Creating remade magazine jewelry is a fun and creative way to upcycle old magazines and turn them into unique and stylish accessories. Not only does it allow you to express your creativity, but it also promotes sustainable fashion and eco-friendly practices. In this article, we will explore the techniques involved in creating remade magazine jewelry, providing you with all the information you need to get started on your own DIY jewelry projects.
Gathering Materials
The first step in creating remade magazine jewelry is to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Old magazines: Look for magazines with colorful pages and interesting patterns. The more variety you have, the more unique your jewelry will be.
2. Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting out the magazine pages.
3. Glue: You’ll need glue to secure the magazine strips and shapes together.
4. Jewelry findings: These include jump rings, clasps, earring hooks, and chains. You can find these at craft stores or online.
5. Clear sealant: To protect your finished jewelry and give it a glossy finish, you’ll need a clear sealant spray or varnish.
Cutting and Shaping
Once you have all your materials ready, it’s time to start cutting and shaping the magazine pages. Here are some techniques you can use:
1. Strips: Cut long, thin strips of magazine pages to create beads or to weave into braided bracelets.
2. Quilling: Roll magazine strips tightly to create coils, and then shape them into various designs like flowers or spirals.
3. Origami: Use origami techniques to fold magazine pages into geometric shapes like cubes or pyramids.
4. Punching: Use a hole puncher to create small circles or other shapes that can be used as charms or connectors.
Assembling the Jewelry
Once you have cut and shaped your magazine pages, it’s time to assemble them into jewelry pieces. Here’s how:
1. Beads: If you have created magazine paper beads, you can thread them onto jewelry wire or string to make necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.
2. Pendants: Glue or attach your magazine shapes onto pendant settings or bezels. You can then attach them to chains or cords to create unique necklaces.
3. Charms: Attach small magazine shapes or punched pieces to jump rings to create charms that can be added to bracelets or necklaces.
4. Earrings: Attach your magazine shapes or beads to earring hooks to create one-of-a-kind earrings.
Finishing Touches
To ensure the longevity and durability of your remade magazine jewelry, it’s important to apply some finishing touches. Here’s what you can do:
1. Sealant: Spray or brush a clear sealant over your finished jewelry to protect it from moisture and wear. This will also give it a glossy finish.
2. Varnish: If you prefer a more matte finish, you can use a varnish instead of a sealant.
3. Jewelry findings: Attach clasps, jump rings, and other jewelry findings to your pieces to make them wearable and easy to put on and take off.
Conclusion
Creating remade magazine jewelry is a fantastic way to express your creativity, promote sustainable fashion, and make eco-friendly accessories. By upcycling old magazines, you can transform them into unique and stylish jewelry pieces that are sure to turn heads. With the techniques mentioned in this article, you have all the tools you need to get started on your own DIY jewelry projects. So gather your materials, let your imagination run wild, and enjoy the process of creating beautiful remade magazine jewelry.
