tools required. To make a bracelet, you'll need:
- Dremel for cutting and sanding metal
- Mallet
- Strong pliers with a comfortable grip
- Round pipe about the size of your wrist to use to shape the spoon into a circle
- Silver polish
Instructions for Making a Spoon Bracelet
To make a spoon bracelet, follow these simple steps:
- If you want to include the base of the spoon, use a metal mallet to flatten the surface. If you want to make your bracelet from just the handle, use the Dremel to remove the base.
- Smooth over any file marks.
- Use your pliers to bend the bracelet around the pipe to give it a circular shape. Some spoons will bend easier than others, depending upon the type of metal they are made from. If you're having trouble, try a different spoon or enlist a stronger friend for assistance.
- Check the fit against your wrist periodically. If the bracelet is a gift for someone else, keep in mind that an adult's wrist can be from seven to nine inches.
- Use silver polish to give your bracelet a nice shine.
- For a personalized touch, you can try using small rub-on letters to spell out a name or favorite phrase on your bracelet. Look for packages of rub-ons wherever scrapbooking supplies are sold. Another great way to make your spoon bracelet more unique is to add wire-wrapped beads to the design. Simply drill small holes around the band to create spaces for your charms.
Safety Precautions
When using a Dremel as a spoon bracelet making tool, remember that your spoon will be very hot. Wear gloves and long sleeves to help protect yourself from injury. It's also important to obtain appropriate eye protection so you're not injured by flying sparks of metal.
Other Jewelry Ideas
Although spoon bracelets are the most common type of craft for jewelry makers interested in recycled art, they are not the only option available. Other projects to consider include:
- A ring made from the handle of a spoon
- The end of a fork bent to look like an octopus and made into a pretty pendant
- A fork bracelet made of two forks with the tines bent into interlocking hearts
- A simple pendant made by drilling a hole into the decorative handle of a spoon or fork, then threading the piece onto leather cord
If you need some more inspiration, try searching for "spoon jewelry" on Etsy to see what your fellow crafters have designed.
