Vintage Redux: Remake Classic and Collectible Jewelry

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Product Reviews

(4 stars) - Transforming old trinkets into something FUN!
VINTAGE REDEUX is a book with nice step-by-step instructions, that a reader will find most helpful. Also, the photographs are trmendously inspiring. Some of the ideas are more fun to look at rather than actually wearing (eg: the asymmetrical chain necklace on page 73, or the high-school ring bracelet on page 80).... but still, I liked many of the ideas because they can inspire a reader to modify their own version of an old jewelry piece & try something different and unique. I think a reader would have to add their own ideas to similar pieces, in order to make some of the heavier pieces wearable. Yet, this book allows the reader's creative juices to flow, and for that, this book is worth keeping in one's own Library.

Here's a brief description of some of the pieces that intrigued me & inspired me:
1) The thimble necklace using an old thimble as a focal pendant; 2) Redoing the older bangles project into a new bracelet; 3)The tapestry ribbon bracelet; 4) The rhinestone buckle ribbon bracelet; 5) The cream-colored necklace using old plastic necklaces and white trinkets; 6) The colorful ribbon belt made by using a bunch of old plastic buckles in an evenly spaced row; 7) The bangles transformed into a new piece by glueing old trinkets and rhinestones all around.

In my opinion, some of the pieces are for an intermediate-level jewelry maker and not for the novice. However, anybody can be inspired by the photos, no matter what level of expertise.

(5 stars) - the best out there
this was so much better than the other books about vintage refurbished jewelry that are out there right now. Unlike some of those, this one is down to earth and not pretentious. The designs are more high fashion and eclectic, and the instructions are easy to understand. The author clearly knows a great deal about vintage jewelry. A must have.

(4 stars) - Vintage Redux
Lots of great ideas, and a lot of inspiration for projects using my old pieces. Reuse, recycle, repurpose, yes!!!! Good photos and the gallery is really grea.
I highly recommend this for anyone who has "stuff" in their drawers that they can't part with, but no longer wear.

(5 stars) - very useful book
I'm so happy with this book. I went antique shop hopping and came home with so many vintage and unusual pieces but drew a blank on how to even begin designing new pieces into jewelry that i would wear or give as gifts. This book is really going to be helpful. I was nervous about taking anything apart and how i would go about changing the way to attach it (think old brooch with a pin backing or clip on earrings) This showed those exact types of peices and different ways they were reused.

(5 stars) - Fun, fresh uses for old jewelry
Like most artists and craftspeople, I collect stuff to use in my work. Some of that "stuff" is vintage (read: old and/or out of style) jewelry.
I've taken apart several pieces, especially to use interesting clasps. Most of the time I go no further than that, so have plastic storage boxes full of this vintage jewelry. It's hard top figure out to do with some of the pieces, so they sit and age along with their shiny friends, waiting for inspiration.

Enter Vintage Redux: Remake Classic and Collectible Jewelry by Brenda Schweder. The goal of Vintage Redux: Remake Classic and Collectible Jewelry is to show reader how to take a drawer or box or bin full of forgotten jewelry and make something new and fun.

The author begins begins by defining vintage and what is collectible versus what is fair game for recycling. No sense taking apart a valuable piece of costume jewelry when there is plenty of sparklies out there with little monetary value but with a lot of potential for recycling into something wonderful. The book also contains a useful section on cleaning, repairing and storing jewelry that is useful.

Schweder has organized the projects into three categories: New Order Redux, Unexpected Redux and Heirloom Redux. New Order Redux includes projects where vintage is remade into modern pieces. Unexpected Redux shows the reader how to use vintage buckles, buttons and other pieces. Heirloom Redux adds a modern touch to your heirlooms without altering your treasure.

With more than 30 projects, those who like traditional and those who like totally over-the-top will both find inspiration here. Each project is presented in step-by-step instructions and photos.

In addition to the author's projects, this lovely book also contains a gallery of work by other artists.

There is a lot of inspiration between the covers of this book. Even though you probably won't make a project exactly like those shown in the book (face it---who is going to have the same "stuff"?) you will be inspired to dig out those forgotten pieces and make something, fun, original and fresh.

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