Host Kathi Cardinalli shows how to use antique silver flatware to add great accents to existing furniture
(figure A).
Materials:
antique flatware
silver polishing cloth
protective eyewear
drill press and bits (A standard power drill and bits will also work.)
dowel or pipe
vise
medium-gauge silver wire
wire cutters
needle-nose pliers
metal spacer (an inch or so in length)
screws, washers and nuts
Steps:
- Clean antique flatware with soap and water or a silver polishing cloth (available at a home store).
- Use a power drill or drill press to put one hole at each end in each piece of flatware (figure B). Always wear eye protection when using power tools.
- To give a handle-shaped curve to the flatware, place it over a piece of dowel or pipe and press down on each side to curve (figure C).
- Put the flat end of the piece into a vise and bend slightly to create a flat surface to meet the piece of furniture.
Method 1
- Put medium-gauge silver wire into one hole of the flatware, and spiral the wire around the handle. Insert the wire into the other end of the flatware.
- Bend as needed with needle-nose pliers and insert through holes in furniture.
- Put wire through a metal spacer inside the furniture, and twist wire until tight (figure D).
- Tuck excess wire behind the spacer inside the drawer or door.
Method 2
- Fit screws through the holes in the flatware. Make sure to align the holes with the existing holes in the furniture if you are replacing a pull. Push it through to the inside of the furniture.
- Attach a washer and nut and tighten from the inside (figure E).
Tips
- Look for old unmatched flatware at flea markets and antique stores. Pieces can be purchased for a few dollars a piece or even less.
- Add beads to the wire when wrapping around flatware for added detail.
- Bend flatware to create rounded pulls or knobs.
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