How to make Walnut Shell Jewelry (1940’s)

These unique pieces of jewelry can be made from black walnut shells.

Since they are hard and close-grained they polish nicely and are quite durable.

While only a bracelet and necklace are shown here, there are many possibilities for walnut shell jewelry including hat decorations, buttons and pins.

• choose several nuts of usual shape
• scrub the shells clean with soap and water
• put the shells in a vice long ways to safely hold them for slicing
• use a fine-tooth saw to saw off slices/disks of the shell
• saw half-way through the shell, put a cardboard/poster board spacer in the slot to prevent binding or breaking
• turn the nut over and continue the cut
• Put the sections in a vise and drill holes 1/2″ apart to insert elastic or thread.
• smooth the faces of each piece with sandpaper
• polish the pieces with wax

Bracelet:

• 6 or 7 similar-sized pieces.
• 2 – 1/8″ beads as spacers between the pieces.
• make the knots of the elastic within one of the shells so they can be hidden.

Necklace:

• you will need strong thread and a clasp
• use pieces of similar sizes or variations – your choice.
• see the picture for design ideas and bead suggestions
• use wood, clay, glass or stone beads.

Other items to make using similar methods:

• decorative belt
• a hot plate/trivet
• wreath
• head band
• purse strap
• key chain decoration