Vintage silverware, particularly silverplated silverware, was once a staple of bridal registries and homes up and down the block. Nowadays, of course, convenience and easy care means stainless steel rules the roost. But if you should find any older flatware at the thrift store on the cheap, it’s definitely worth snapping up. There are TONS of ways to upcycle and repurpose it- into jewelry, yard and garden decor, and so much more.
Rain Chain
Image credit: Birds & Bloom.
As an alternative to traditional downspouts from gutters, rain chains are a decorative way to guide rain water away from your home and foundation. Turns out, you can make your own if you have a collection of old spoons. Isn’t that a great way to not only repurpose silverware but add a decorative element to your home?
Crafting with Souvenir Spoons
Image credit: My So-Called Crafty Life.
Remember all those souvenir spoons you’d see at gift shops and tourist traps? Well, the handles of them are definitely cute enough to craft with, so why not refashion them into keyrings like this?
Cameo Necklaces
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Silverplated silverware is easy to bend, flatten, and manipulate into various jewelry projects. In this case, silverplated spoons are the perfect base to show off some colorful vintage cameos.
Starburst Mirror with Silverware
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
Here’s a fantastic upcycling idea for silverware if bending it doesn’t appeal. Wouldn’t this starburst mirror project be perfect for hanging in your dining room?
Vintage Fork Place Card Holder
Image credit: Adirondack Girl at Heart.
Whether you’re planning a wedding or a large holiday meal, place cards are always in fashion. And if you can get your hands on some silverplated forks, making these place card holders or mini easels is a great way to display the cards.
Stamped Plant Markers
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Stamping on silverplated flatware is a fun craft with lots of applications- jewelry, charcuterie accessories, and in this case- plant markers. Of course, you likely already know which plants are which, but adding a little whimsy like this is never a bad idea, either.
Painted Christmas Ornaments
Image credit: Hunt & Host/Kim Pepper Blog.
There are plenty of silverware crafts that are fun to make all year long. But this one is particularly ideal as Christmas season gets going. Because painting old silverplated spoons as ornaments is such a fun way to upcycle them. Especially if they’re a family set that you want to using during the holidays, but in a more whimsical way.
Word Signs
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
I love assemblage signs where the creators use unusual items to form letters. And this one, with silverware for the “E”, is certainly no exception. In fact, I can think of lots of letters that could be formed by a handful of vintage flatware..!
Scarf Hooks
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Since silverplated silverware is so easy to bend, random pieces are perfect for upcycling into unique hooks. They could be used for anything- hats, jewelry, belts; but in this case, hooks for scarves.
Silverware Stems
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
I’ll be the first to admit that I LOVE making fabric pumpkins. But never once did it dawn on me to use silverware handles as pumpkin stems! I guess that just means I’ll have to make a few more to add to my collection this Fall…
DIY Windchimes
Image credit: Songbird Blog.
For whatever reason, silverplated silverware lends itself well to making windchimes. And while I’ve seen more than a few versions of this in my day, these whimsical versions with their wildly bent tines might be my new favorite.
Spoon Rings
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Old silverplated flatware is a family heirloom that few descendants want these days. But you can refashion that heirloom into a new heirloom that’s definitely worth wearing: spoon rings like these.
4th of July Crafts with Silverware
Image credit: Hunt & Host/Kim Pepper Blog.
Ahh…a silverware craft that doesn’t involve bending, drilling, or cutting! And if it’s not sterling or even silverplated, then it’s perfect for this 4th of July craft. Painting the forks as flags and spoons as watermelon slices is about as American Summer as it gets, don’t you think?
Fun Fall Owl
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Not only is silverware ideal for creating word and assemblage signs, but you can make other assemblage projects with it, as well. Take this Fall owl, for instance- a pair of vintage forks work perfectly as his legs, don’t you think?
Outdoor Winter Decor
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
I’ve shown you a lot of craft ideas for spoons and forks, but what about butter knives? Well, these “icicles” are a great way to repurpose them and are perfect for hanging outside during the cold winter months.
Tea Light Candle Holders
Image credit: Homeroad.
Ok, technically this project doesn’t use vintage flatware, per se. But old silverplated ladles are close enough, so I’m including it anyway. Besides, look how cute they are when upcycled as tea light candle holders like this.
Decoupaged Ornaments
Image credit: Exquisitely Unremarkable.
If you want to upcycle some vintage spoons into Christmas ornaments, but freestyle painting is out the question, then this is the solution. Decoupage (and a little paint) are the perfect way to turn those silverplated spoons into Christmas tree ornaments.
Crafting with Silverware
Image credit: Flamingo Toes, Sadie Seasongoods, and Bird & Bloom.
Silverware really does have a lot of applications when it comes to craft projects. And I hope some of these projects have surprised you with their creative spins on upcycling vintage spoons, knives, and forks. So, if you stumble upon a basket of flatware at the thrift store or simply inherit some along the way, maybe these ideas will come in handy.
And if you’re looking for craft projects that use other silverplated pieces like trays and bowls, I’ve got you covered with this collection, as well.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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