What can I do with lenses?

[mystydog]

I have 2 pairs of glasses that have broken frames and my eyes now need stronger lenses so they are useless.

I'm sure that there will be something that I can do with the old glass/plastic lenses from them but I can't think of anything at the moment.

Any ideas?

Sue

[Jane]

Set fire to things with the sunlight?

[mystydog]

Not quite what I had in mind, but it did make me laugh!

I'm sure there must be some alered art thing I can do with them.

[Boo]

Look at these lovely necklaces made from using old spectacles. :D

A Google search should throw up some more I would think. Have fun. :D

[Jane]

Sorry Sue, it was too late to think of any sensible suggestions! :) Those pictures Boo posted are lovely.
What shape are your lenses?

[mystydog]

Thanks Boo, they look fantastic. It seems like ages since I've seen you. Where have you been hiding?

Jane, mine are a more rectangular shape with rounded edges.

I'm thinking that I might be able to use polymer clay to make a frame.

I'm getting my new glasses today, so I might have a play later.

Thanks,
Sue

[Hils]

They are gorgeous - wish my old specs had been round now! I've been wondering this too Sue, so thanks for asking :)

[Boo]

I found a photo of one that uses a rectangle shaped lense that might inspire you and also a puzzle piece. Lots of possibilities. :D

[mystydog]

Ohhh Boo, that is virtually the same shape as mine. I love it.

I knew someone here would help.

Sue

[Boo]

Oooh I've managed to help someone! :lol: You've made my day Sue. Keep us updated of how you get on. I was wondering how best to attach a ring to the frame? I've haven't experimented very much with altered things but fall in love with all these gorgeous items I see. Don't forget to let us know how you get on. Lovely to "see" you again. :wub:

[Hils]

A melt pot would do a good job of fixing the ring to the frame, I expect :) When I made one of those lovely Tim Holtz style necklaces I used Glossy Accents to stick it on with and it worked really well, until I dropped it! Even then just the jump ring came off, and it soon glued back on again :)

[Boo]

Ah yes, Hils, I remember you telling me that last Saturday. I'm hopeless with Glossy Accents and Diamond Glaze and can't seem to get anything to stick like other people can. It makes me so cross.

[Hils]

I had to sit and hold it in place for quite a long time..... :)

[mystydog]

Me again.

Well I've had a little play and here is the result.

My OH cut the arm off of the glasses with pliers and sanded the bit that was left.

He then bent it backwards to form a loop so that I could put a cord through it.

He also cut off the nose rest bit and the bridge as close to the frame as he could and sanded them smooth.

I'm going to try a brooch next. I've got four more lenses to play with.

And Boo.....you are always helping people, but I like it when it is me lol.

Sue

[mystydog]

Boo, I've just seen your ticker.

When did the baby arrive? I'm going to look for details.

Hugs,
Sue

[Boo]

Sue! OMG your necklace. You clever clogs, it's gorgeous. You knocked that up quick. :lol: Great to have a handy OH. Thanks for sharing. I'll try and be brave but all my old spectacles are plastic .. should be fun. :rolleyes:

Oh baba's not here yet ... stupid ticker telling porky pies. :lol: Baba is due on 3 February and is late ... might have to get my DD to start bouncing around on a space hopper at this rate. :lol:

[mystydog]

No wonder I couldn't find any baby news!

Boo, my glasses have plastic lenses, but the frames and arms are metal.

I think that you could still bend the plastic frames and arms. You could try dipping them in boiling water until they were hot and softer or maybe a short blast with a heat gun?

I'm sur there would be a way.

Sue

[yizzard]

Sue the necklace is fab, cant wait to see the rest of the things you make.

I was going to say if you really are not into altering and want to know what to do with your old specs there are lots of schemes for recycling them to third world countries, just try your local council or a quick google search. But having seen these beautiful necklaces I think I prefer your option Sue.

[Boo]

I'll try doing that to the plastic frames Sue ... good idea. :D

Yizz, you going to make a necklace darling?

I think I'll wait until my baba comes and make one then. :wub:

[Hils]

Gorgeous necklace Sue :)

[soojay]

what a great idea..we all wear glasses in our house..have loads of old ones.
Love what you did Sue :)