10 Ways to Easily Upcycle Vintage Rhinestone Earrings
I found these large vintage rhinestone earrings on Ebay for under $5, but I'm 100% sure my local thrift shops have a nice little collection and yours would too. I bet you could also find some in your Grandma's jewelry box, if she'll part with them! Since they're clip-ons, and clip-ons never seem to say clipped onto my little lobes, I thought I'd upcycle them in a number of ways to show you just how versatile they are as well as adding that extra something to brighten up a plain object, giving it a really unique vintage flair.
* Beading Pliers
* Wire cutters
* Hot glue gun
First things first... let's remove the earring backs.
* Using your pliers, bend the clip on metal piece up, and using your wire cutters, snip them off at the base.
Now we're left with two gorgeous vintage rhinestone findings... imagine the possibilities!
Here's what I came up with...
1. Shoe Clips
* Simply hot-glue your shoe clips onto the backs of your rhinestone clusters. You can find shoe clip findings on Ebay or Etsy {Ebay is cheaper!}
2. Headbands, Headwear, Combs, Barrettes
* Simply hot-glue your rhinestones onto an existing headband, ribbon, scarf, or stretchy elastic band. You may also choose to hand-stitch them if you prefer. Easily glue them onto a comb or barrette {or two!} for a pretty updo!
3. Bracelets, Cuffs, Bangles
* Glue them onto an old bangle or bendable cuff.
4. Bags, Clutches
* Pump up the volume on a boring {or not so boring} clutch or bag and make it one of a kind!
5. Brooches, Pins
* Simply hot-glue a pin back to each and Voila! Instant brooches! Pin them onto a scarf, belt, or...
* Pin them together on your favorite blouse... off to the side or right on the bow!
* Pin one to each of your collar tips!
* Pin them onto a cluster of pearls or chain necklaces!
6. Just for fun!
* Add them to the edges of a mask for a masquerade ball {or a fun night in the bedroom *wink}
