Repurposed {vintage earbobs}

by Cindy on July 23, 2011

vintage-earbobs_pushpins

Remember my recent Inspiration Board post? I have a little more to add to that one….

My house is not decorated in a shabby chic style, the style that I love. But I thought, why not create that look that I am drawn to in a small space that I call my own – a pretty place I could retreat to in an all-boy family. My studio is filled with keepsakes (jewelry boxes, antique velvet albums, ephemera), and soft, pale colors. I wanted to create a visual retreat with my inspiration board. Plastic and metal thumb tacks just wouldn’t do – not when I wanted to hang an old rhinestone piece or old piece of lace. I made thumb tacks with rolled fabric roses (like the ones I used in this project) and mother of pearl buttons. I also used vintage earbobs (earrings) – turned push pins. Now I have a functional use for all of those single earrings that I’ve been collecting.

It’s been fun searching for old earbobs that have likely gone untouched for years. I attached them to thumb tacks and created something both sweet and functional. You’ll find sets in my Etsy shop – ready to help make your inspiration board or memo board a pretty place.

{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }

Renate July 23, 2011 at 2:40 am: Extremely genius idea, Cindy! I have been hoping you would share a peek into your studio…
Stefanie July 23, 2011 at 5:26 am: Ohhhhh, what a great idea and they are sooo cute!
LeAnn July 23, 2011 at 6:43 am: Oh, that’s clever!
Lana July 23, 2011 at 7:13 am: Hi Cindy, hope your summer is going well, i’m sure the boys are keeping you very busy. I just love that idea i have several old vintage earrings laying around whoda thunk to use them in this way………you my dear are so creative!!!! I always’ enjoy your wonderful post’s .I’ve been away for a week so i’ll have to go back and see if i missed any with those handsome fellas of yours.
take care and enjoy your weekend ttfn Lana 🙂
Marcie July 23, 2011 at 7:18 am: This is such a great idea! Gorgeous!
Jana July 23, 2011 at 8:10 am: Those are so pretty and I love the term “earbobs”. That’s what my Grandma used to call them. : )
sharon July 23, 2011 at 8:18 am: Brilliant Cindy, I love them! And gorgeous too!
Alice July 23, 2011 at 8:44 am: Oh how sweet, and so clever! My home is not decorated the way I want either. Hubby does not want to sit around in all white or frilly stuff after working outside or playing ball–dripping with sweat. If I ever get a studio you can bet it will be shabby chic.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Lynsey Brooks July 23, 2011 at 8:48 am: What an utterly fantastic idea Cindy. These are so sweet.
Have a lovely weekend x
cat kerr July 23, 2011 at 9:10 am: These are super sweet Cindy!!I just love how your brain works..Can you spare some of that creative mojo..well ..how about just a wee-bit..Big Hugs,Cat
Cristi Clothier July 23, 2011 at 9:11 am: They are wonderful and very creative!
Preserve Jewelry Studio July 23, 2011 at 9:53 am: Cindy, very clever idea and useful for those that appreciate vintage jewelry. I always remember my grandmother wearing clip earrings similar to the ones you have displayed. I hope you capitalize on your idea by submitting to a craft magazine!
Tracy July 23, 2011 at 9:56 am: So pretty and inspiring!
Therese July 23, 2011 at 11:15 am: Who knew that old earrings could be used in such a new and useful way, oh that’s right you did! 🙂 Very imaginative idea thank you for sharing.
Therese
Brandi July 23, 2011 at 1:13 pm: How perfect are these!!!
Erin Prais-Hintz July 23, 2011 at 3:06 pm: YOu are so CLEVER! That is a great idea.
Enjoy the day, Miss Cindy!
Erin
Lupe Meter July 23, 2011 at 5:37 pm: Awesome idea, Cindy…Thanks for sharing. Will have to try and make some with Polymer clay!
Lori Anderson July 23, 2011 at 5:49 pm: I absolutely LOVE this idea!
Sharon A. Kyser July 24, 2011 at 1:13 am: Thank you for stopping in and your words of encouragement. I taught a class of 50 ladies today for the Atlanta Bead Society 20th Birthday party and I am exhausted so it was nice to hear from you. Come back anytime!!
Your boys are adorable and the camera shots are to die for. What kind of camera is that???? Love it,
Sharon
Judy July 24, 2011 at 2:58 pm: They are soooooo sweet! You are so clever!
Madeline July 24, 2011 at 10:02 pm: Cindy! what a wonderful idea and a great way to utilize those beautiful “ear bobs” of long ago or not so long ago. I’ll have to check and see what I can find before we visit, hopefully in August.
Any little boy pictures?
Sharon Misuraco July 24, 2011 at 10:25 pm: Hi Cindy, Just getting in touch, every day just whips past us! I love your necklace made with Just One Finding on the Diana Frey blog! The blue attracted me first, but then I saw that the whole idea was very intriguing and quite lovely! Also was very interested in your post about Chincoteague! (Many) years ago, my mother read me the story, “Misty of Chincoteague” and then I made her read it again! It was fun to read about your trip there, no wonder you went back! I’ve been overwhelmed with the July flea markets and 3 galleries that want “stuff”! A bit much, especially when you throw in some irritating non-jewelry tasks that poked their heads in! Wishing you an enjoyable summer right back!
Patty July 24, 2011 at 11:38 pm: Oh so cute!!! Love this idea!
Susan M (quiltingjewel) July 25, 2011 at 3:14 pm: Cindy – that is so creative and so charming. I just love them!!
Janet July 26, 2011 at 12:17 am: Arent they so very Sweet Cindy! I need to look in your Shop! xx
KIM July 27, 2011 at 1:45 pm: How fun and I love the way your display them!
lynn gonzalez July 27, 2011 at 10:39 pm: How fun!!!! These are so sweet. Thank you for sharing, Lynn
Becky Caldwell July 27, 2011 at 11:47 pm: These are too cute! What a wonderful idea! 🙂
Melissa M July 28, 2011 at 12:44 pm: how did I miss this post? These are the sweetest things!!!
Rebecca Anderson July 30, 2011 at 4:15 am: I *love* these. x