Greetings neighbors! Today on Mass Appeal we will be showing you how to make bracelets and necklaces from old wind up watches.
This is a super easy craft and a fun way to wear your inherited watches. We have two projects today; a necklace and a bracelet. Since we may not get to both on the show, here are some simple instructions to help you. As always, I have pounds and pounds of this stuff so let me know if you need anything. I send out packages to Mass Appeal viewers free of charge. All I need is your address and what you want to make. No purchase necessary. And if you want to donate or sell your unwanted jewelry, here’s a link for more information. Thanks and I look forward to visiting with you about the craft project. Feel free to call or text me at 413-512-3714, email or leave a comment!
SUPPLIES
Old wind up watches (Pocket watch for bracelets & wrist watch for necklaces )
Chain necklaces
Findings such as spring rings and clasps
Old charms, pendants, brass stampings or earring parts (Click on the link to see the lot I bought for the flat back decorations I used on the bracelets)
Cuff bracelet
Necklace
Step 1 Detach watch band and necklace clasp
Step 2 Add spring ring to top and bottom of watch
Step 3 Add charms to the bottom of the spring ring & re-attach clasp.
Going left to right, in example #1 I used an old cameo frame and glued in a baby picture. On example #2, I used an old earring and attached a bunch of religious charms, a locket, a cross and a baby photo. In example #3, I cut some chain and attached them to the big spring ring to make fringe. All these were made in less than an hour! This is an easy craft to do and great for gifts. The center necklace is for my Mom for Christmas. She will love it. Let me know what you create and I can post your photos here if you like!
Bracelet
Step 1 Remove watch back and strap. Clean the metal.
Step 2 Remove the movement
Step 3 Glue movement or back case plate to a flat pendant or to the center of the cuff bracelet with E6000 glue
Step 4 Glue decorations to sides
Step 5 Allow to set over night! This is very important to ensure the bracelet won’t fall apart when wearing it. If you are hard on your jewelry like me, you can use Apoxie Sculpt 2 part clay.
Here are the end results!
Going left to right, in example #1 I glued on a watch face, then glued on a round brass part over the top and crosses on the sides. In example #2, I glued on a large pocketwatch movement in the center, then two anchor charms on the sides. On example #3, I glued on a ladies watch movement in the center, then a brass stamping (flat back jewelry finding) over the top and brass decorations on the sides. I made all three in less than an hour. They look fancy but are very simple to make. I have plenty of parts left over. I can make you a kit if you want one. Just let me know what you need. I hope you found this helpful.
See you on the 30th for DIY Halloween jewelry to spiff up your costume. We working Moms don’t have a lot of time to dress up so I’ll show you quick and easy ways to look fantastic. You can easily create a cute costume using things you already have. As always, goodwill is my favorite places to buy things to use in my DIY projects. No need to spend a lot of money to make something fun.
Happy crafting!
Malena Chipps
