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I saw these really cool framed vintage jewelry Christmas trees for sale on line and thought, I could do that. Where would one find large quantities of vintage jewelry without going to garage sales for the next 50 years.

Try thrift stores or Goodwill.

So much of the vintage jewelry (really glittery pretty stuff) has already been busted up for these things that were popular in the 50's/60's? Some of us rescued boxes of vintage from garage sales and don't want to see it broken apart.

Any vintage jewelry you do find is probably going to be very costly to break into pieces for a "flat tree". Why not use your own jewelry? Pin to a velvet foam board, and check craft stores for more stick on sparkle. Display the items from your own jewelry, without damaging them and have a whole new way to enjoy them.

I agree that this is easily doable for even the novice crafter. Importantly, I also agree that you need not use vintage jewelry tho my brother has found some pieces for cheap at his local church sales. Many people don't realize the value of vintage costume jewelry and some don't recognize true vintage jewelry. There are plenty of inexpensive reproduction costume jewelry pieces on the market today and very suitable for this sort of craft. Find a shadow box deep enough for this project. Along with church sales, check out garage sales, thrift stores, consignment shops. Think of the pride of workmanship and the satisfaction that you created it frugally.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

Also ask friends and family for glitzy costume jewelry they no longer want. They may gladly part with lone earrings, pins they no longer wear or dressy hair accessories that can pass for brooches. Have patience and before long you'll have enough materials. Half the fun is in the hunt. Think of the stories you could tell regarding where the jewelry came from.

The trick is do not break it up fill in with small beads.