12/4/11 Update: Are you a wonderful reader stumbling over here from Pinterest? And are you are interested in a DIY for these beautiful rings?! If so, then click here for the full tutorial. Thanks for reading!
12/10/12 Update: To see video snippets of the tutorial, click here.
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The beginning stages of a relationship are always exciting. The nervous butterflies, the showering with affection, the "sure I can hang out tonight (even though I have a 10 page paper that's due at 8am tomorrow that I have no idea when I'll finish)"...these all make those first few months such a treasure. However, my favorite thing about beginnings of relationships? The dumb, quirky little gifts you give in a hopeless attempt to impress the other.
Rewind three and a half years to when Noel and I first started dating. Well one day as he was walking to my apartment, he found this fabulous little spoon ring. So, naturally, when he got to my apartment he gave it to.....my roommate. Okay, okay, so the spoon ring was TOTALLY her style, and I do suppose impressing the friends is a crucial part of the relationship as well...but still. :)
Recently, the spoon ring story came to mind, and after giggling to myself for a moment, I started wondering what other wonderful things you could use old silverware for. I did a little google searching, and here are some of my favorite things that I came up with:
So, from now on don't throw away those old utensils - get creative and give them a new life!
12/10/12 Update: To see video snippets of the tutorial, click here.
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The beginning stages of a relationship are always exciting. The nervous butterflies, the showering with affection, the "sure I can hang out tonight (even though I have a 10 page paper that's due at 8am tomorrow that I have no idea when I'll finish)"...these all make those first few months such a treasure. However, my favorite thing about beginnings of relationships? The dumb, quirky little gifts you give in a hopeless attempt to impress the other.
Rewind three and a half years to when Noel and I first started dating. Well one day as he was walking to my apartment, he found this fabulous little spoon ring. So, naturally, when he got to my apartment he gave it to.....my roommate. Okay, okay, so the spoon ring was TOTALLY her style, and I do suppose impressing the friends is a crucial part of the relationship as well...but still. :)
I think these napkin rings made from the ends of spoons/forks are just beautiful!
Here's a twist on the spoon ring - a fork necklace! (Maybe I'll get one of these instead...)
I just LOVE this...I think it is such a fun and creative way to display name cards!
This is amazing. Luis Luna used plastic utensils to create this fabulous "Gluttony" light fixture.
What better way to mark your garden?
I don't really know how comfortable this chair would be...but at least it looks sweet!
A unique approach to candle holders.
Fun and easy DIY cabinet hardware!
I love the simplicity of these...although if you aren't careful when you close the curtains...this could be deadly.
Beverly at Flamingo Toes made this adorable mirror using old silverware (you can't see the reflection of the mirror due to the angle of the picture).
Here Halsey from Spunky Junky turned her old silverware into art by simply spray painting the silverware white and framed them for a unique look
This is a spin off the name card holder - this would be the perfect stand for your business cards!
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Image credit: {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11} {12} {13}
Can't wait for the DIY on the rings! :)
ReplyDeleteHolly
Thanks looking forward to the tutorial!!
ReplyDeletelora
Found you through Pinterest! I can't wait for the ring tutorial! So cool! Great collection of DIY's! :)
ReplyDeleteclairescornercz.blogspot.com
I have always wanted to try this so 13yrs ago while in france. I found silverware this will be perfect for can't wait
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the tutorial, but some of the other ideas are great, too!!
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant and I cannot wait to try. Especially after reading you spent a whole $7 on a torch! I thought it would be much more of an investment. My only questions are : where is the best place to find a cheaper metal file, and also how can you avoid the silverware from bubbling? Or rather, what is a standard amount of time to heat them for? Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteUnknown - You can find a file at any home improvement store. I had one that I used, but I know you can get them for under $10 at Home Depot (or I'm sure Menards or Lowes).
ReplyDeleteAlso, the amount of time you heat them for depends on how hot the torch is. The small, $7 torch that I bought (you will also have to buy the butane which is like $3), doesn't get nearly as hot as larger torches. So, for the smaller ones, you need to keep it on there for longer than you would with the larger torches. As for the bubbling, I didn't have a problem with it, but mine also didn't completely start glowing. I would say heat it and periodically check to see if it can be bent yet. Let me know if there are any other questions!
Very inspiring....Spoon rings were the rage when I was young...I'm going to try to make one!
ReplyDeleteI see that you recommend using sterling silver and said that you found it at local thrift stores. I have been to several so far trying to find the sterling silver flatware. Any other recommendations? Maybe I am just looking in the wrong county beings I live in a poor county. The only thing that I have been able to find so far is stainless steel. A lot of the older looking flatware that I have found is stainless steel also. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteCourtney, you can use "silver plated" also, but it will be more difficult to bend than sterling silver. I don't know where else to find cheap silver, because the price of silver is really high. You could search ebay, but everything on there I have seen is rather expensive. My best suggestion is to keep scouring flea markets and thrift or antique stores. Wish I could help more!
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Thanks for the information!
ReplyDeleteThe silverware sunburst IS a mirror . . . http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/03/a-starburst-mirror-for-the-dining-room/
ReplyDeleteKristen!
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for your post! I am not a writing specialist by any means, just little ol me. You got right into my heart with the first two paragraphs. Made my heart smile! I have grabbed your tut and save it in a word doc so that I can go back to it in the spring when things warm up a bit here in the Great White North of Minnesota. Good tip on the butane torch, have to try that!
Tami
Kristine- Thanks for letting me know about that!
ReplyDeleteTami- Thanks so much for the kind words...good luck with the spoon rings and hope you are enjoying this crazy Minnesota winter :)
Of course, what a magnificent website and illuminating posts, I will bookmark your site.Have an awsome day!
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ReplyDeleteLa Canadienne Women's Felicia Boot
Great ideas - I came here via Pinterest indeed ! Those spoon rings are getting popular ;)
ReplyDeleteSatu
- Indie by Heart
What did you use to attatch the silverware to your cabinets please???
ReplyDeleteHi Susie,
DeleteHere's a tutorial on how to turn the silverware into handles. Hope this helps! http://www.ehow.com/how_12073687_make-cabinet-handles-out-silverware.html
Thank you Danielle, just got the cabinets completed painting today and am anxious to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteHey Kirsten. I gues I'm blind I can't find the directions on how to make the spoon rings? :( Could you lead me in the right direction?
ReplyDeleteHi Victoria,
DeleteThe link to the spoon ring tutorial is listed at the top of the page...but here it is: http://kirstenerickson.blogspot.com/2011/12/spoon-ring-tutorial.html :)
Looking is so cute. thanks for again post your blog post. i love it.
ReplyDeleteSilverware
Someone appears to be selling your ring tutorial:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.listia.com/auction/8056637-diy-spoon-ring-instructions
I would check on Listia to see if any more of your blog content is being sold.