When I make something, I always try to use materials that may not typically be used in a project. On the one hand, it’s a good way to re-use, recycle, and “go green” and all that, but it also can make for some pretty original projects and designs that no one else has.
I’ve always been drawn to metal and shiny materials, but when I first read the blog Runway DIY’s post about a bowtie ribbon necklace using nuts, wire, and other hardware supplies, I knew I had found a new category of materials to use in my crafts.
Not too long later, I stumbled upon another blog called Studs and Pearls. They have a post that outlines the five best ways to use hardware supplies to make awesome crafts. Mainly, they focus on how to use different hardware supplies to make cool jewelry. From this, I became inspired to make some of my own hardware essential wear. Essentially, there are infinite possibilities when using hardware materials in your designs, but here are some of my favorites:
1. Cut up pieces of a drywall screen. This material is great because it is reminiscent of a type of mesh, but is much harder and thicker. Try cutting out multiple pieces and gluing them all together for a backdrop of a pendant design. For example, I glued multiple pieces together and then glued a washer on top of that for a cool, metal pendant.
2. Chains can be a great addition to anything you’re making. Adding a chain on a piece of wall art can give it a great, rugged and modern look. Stringing a bunch of nuts and bolts together on a metal chain makes for a really urban necklace.
3. Nuts, bolts, and screws—you know, the typical hardware stuff. Making a necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc. out of any of these materials, or a combination of all these materials just looks straight up cool. It also makes you feel cool to wear it. Pair it with a leather jacket, your favorite shirt, or your new pair of jeans for a grunge type of look.
4. Studs- a great asset for essentially anything. You can stud a pair of shoes, jacket, or your favorite bag.
Obviously, there are other great hardware supplies you can use on your projects. For more ideas check out the Runway DIY blog and Pearls and Studs, as well as other craft blogs!
