How to Recycle Silverware into Art

Spoon rings are a popular jewelry item

They are a novelty to look at and they never go out of style. Plus, with a few simple tools they are easy to make. But you don't have to limit your creativity to spoon rings. Once you master the technique of working with rings, you can easily make other types of spoon jewelry as well. Read on to learn how to make jewelry from old spoons.

Things You'll Need:

•Old sterling silver spoons

•Masking tape

•Vise

•Hacksaw or rotary tool with cutoff wheel

•Rubber mallet

•Emery cloth

•Round ring file

•Ring mandrel or narrow metal cone

•Drill and small drill bits (optional)

•Jump rings (optional)

•Chain (optional)

•Epoxy glue (optional)

•Jewelry findings (optional)

Step 1 - Select a sterling silver spoon with a pattern you like. You can easily find old spoons at flea markets, garage sales and online auction sites. If you can't find any spoons you like, you may use fork handles as well.

Step 2 - Place masking tape on the teeth of the vise to protect the metal of the spoon. Use a hacksaw or rotary tool with a cutoff wheel to cut the bowl of the spoon off of the handle. Cut it as close to the bowl as possible. Save the bowl for later use.

Step 3 - Smooth the cut edges with the rubber mallet. Use the emery cloth or round ring file to finish smoothing the cut edges of the spoon and handle.

Step 4 - Begin wrapping the spoon handle around the ring mandrel. You can use brute force or you can use the rubber mallet to shape the ring. Sizing is not important during this step.

Step 5 - Remove the ring from the mandrel. Inspect it for rough edges. Smooth any imperfections with the emery cloth. Try the ring on for size. Expand it or compress it to get the desired fit.

Step 6 - Use the same technique to create wraparound bracelets. For chunkier jewelry, use serving spoon handles rather than teaspoons.

Step 7 - Create a necklace from the discarded spoon bowls. Use epoxy glue to add embellishments such as old brooches or other jewelry findings to the bowl. Drill a small hole in the top of the spoon, attach a jump ring and place the spoon bowl on a chain.

Here are some photos to get your creative juices flowing. I'd love to see what you do with your old silverware.