Stocking up on earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces from stores such as Forever 21, Love Culture and other inexpensive jewelry retailers is easy and affordable. But with a cheap price tag, cheap quality follows and jewelry is often worn only a handful of times.

The next time one of those pieces cracks, wait before tossing it into the garbage.

Turning broken jewelry fragments into new accessories is an excellent way to repurpose these likely-to-be-discarded items while creating a one-of-a-kind piece.

By saving broken pieces once considered junk, an entirely new piece can be made from those remains.

There are many options when deciding what to create with those busted pieces.

A headband can be a fashionable way to liven up an outfit and give broken jewelry new life.

Creating a headband is relatively simple and requires a handful of supplies, as well as some imagination and individual creativity.

Necessities for this project include: wire-cutters, needle-nose pliers, a hot glue gun and a base headband of any width or color.

Optional materials include filler items such as feathers, lace, netting or fabric that can be combined with the jewelry pieces for a more cohesive and elaborate creation.

 

Gabriela Castro – State Hornet

Before beginning, use the wire-cutters to trim broken necklaces to desired lengths or to cut off any metal shards that may be left behind from a gem falling out of setting. The wire-cutters are also useful in cutting off clasps or loops that may still be attached to the piece. During this step in the process, the needle-nose pliers will also help to bend and hold sections so they may be more easily trimmed.

Once the jewelry has been prepared, it’s time to start applying it to the base for the headband. 

A piece of felt fabric serves as a solid base upon which to make the jewelry creation. Trim felt to the desired shape and size, leaving ample room to fit the jewelry pieces.

Next, decide whether there will be any lace, tulle, netting or fabric added to the headband to give it extra dimension. Complete this step by gluing the additional fabric to the back of the felt. By applying it to the back, there is no need to worry about glue or unfinished ends showing through the jewelry and ruining the overall effect.

Maya Frattini – State Hornet

When the felt has been prepared, use the hot glue gun to glue the jewelry directly onto the felt. Beads, crystals, charms and chains can be combined to create a collage of colors and textures showcasing the designer’s personality and creativity. Keep in mind the headband will be slightly curved, so curving the felt while gluing down the jewelry will ensure the headband will fit against the head.

While the base is a good guide, feel free to go outside the lines a bit by dangling chains down or allowing crystals to overlap the felt. Be sure to trim any excess felt once the jewelry pieces have been applied.

Maya Frattini – State Hornet

The next step is to attach the jewelry collage to the actual headband. First cut a slightly smaller piece of felt, this will help anchor the collage and the headband to one another. Apply hot glue to both pieces of felt and sandwich the headband between. Once the glue has dried, the headband is complete.

Just because something is broken, does not mean it cannot be worn again. Once wrecked jewelry is reborn as an entirely new accessory; a fun and stylish headband.

Jessica Scharff can be reached at [email protected]