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While you weren't looking a whole other subculture has risen from obscurity up into our mainstream culture! That's right; a particular strain of the human pack rat has evolved to become a noticeable and accepted member of society! Not quite in the ranks of haute couture; none the less, some found object jewelry designers earn several hundred dollars per piece (body of work). And, their patrons are proud to wear these often unusual adornments!

Hmmm... Income @ hundreds of dollars - found object(s), otherwise known as free supplies; labor and any other supplies = probably pretty darn good! Want to try it?

Here's what you need to get started:

Found Objects (more on how to find them below)
*Beads (in your choice of colors and materials)
*Basic jewelry findings hooks, clasps, split rings, and the like
*Basic jewelry pliers, wire cutters, bead needle
Drill with small bits
Strong glue
Hammer
Small saw (optional)
Tin shears (optional)
Sealant (optional, for rusty pieces)

* Basic and beginner's kits are available in from various craft suppliers.

First find some objects that will be used for your piece. It is much easier than you might think; keep you eyes open for shiny and unusual objects on the ground when you are out on walks. Ocean shores wash up more than just shells. Raid your closets, drawers, your hardware stash and attic. Look at old unused items with a new eye; can some of your old junk be converted? If any construction sites are near, check the surrounding area for runaway washers, slugs and such. If you have a strong constitution go dumpster diving, or take a field trip to a land fill. If you rather pay for your "found object" jewelry supplies, then check out local thrift stores and yard sales. Surplus stores, especially electronic surplus stores can provide an abundance of supplies.

Once you have a good stash of found objects from which to work, look at them and decide what you would like to be the focal part of your piece. If desired, large items can probably be cut into several pieces by using a small saw or tin shears. You can use one to several found objects in one piece of work. After you have decided, arrange the objects on a table or strong piece of cardboard. Let it speak to you; is this a pin, bracelet, necklace, or something else? Add complimentary beads and findings until you are satisfied with your arrangement. Use those tools and get to it!

If you're still having a hard time getting started, try making my "Games People Play Bracelet."

In addition to supplies listed above, you need:

Small clamps
Assorted game pieces, scrabble tiles and tokens
Small electronic resistors
Basic bracelet chain with clasp (make your own, or buy one!)
Jewelry wire (optional)

Use clamps to hold the small game pieces and to have a little more leverage and control over the pieces you are working with.

1) Drill holes in all the pieces that already do not have holes. To keep from losing your newly found charms; take care that the holes are not too close to the edge of your game piece, but not so far away that a jump or split ring can't be attached. If needed, you can also string jewelry wire through the drilled holes and use the wire to attach charms to the bracelet link.

2) Using jewelry pliers, form a link out of one of the resistor ends. Add beads on the other resistor end and make a small coil to anchor them. Or just make a decorative swirl in the remaining resistor end.

3) Attach the game pieces and resistors to the chain bracelet with the jump or split rings.

4) If desired, string some additional beads on to jewelry wire and attach them to the bracelet.

This pattern can also be modified to make a necklace. You can also use a small number of "charms" to make matching earrings too! Have fun!

Learn more about this author, Cindy Hartzell.
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