I have been collecting vintage (1940, 1950 for the most part) aluminum for years. Last fall, I got an urge to transform these old serving pieces, trays, coasters and dishes into jewelry. The first "victim" was a soap dish, which is now a bracelet sold at the Placida Art Market. I was rewarded right away for this idea- a Repurposed aluminum cuff won Second place prize in the Punta Gorda Visual Art Center Student Show.
I use a jeweler's saw to cut out the leaves and flowers so that I can rivet them to copper, use them as toggles, put them on leather, or hammer out a bracelet. I also make my own beads out of aluminum tubes. Lots of people remember these trays and objects and it has been a real conversation piece at my stand in Placida. The gift shop at the Visual Arts Center is now carrying some of my pieces.
