Giving New Meaning to UPCYCLE!

My first ever ‘Do Over Challenge’ was such fun! I signed up to participate in Jeannie K Dukic’s 6th Do Over Challenge not really knowing anything about how it worked. I received a necklace that was very sweet with copper wire connections and pinkish pearls. It sat on my work space for a couple of weeks while I pondered my next move.

One day I opened my polymer bead collection and was drawn to the pinkish and green beads. They really looked good with the pearls. I found some green crystal beads and a few other contenders. But when I tried the small striped beads, I knew my combination! This is the finished product for most of the pearls in the original necklace.

It was the week to finish some of my long term projects. I kept the wires with the red and green rubber bands from the braces I wore for 3 years. When they finally came off, I asked the orthodontist if I could have them. He wanted to know why since almost NO ONE wanted them and I told him I wanted to make a piece of jewelry. I’d had them so long and they cost so much I wanted to see what I could do with them. That was almost 6 months ago. Time to do something with them so I could take the finished piece to my 6 month appointment.

The pinkish pearls and red garnets combine with the two wires. The upper brace had green rubber bands and the lower brace had red rubber bands. What was I thinking? After cleaning and brushing the wire, I played with all the components and created a heart that symbolizes 3 years of straightening my teeth, getting healthier and strengthening my fortitude! At 66 that was no mean feat!

The directions for this challenge were to ‘Use at least 50% or more of the Do Over piece’. I could add beads/components from my own stash. I really enjoyed this challenge and think I’ll sign up for another one! You should try it too!