Display Inspiration Series:4: Marvellous miniatures

In the fourth in our series of posts on creating unique jewellery displays, I'll show you how an eclectic mix of frames can be transformed into a beautiful collection of earring stands.

I have been collecting miniature frames in charity shops and junk shops for a while now. Some are quality vintage frames in brass with intricate casting (with and without glass). Others are contemporary frames in shiny silver, machine moulded with just perspex rather than glass. This collection ranges in size from a couple of inches high to around 4 inches.

At this time of year, I am already starting to think about my jewellery ranges for Christmas and the party season. My designs are glamorous and classic and I wanted a display to suit the style.The contemporary frames looked cheap and nasty to be quite honest so I decided to give them a vintage makeover.



I've used Gilders Paste for various projects in the past as it is so versatile. You can apply to wood, resin, metal amongst other materials which makes it extremely useful in jewellery making. The paste is a little like boot polish and can become cracked and powdery over time but can easily be rejuvenated it by adding a few drops of White Spirit and mixing in. The paste comes in a huge variety of colours to give every kind of finish you can think of. For this project I used Black and German Silver. The paste works best on a matte surface so my first task was to spray all the shiny silver frames with a matte varnish.

Once dry, I used a soft cloth to apply the first layer of German Silver paste to the silver frames. It's a soft gold colour and quickly tones down the horrid modern silver colour. Leave the first layer of paste to dry a little then you can gently buff ready for the next layer.

Black Gilders paste is great for adding age to metal components and for bringing out the detail in any relief work. Applied with a soft cloth, it brought out the flower design on my little frames. The frames still looked silver though to I applied another layer of German Silver and another of Black. I left them to dry then buffed to a soft shine.











While I was using the German Silver paste, I also applied a light rub to the two vintage brass frames. It really brought the casting to life and helped to bring the whole frame collection together.












With the frames done, I turned to the mounts. I used some fabric textured wallpaper (a sample from a local DIY store) to create a background for each frame. A bead reamer was the perfect tool to make a couple of holes through the frame backs and then I used 0.8mm brass wire to make the hanging loops. Cut 10cm of wire, turn a wrapped loop at one end and trim.Pass the wire through the hole you made in the backing and turn another loop of the back of the frame to secure.



Loaded with glamorous earrings and displayed with my collection of larger frames, I love the luxurious and expensive look I've achieved. Who would think that most of the frames cost as little as 50p each and none was more than £1?!

Why not check out the range of Gilders Paste at Metal Clay Ltd. I think I might pick up a tin of Antique Gold and add a touch of metallic gold to my frames. What do you think?

For more ideas:

Display Inspiration Series:3: You've been framed!

Display Inspiration Series:2: Stepping up my jewellery display

Display Inspiration Series:1: Pack a punch with your earring display

Book Review - Fanciful Findings by Holly Witt-Allen

This is more a booklet than a book, but it is still 32 pages full of ideas and inspiration for using unusual objects in your jewellery pieces. In all, there are 22 projects for designs ranging from standalone bracelets to matching necklaces and earrings, all using recycled/upcycled components, or materials that look like they are!

Those who like to take a mixed media approach to jewellery making will love the techniques used in this book. 

Corks, clocks and cogs

You will have opportunities to use rubber stamps, découpage and dimensional finishes in some of the pieces alongside more conventional knotting and linking techniques. Whilst some projects will require you to search out unusual components such as hex nuts or hinges, others can be made using items you’d easily find at home including ring pulls from fizzy drink cans, bottle tops and corks. 

Stamps and sweetie tins

In addition to these ‘found objects’, you’ll also find ideas for using pseudo second-hand components often found online at scrapbooking and papercraft suppliers. Tim Holtz Ideology® range is a particular collection that springs to mind. With the addition of metal patinas, paint or paper, Holly will show you how to transform run-of-the-mill supplies into unique components and quirky designs. I particularly like the necklaces made from sweetie tins and simple stamping techniques.

The projects are beautifully photographed and the instructions have accompanying images to make them as clear as possible. You’ll also find a reference at the back of the book, explaining all the jewellery techniques required which helps to keep the project instructions as uncluttered as possible.

My only slight criticism of this book is that the materials lists for projects are rather long — you could find yourself searching for a while for some of the specific components. However, try substituting some of the supplies with similar products you have in your stash for a similar overall effect and don’t be afraid to mix ideas from different projects to suit the supplies you already have to hand.

Here’s a variation on the cork bracelet I made using a Prosecco cork and a Rioja cork from the collection I keep in a pot (they come in handy for all sorts of things!). The 'Leap' connector is made using a J-Lynn Jewels decoupage disc. The watch faces are from a job lot I bought on Ebay a while ago, simply stuck to cork slices. The pretend typewriter keys are made using clock charms with domed stickers adhered to them (the stickers came from Home Bargains discount store!). The cogs are from Big Bead Little Bead and the verdigris patina padlock charm and donut bead are from the range of Greek Metal components at Smitten Beads, as is the flower cog bead.  I don't remember where I found the little keys or clasp but I'm sure you can find similar online. And btw - the secret to turning cork slices into connectors? Tiny brass picture loops which simply screw in!

We have a copy of this book to give away

To enter into the draw to win, simply comment on this post and tell us the most unusual component or technique you’ve used in a jewellery piece. Look out on our Facebook page for a second chance to comment and win!

We will pick a winner at random on Monday 4th April after midday and announce on our Facebook page.

Fanciful Findings is published by Leisure Arts Inc. and is available from Amazon, priced at £7.00

ISBN 978-1-4647-3352-9