Do-it-yourself Napkin Rings

Flea markets are often full of costume jewelry in a range of styles and materials. Older pieces can be quite valuable, while others are prized for their looks. Recently, Eddie came across a collection of vintage brooches at the Nashville Flea Market. Many looked like gold in shapes reminiscent of a starburst. On closer inspection, however, he noticed most of the brooches had broken pins and latches. These weren’t valuable pieces, but for less than $20 he couldn’t resist their charm. He knew he could make them into napkin rings for his table. Here’s how to make them.

1. Needle-nose pliers
2. Brooches
3. Soft-bristle brush
4. Sanding sponge
5. Quick-drying hard epoxy
6. Plastic container lid and chopstick or skewer for mixing epoxy
7. Simple napkin rings with a smooth surface
8. Blue painter's tape to hold brooch to napkin ring while drying

Using needle-nose pliers, remove damaged pins and latches from the brooches. Then, carefully scrub the brooches with a soft-bristle brush; rinse them with warm soapy water; and dry them with a soft cloth.

Using a sanding sponge, rough up the backs of the brooches. Then apply quick-drying epoxy to both the back of each brooch and the top of each napkin ring. Hold each brooch and napkin ring together using blue painter's tape until the epoxy dries.

If Coco Chanel can use costume jewelry to accessorize a dress, why can’t you use it to dress up your table? Finish setting the table by pairing a chic napkin ring with a pretty patterned napkin and placing them center stage in each place setting.

Vintage brooches come in a variety of styles, so remember to combine colors and shapes that work well together.

Treat your friends to these sparkly, one-of-a-kind napkin rings for a thoughtful gift. Or use them for your own dinner party, and then let guests take them home as a favors!

Find more gifts that every Southerner will love.

• The Ultimate Gift Guide