Vintage ring storage doubles for art

My mom was thinking about getting rid of these old things she's had for years. Originally the frames were gold and she painted them black - so that's where I get that! ;)


But the black paint was getting a funky patina

And the art is pretty dark for a springtime project. It's actually decoupaged onto the glass so it's a good thing I didn't need the glass anyway!

My brother sells Mac Tools and gave me these cool kiwi pliers for Christmas (so called because they look like kiwi birds) - they have amazing grip and because they are angled it's much easier to see what you're getting at since your hands aren't in the way.

Once I was down to just the frame I spent some time cleaning it up and decided to use the rest of my paint from my birdcaged books project.

While I was letting that dry, I used the oval glass as a template to cut a piece of lightly patterned scrapbook paper and a piece of cardboard from a cracker box. (Glue paper to cardboard.)

These rings were all made by my great aunt Ellen sometime between the 1950's and 1970's. Read more about these and her beading here. I have treasured them for years but was wanting a way to display them so they weren't tucked away in a jewelry box.
I figured where I wanted them placed once I got my middle together...

Then traced loosely around the widest part of the ring onto the back of the cardboard.

I tell you, most of the time I'm crafting I fly by the seat of my pants so if this seems weird...it probably is, but it totally worked.

Once my circles were drawn I cut an opening in the center of each using a craft knife.

 

How it looks from the front. These gaps will be covered by the main part of the ring.

From the front, they tuck into the opening and then the ring is held securely with no risk for damage.

I like how the paper's pattern mimics the ring design. :)

So much better than hidden away! Being a beader myself I appreciate the artistry but I also love how the pops of color make such vibrant art.

Speaking of pretties a friend has just opened an [etsy shop] full of floral brooches and belt bags, I'm sure she'd be thrilled to have you stop by and visit!

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