When I found these vintage pulleys at an antiques store in, I knew right away they were meant to be used in jewelry making. I had a vision in my mind of a steampunk necklace, but I wasn’t sure if I could actually make it happen.
Aren’t they the cutest, though? And as tiny as can be- here’s a nickel for reference. The question is, what on Earth were these small pulleys used for originally?
Regardless, they were the perfect size to make a steampunk necklace or an industrial pendant. On a dainty, unassuming scale!
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Jewelry-Making with Vintage Pulleys
Over the past few years, I’ve amassed a nice collection of broken jewelry. And many of the pieces are orphans- single earrings, a broken watch, etc. So, I decided to pair these orphans with my vintage pulleys for this upcycled jewelry project.
First things first, I gathered the daintiest chain I had and strung a bit over the small pulley.
Next, I carefully disassembled a single chandelier crystal and attached the smaller half to one end of my chain.
Next, I added a few glass beads from a broken Italian rosary (using jeweler’s pliers) to the other end of my pulley chain.
And that was it! A whimsical and unique pendant necklace in just a few minutes.
Because the two ends aren’t equal weight, I can/will add a drop of glue at the top of the pulley wheel to hold the dangly bits in place.
Since I had 4 lovely pulleys, I decided to modify my approach ever so slightly on the next one. I had picked up a broken ladies wristwatch at a local Salvation Army recently and wanted to refashion it into a new piece of jewelry.
So, instead of hanging two different bits from the pulley, I simply looped some dainty chain around the pulley wheel, and threaded it through the watch face before closing the chain.
I might love this steampunk necklace even more than the first one!
Steampunk Necklace from a Vintage Pulley
Who am I kidding? I love them both! And such a fun way to repurpose bits of broken jewelry with those vintage pulleys.
I made more pulley pendants for my Etsy shop, but they sold out immediately! This one featured a large pearl bead.
And this one used a single earring that had featured a dangling pair of aurora borealis beads. So fun, right?
I’m just glad I kept this steampunk necklace from the bunch that I made! It’s a favorite go-to necklace in my collection.
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for jewelry, then you may also enjoy this entire collection of upcycled jewelry ideas, as well!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
I absolutely love this! Please let me know where I can purchase. Could I be in on the design process? Do you have more watches, or tiny pearls? Suffice it to say… I want one!!!! I’m reposting this on my FB page!
Hi, Kim- I posted on your Facebook share, but just in case you didn’t see it, here is a link to my shop! I only made 4 of these in total (I only found 4 pulleys), 1 of which I kept for myself and 1 of which already sold. There are still two left! https://www.etsy.com/shop/SadieSeasongoods
Ooh! These are so cool! I have a sister-in-law who is very into steampunk who would LOVE this! I might have to attempt this one. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this on Your Turn To Shine!
If you can’t find a pulley, I’ve got one left in my Etsy shop (for now)!!
Yeah…I’m kinda in love with your style! These are genius and oh so cute and I am headed over to your Etsy store right now…
OK, so you’re my new favorite person!! I’m so glad we’re able to connect (yay for link parties!)- there are only a couple of these left in my store (I only had 4 to begin with). I post a LOT on my Facebook page (fb.com/sadieseasongoods) so I hope I’ll see you there. Thank you so very much for the sweetest comments!!
very beautiful! love the softer side of steampunk 🙂 I bet the earrings you design will be gorgeous!
I love how creative you are, Sarah! You take little bits of stuff that other people wouldn’t look twice at and transform them into something beautiful!
Thank you, Amy!
Oh, these are so great! I love what you’ve done with these pulley’s. They’re romantic but with a rough edge. Wonderful!
Aww, thank you!!
These are wonderful! Thanks for linking up with me today!
Thanks, Jennie!
I love these!!! Love how you take a piece of this and a piece of that, put it together, and it just works!!! P.S. Since I think you have great taste, that means I do too, right? 🙂
LOL, I love it!! 😉
These are beautiful! You are very creative. Love how you were able to repurpose these little pulley’s into a very unique and beautiful piece of jewelry. Pinning, and sharing on Facebook. Thanks for sharing!
Thank YOU, Linda, for the lovely comments!
Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. I love seeing what you bring every week to The Weekend Social. Please stop by again Thursday 9:00 PM EST. Pinned. http://www.theKitchenChopper.com
Thank you so much!! I have to admit, I’m a little in love with these!!
These are awesome! Thanks for sharing with us at the Home Matters Linky Party. I hope you will party with us again this Friday. #HomeMattersParty
Absolutely- thanks!
What a fun and unique idea!!! 🙂
Thank you!
That are very fun and I can’t wait to put your Etsy shop in my favs! Hugs, Diane
Thank you so much!
These are adorable! Too fun!
I LOVE pulleys! These are too cute! Thank you for sharing on Show Me Saturday!
These are so cute!! Love these!! Happy sweet week!! xo Holly
Thank you, Holly!
I am so jealous! What a great find — and what a great way to use the pulleys.
Thanks, Lisa!!
Love these and I like the one with the timepiece the best as well. Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Thank you!
Those are so pretty and utterly cool too!
The minute I saw those pullies I wondered if they would work for hanging drapes/curtains. So different and I will find a way. Love seeing uses for what was. Now to find them, even if new I can age them.
Thanks for sharing.
The Steampunk world is going to love these!
Ooh…I love the watch one!! You had great vision, Sarah and I’m featuring your prodigal piece tomorrow. 😉
These are awesome!!
Thank you!!! Now, if only I could find more baby pulleys!
What a clever idea–I love these! I love ‘upcycled’ jewelry that mixes old with new and/or standard components with unusual elements.
I have never seen pulleys that little. Perfect for your fun pendants! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
It looks like they have a patina or surface coloring. Was it already like this or dod you add paint or stain to the pulley?
They came like that- all I did was add the chain bits and pendants.