Newspapers are a common household item that often ends up in the recycling bin or trash. However, with a little creativity and some basic crafting skills, you can transform old newspapers into beautiful and unique jewelry pieces. Repurposed newspaper jewelry is not only a great way to give new life to old newspapers, but it is also an eco-friendly and sustainable fashion choice. In this article, we will explore the process involved in creating repurposed newspaper jewelry, providing you with a step-by-step guide on how to make your own DIY newspaper jewelry.
Gather Your Materials
The first step in creating repurposed newspaper jewelry is to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Old newspapers: Choose newspapers with colorful images or interesting patterns to add visual interest to your jewelry.
– Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting and shaping the newspaper.
– Glue: Use a non-toxic glue that dries clear to adhere the newspaper pieces together.
– Mod Podge or clear nail polish: This will be used as a sealant to protect the finished jewelry.
– Jewelry findings: Depending on the type of jewelry you want to make, you will need findings such as jump rings, earring hooks, necklace chains, or bracelet clasps.
– Optional: Paint, beads, or other embellishments to add extra flair to your jewelry.
Prepare the Newspaper Strips
Once you have gathered all the materials, it’s time to prepare the newspaper strips. Start by cutting the newspaper into long, thin strips. The width of the strips will depend on the size of the jewelry piece you want to create. For example, if you are making a bracelet, you may want wider strips compared to making earrings.
Create the Jewelry Base
The next step is to create the base for your jewelry piece. This will serve as the foundation onto which you will attach the newspaper strips. Depending on the type of jewelry you are making, you can use different materials for the base. For example, if you are making earrings, you can use earring blanks or small wooden circles. If you are making a necklace or bracelet, you can use metal or plastic jewelry blanks.
Apply Glue and Attach Newspaper Strips
Once you have the base ready, it’s time to start attaching the newspaper strips. Apply a thin layer of glue onto the base and start wrapping the newspaper strips around it. Make sure to overlap the strips slightly to ensure they stay in place. Continue wrapping the strips until the entire base is covered. You can experiment with different wrapping techniques to create different patterns and textures.
Let it Dry
After you have attached all the newspaper strips, set aside your jewelry piece and let it dry completely. This may take a few hours or overnight, depending on the type of glue you used. Once the glue is dry, you can trim any excess newspaper strips that are sticking out.
Seal and Protect
To ensure the longevity of your repurposed newspaper jewelry, it’s important to seal and protect it. You can do this by applying a layer of Mod Podge or clear nail polish over the entire surface of the jewelry piece. This will not only protect it from moisture and wear but also give it a glossy finish.
Add Finishing Touches
Now that your repurposed newspaper jewelry is complete, you can add any finishing touches you desire. You can paint the edges of the newspaper strips with acrylic paint to give it a more polished look. You can also add beads, charms, or other embellishments to make your jewelry piece even more unique and personalized.
Attach Jewelry Findings
The final step is to attach the jewelry findings to your repurposed newspaper jewelry. Depending on the type of jewelry piece you made, you will need to attach jump rings, earring hooks, necklace chains, or bracelet clasps. Use pliers to open and close the jump rings and attach them securely to your jewelry piece.
Conclusion
Creating repurposed newspaper jewelry is a fun and creative way to give new life to old newspapers. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can make your own DIY newspaper jewelry that is not only eco-friendly but also unique and stylish. So, gather your materials, get creative, and start making your own handmade newspaper jewelry today!
