Crafts With Old Silverware and Flatware: Windchimes and More

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

What can you make with old silverware and flatware?

If you enjoy making crafts with recycled materials, you may enjoy tutorials for projects with old silverware and flatware. With ideas ranging from wind chimes to lighting to shadowboxes, there is something here for everyone. Many of these project are too involved for kids to complete on their own but can make great family projects. Happy crafting!

• Pinterest: SILVERWARE crafting
  

Where can you find old silverware and flatware?

Many people choose to craft with old silverware because they already have it on hand at home. However, if you're interested in tracking down cheap, attractive pieces, consider the following options.

• Thrift stores, secondhand stores, and garage sales. You can pick up old sets of flatware for next to nothing at many thrift and secondhand stores as well as garage sales. The selection can be hit or miss, but if you visit these locations on a regular basis, it's worth keeping your eyes open. If you're looking for higher end vintage pieces, consider hitting estate sales.
• eBay. There are lots of listings on eBay at any given time for vintage silverware lots. The starting bids can vary significantly depending on quality and quantity.
• Craigslist and freecycle. One of the drawbacks to purchasing weightier items such as silverware online is the shipping costs that come with them. Explore local options on Craigslist and freecycle to avoid these costs.
• Family and friends. You never know who has a huge lot of old unwanted flatware or even a couple cool pieces that are perfect for a smaller project. Put the word out to people you see on a regular basis.

Tip: Mix up your craft project by spray painting your silverware before you craft with it.

Do It, Gurl : Make An Upcycled Wind Chime

Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are the most popular project that people make with silverware. The concept of a silverware wind chime is very whimsical. There are numerous options for wind chime components. Many people choose to include additional kitchen items, such as butter dishes, teapots, and small bowls. Regardless of the items used, it is important to choose a single strong item that can anchor the hanging silverware pieces. The anchor can be a fork with the tines bent or a larger piece.

• Silverware Wind Chime Tutorial
  
• Silverware Wind Chime | Home Made Simple
  
• Silverware Wind Chime : DIY Talent Songbird
  

Make A Hanging Spoon Rack

Hooks

You will get an endless stream of compliments about a hook set that has silverware pieces instead of traditional hooks. If you're planning to make your own set of hooks, silverware is a fun, inexpensive option. Forks and spoons both work well as hooks. Consider using hooks for coats and other outerwear, notes/messages (for fork hooks), and kitchen utensils. Some people also use their silverware hooks as planter hangers.

• diy project: kitchen utensil key rack | Design*Sponge
  
• Silverware as Wall Hooks | RealSimple.com
  
• Snickerdoodle Creations: Coat Rack
  
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• hutch studio: Hanging Jars
  

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Jewelry

Most of the silverware craft tutorials out there are for décor pieces, but you can also find tutorials for wearable art. Most people turn single forks and spoons into cuff bracelets or fashion spoon heads into pendants. Of course you don't need to feel limited to these ideas. You can stamp, cut, and/or paint your silverware to give it additional visual elements. Some people also add charms and other jewelry components. Finish your piece off with the clasp of your choosing.

Jewelry Making With Household Items : How to Make Jewelry From Silverware

• How to Make Spoon and Fork Jewelry Tutorials - The Beading Gem's Journal
  
• ReFab Diaries: Upcycle: Silverware becomes silver WEAR!
  
• Silverware Jewelry Tutorial
  
• Violet Elephant: Spoon Pendant Tutorial
  
• DIY: Spoon ring | A Smith of All Trades
  

Shadowbox

Putting old silverware in a shadowbox is such a unique idea. It makes a wonderful piece of décor for a kitchen or for a room in any house that has a vintage décor theme. There are numerous ways to customize a piece with different frames, backdrops, and additional components. Are you interested in displaying one of a kind heirloom silverware pieces? This is a great option.

• "Give Thanks" Thanksgiving Shadow box | Blue Cricket Design
  
• The Little Things: Vintage Repurposed
  
• Displaying Family Heirlooms - Creatively Living Blog
  
• i lived on wisteria lane: Nostalgic Art
  

How to make light fixtures - Eclectic Revival - 'Made in Toronto'

Lighting

There are tons of stunning images online of silverware chandeliers and other light fixtures. The first link in the list below includes a tutorial for this type of lighting. There is also a tutorial below for a simple tea light wall fixture.

• FLATwear (upcycled chandelier) : Absolute Bodo
  
• four corners design: Silverware lamp part II
  
• SILVERWARE CHANDELIER BY ALI SIAHVOSHI | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture
  
• Spruce Your Nest: Tea Light Wall Art
  

• Stamped Spoon Handles
  
• Whiteley Creek Homestead Bed and Breakfast Brainerd Minnesota: kitchen cabinet door hardware
  .
• Spring Craft Ideas : Easy Spring Crafts and Projects - Country Living
  
• Hand-Stamped Plant Markers
  
• Brooklyn Limestone: Chic on the Cheap: Vintage Fork Napkin Rings
  
• Recycled Craft Ideas - Mason Jar and Recycled Crafts - Country Living : Candle Holders
  
• Sugar & Spice in the land of Balls & Sticks: Sunburst Silverware Clock
  

Other Home Décor and Functional Ideas

There are a number of other very creative ideas out there for using old silverware around the house including:

• Drawer and cabinet pulls and handles.
• Garden markers.
• Curtain tiebacks.
• Napkin rings.
• Candle holders.
• Re-purposed clock.

Are you looking for more recycled material craft project ideas? Check this out!

• Baby Food Jars: Crafts, Ideas, and Projects
  This article is about baby food jar crafts, ideas, and projects. It includes everything from simple storage solutions to more involved craft projects. These projects are ideal for kids, gifts, parties, showers, weddings, and more.
• Uses for Wine Corks: Crafts, Home Décor Projects, Garden Ideas, and More
  This article is about uses for wine corks. It includes a wide variety of photos, tutorials, and other resources for crafts, home décor projects, garden ideas, and much more. There is something here for everyone.
• Recycled Old T-Shirt Craft Ideas: Clothing and Accessory Projects
  Do you have old t-shirts lying around at home? Recycle them into clothing and accessories with these craft projects and ideas.

Comments

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 25, 2013:

That's awesome, Jackie! Enjoy. :)

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on June 25, 2013:

Great idea and I see beautiful odd pieces at yard sales all the time. Now I know what to do with them, thanks! ^

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 03, 2013:

That's awesome! Now you have lots of resources if you ever get inspired to do it yourself. :)

Claudia Mitchell on March 03, 2013:

A friend of mine has spoon hooks in her mud room and they look so awesome. I've often been tempted to do that. Neat ideas for old silverware.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 01, 2013:

Thanks, vesapwoolf! The silverware jewelry sounds gorgeous!

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on March 01, 2013:

I love crafts using repurposed items and this one is no exception. Curtain tiebacks made of silverware are so cute. Here in Peru, there's a craftsman who makes and sells jewelry from old silverware. I have a necklace. She bent the tines around a beautiful stone. These are great ideas and so useful. Voted up across the board!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 26, 2013:

Thanks, Carol! I appreciate that feedback.

carol stanley from Arizona on February 26, 2013:

How creative and fun. This is a great hub with so many good sources. voting up and pinning.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 25, 2013:

Thanks so much, sgbrown! That's great. :) Happy crafting!

Sheila Brown from Southern Oklahoma on February 25, 2013:

Such cool ideas and so many wonderful links! I plan on doing some crafts this spring, I am bookmarking your hub! Up and awesome! :)

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 25, 2013:

Thanks, anuramkumar! That's great that you found some new ideas here.

anuramkumar from Chennai, India on February 25, 2013:

Interesting options...thought of windchimes; however, others are new to me. Great hub. Voted up.