How to Make Spoon Ring Crafts

Spoons with decorative handles can be repurposed into rings.

If you have a drawer full of old, unused flatware, then you have a treasure trove of new jewelry just waiting to be made. Handles of old spoons often feature ornate decorations perfect for making vintage-style rings. Whether you love vintage jewelry or want to make a gift for your sweetheart, spoon rings offer a whimsical, inexpensive option.

Things You'll Need

• Spoon
• Wooden table
• Jeweler's saw
• Newspaper
• Leather chamois
• C-clamps
• Metal ring mandrel
• Leather mallet
• Polishing cloth

Instructions

1. Brace the handle of your spoon against your work table. Place the edge of your jeweler's saw against the handle of the spoon; aim as close to the bowl as you can. Saw firmly but gently at the spoon until the bowl falls off.

2. Layer newspapers about one-fourth-inch thick on top of your wooden work table. Spread a leather chamois on top of the paper. Slide C-clamps over the edge of the table and onto the newspaper and chamois. Tighten the clamps to hold your makeshift work pad in place.

3. Place your spoon handle, with the underside facing up, on your work pad. The handle should be horizontal, with the narrow end pointing left. Lay your ring mandrel on top of the handle's narrow end. Line up the top edge of the handle with the desired ring size on the mandrel. Mandrels are tapered rods with ring sizes marked on them. For instance, if you want a Size 6 ring, make sure the top edge of your handle lies against the number 6 line.

4. Rap your mandrel sharply with a leather mallet. The mandrel should slam into the handle and the work pad should give a little, allowing the handle to curve around the mandrel. Turn the mandrel a little to the right, and tap the narrow end of the spoon handle until it lies against the mandrel.

5. Continue turning and tapping the mandrel, until the entire spoon handle is wrapped around the rod. Slide the ring off of the mandrel, and rub it down with a polishing cloth to give it some shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Give the narrow end of your ring a decorative finish with a jeweler's saw. If the design on your handle has a little scroll work near the spoon's bowl, trace around it with your jeweler's saw. Sand the cut edge with a little fine sandpaper to smooth the design.

References

• Kristen Ellis: How to Make a Spoon Ring
• Craft Bits: Spoon Handle Bracelet