Firethorn Antiques’ Newsworthy Articles
Written by Cheryl Weller-Anderson, Owner & CEO of Firethorn Antiques
Repurposing Antique Linens & Costume Jewelry
March 2025
Repurposing Old Linens
I inherited a few boxfuls of antique and vintage linens from both of my grandmothers. Most had been hand-embroidered by them. Unfortunately, the ravages of time showed on a number of the items (tear holes, etc.), but the stitch-work on many was too precious to discard. What to do? I don’t consider myself to be an artist like my mother was, but I do envision what I’d like to see something become. The above photo shows my first attempt at repurposing one of my grandmother’s old linen pillowcases. I trimmed off the top of the case which was very worn with age and kept just the section with my grandmother’s stitchwork. I then took an old wooden frame, painted it in pink, and framed the piece of linen. I added a vintage plastic violin ornament to the piece. Finally, as I was an English major and teacher all my life, I took a piece of parchment paper, printed out a quotation, and added it to the work. I made this piece years ago. The only thing I would change is I would not have added the grossgrain ribbon around the edges.
Repurposing Old Costume Jewelry
I also inherited a “ton” of vintage costume jewelry, especially clip earrings from the 1930s to the 1950s, from my grandmothers. Old mid-century pins or brooches were also plentiful. I know many of my blog readers have seen old jewelry recreations in magazines. The idea is a very good way to recycle old costume jewelry.
I have made the typical “Christmas Trees,” “Angels,” and “Ghosts” out of old jewelry and buttons. The piece pictured above was one that I created as a gift to my mother shortly before her sudden and unexpected death. She especially loved angels (and crafted many of her own), but she was such a romantic at heart, I felt she needed a large heart for her wall in her craft room. Thus, my piece above was born and gifted to my mom. With both of my parents now gone, when I had to clean out their home to put it on the market, I reclaimed a few of the items I had made and given to my mom. Her heart now hangs in my craft room.
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