As I have mentioned before, I love to go to antique shops when I visit America, and it is always more fun when you are on a hunt for something. On one of my recent trips, I was looking for damaged antique plates that I could break up to make jewelry. We went to a cute little shop on the Oregon coast, and I found the most beautiful hand painted plate with a floral design. Now I wish I had taken a photo of the plate before I broke it up, so I could show you! Anyway, the store owner was first surprised that I was happy that it was damaged, and then horrified that I was going to break it up into pieces! She almost didn't want to sell it to me. Thankfully, she was more interested in my $10 than the plate!
It did take a little while for me to sum up the courage to break up the plate, especially since the shop owner was upset about it, but once I had all my yarns and beads assembled, the prospect of making the plate into a collection of rings was very appealing. So I went ahead and put the plate in a zip lock bag, and broke the plate into pieces with my hammer. It was fun sifting through them to choose the best pieces. This was a perfect plate to use as the entire surface was painted, so there was no waste.
They are true multimedia pieces. I crocheted "cases" for the broken china pieces and then I embellished them with embroidery, beads, sequins, French felt appliques and velvet flowers. I also used novelty yarn bits I had, to crochet small flowers and leaves. I wanted to create frames to highlight the beautiful painting and make each one into its own picture.
I sold some of them, and have given some as gifts. I also saved a few, as I love to wear a simple outfit with a unique accessory. Rings are great for any occasion!
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