9. Layered Junk Jewelry Decorative Trinket Bowls
What This Idea Means
Plain glass or ceramic trinket dishes become opulent vanity accessories when coated on the exterior with a mosaic layer of brass filigree, vintage watch gears, and colorful rhinestone jewelry fragments. They make exquisite ring dishes or vanity accents.
How to Make It
- Select Base Dish: Choose a clear glass or smooth ceramic bowl or dish (approx. 4 to 6 inches wide).
- Clean Surface: Wipe the outer surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.
- Deconstruct Jewelry: Strip all pins, backs, and thick posts from small metal jewelry, vintage watch faces, and crystal charms.
- Adhere Bottom Up: Starting near the base of the dish’s exterior, apply clear two-part epoxy and press metal filigree pieces onto the glass.
- Tile the Exterior: Continue tiling jewelry upward until the entire outer surface is covered, leaving the inner bowl smooth and functional for holding items.
Tips & Variations
- Tip: Do not place jewelry inside the inner basin of the bowl so that rings and keys can sit safely on a smooth surface without snagging.
- Variation: Paint the clear glass dish with metallic gold paint before applying jewelry so the interior shines with matching warmth.
What You Need
- Glass or ceramic trinket dish
- Small vintage jewelry pieces, watch parts, & charms
- Clear two-part epoxy adhesive
- Rubbing alcohol & lint-free cloth
- Flush wire cutters & tweezers