You would be amazed at what you can discover in a quilt or nice fabric store. Quilt stores an be a great resource for the jewelry maker who wants to try something new. On a recent trip, here are a few items of interest I found and what they could be used for in my jewelry making.

Beautiful, wide ribbon - This is perfect for amulet bags.

Medium sized ribbon - A little thicker than the wide ribbon, but it too can be used to make an amulet. It also would look nice as a choker with a charm dangling from the middle or as the strap to a beaded amulet.

Cameo buttons - These can be used as part of a toggle clasp. You can also cut off the backs and used as a cab in order to bead around, wrap, or bezel with metal.

Precut fabric sections - Beads can be embroidered to the fabric design, or the fabric can be used to line a ribbon or beaded amulet.

I’ve already used my limited sewing skills and my quilt shop finds to create a few nice jewelry pieces.

This wide ribbon was transformed into an amulet necklace, lined with precut fabric, and embellished with rose quartz beads and seed beads. I even used seed beads and a 6mm rose quartz bead to make a closer for the amulet.

This smaller amulet was made from the medium sized ribbon. I made a beaded amethyst necklace that works as a detachable strap when connected to the amulet hooks.

You’ve already seen this crocheted wire and bead bracelet. A pretty cameo button was used as part of a toggle. You could use a pretty button as a toggle for other jewelry pieces as well.

I cut the backs off some blue and white cameo buttons, glued them to interfacing, and beaded around them with seed beads. Then I covered the back with ultra sued and glued it to a barrette.

If you’ve ever thought of expanding your jewelry horizons, try making a trip to your local quilt shop, and see what you can discover.