I love the look and feel of vintage, silver-plated cutlery. I love the patina it wears, the designs on its handles, and its utility. But a piece of cutlery doesn't just have to be used for dining. With a few simple alterations, it can become... a lovely piece of jewelry.
I wear this pendant quite often. It represents much of what I value - simplicity, uniqueness, repurposing, and sustainability.
To make your own vintage spoon pendant, start with a silver-plated spoon. A more modern stainless steel spoon will not work.
In addition, you will need a bolt cutter, a metal file, and needle-nose pliers. It is best to work on your spoon in a vice grip if you have one.
First, cut the bowl of your spoon plus about 1 1/2 inches of the handle. This will become your pendant. If you use a vice grip, place the spoon on a soft towel to prevent scratches or marks.
The bowl and section of the handle you cut will become your pendant. The remaining handle can be used to make a wine charm or a bookmark charm.
Next, place the spoon bowl between the folds of a soft towel. Hammer the spoon bowl flat. I placed my spoon on an anvil. Be careful selecting a surface on which to work. You'll likely have to pound the metal several times to get it flat, and you don't want to damage your work surface. Keep in mind that the spoon bowl may not become completely flat and smooth. It might have some slight bumps. Using a pair of pliers, bend the handle section of the spoon back to create a loop. It is through this loop that you will thread your chain.
If you wish to stamp a phrase onto your spoon, you will need to purchase metal stamps. I have a set of both medium and small alphabet stamps.
Consider how you want your lettering spaced. Then start stamping! The letters will become impressed into the metal. To make the letters appear darker, fill in the impressions with a fine, black permanent marker. It's okay if you don't stay completely in the lines. Spray the pendant with a bit of window cleaner and wipe. The stray marks will come off.
Silver becomes tarnished in time. Polish your pendant with a silver polish to brighten the shine. If your stamped lettering becomes faint, simply retrace the letters with a permanent marker as described above.
Wear your lovely pendant with pride!
All photos taken by Paulette Rodriguez.
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