08/12/2026
Oh, the fun things I can accomplish when I should really be doing housework or something responsible like that. 🤣
Many years ago, I purchased a box of old silverware at an auction. The pieces at the top of the box were pretty nice, but the further down into the box I dug, the worse it got. I’m talking filthy, heavily damaged pieces, some covered in mold…and worse.
They were destined for the junk pile, but some of the patterns were just too pretty to toss. So I soaked them, scrubbed them, and packed them away for a future project.
Today was that day!
I sorted some hollow-handled knives out of the mix and decided to breathe some new life into them. As you can see, even after being cleaned, they were still pretty dingey. And underneath that layer of ick, I knew they were scuffed, scratched, pitted, and dinged up. I’m not sure what catastrophic event these poor things endured to get so damaged, but it must have been quite an ordeal. 😉😂
So, I got to work!
Step 1: I used various attachments on my Dremel to buff them up. That removed the layer of ick and some of the scuffs and scratches, but there was absolutely no way they were ever going to be nice enough to become jewelry. Instead, I decided to embrace their well-worn character and turn them into magnetic tussie mussies.
Step 2: I cleaned up the embossed designs with silver polish and a small brush, then polished the entire handle.
Step 3: Using a cutting blade on my Dremel, I cut each one to the desired length.
Step 4: I evened out my lopsided cuts on the bench grinder, using a coarse-grit stone to remove the excess metal and a finer-grit stone to smooth the edges.
Step 5: I used a special Dremel bit to deburr the interior edges, then cleaned up the raw top and outer edges with various hand files.
Step 6: I glued strong neodymium magnets to the backs, and they were finished!
And I have to say, they turned out beautifully, flaws and all!
I love the added character of the visible wear on each piece. Every scratch, ding, and little imperfection tells a story, making each one unique and perfectly imperfect.
How to use them:
Add a little water and a few small flowers and/or sprigs of greenery to add a pop of beauty to your refrigerator or anywhere else you can stick a magnet!
You can also use dried or artificial flowers and change them out with the seasons. The possibilities are endless!
These little beauties are headed to Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, so if you happen to be heading there for the Tomato Tasting Event this weekend, they'll be available, along with some of my jewelry and ceramic flower magnets.
Can't make it to Seed Savers but would like one of your own? I'll be making more that you can purchase directly from me!
I'm so happy I was able to preserve these lovely vintage pieces in a way that allows you to continue enjoying their intricate designs. Each one is its own little piece of art, and that's my favorite kind of recycling.
I hope you love them as much as I do! 🩷
