Everyone has a bag of grannys old broken beads at home but now a costume jewellery maker from Co. Down, is giving them a new lease of life. Bangor based Shirley Tumelty, spotted a gap in the market for recycling these old and in many cases deeply cherished pieces.

"I started this because the shops sell new jewellery at astronomical prices." Shirley said. "I looked at the beads and saw they were terrible quality, some plastic ones had horrendous mould lines and overall the metalwork could be very shoddy.

"I hate to see anything going into the ground when it can be recycled and so decided to reuse old beads. A lot are glass or semi precious stones and so better than modern ones. But most of all, the beads have sentimental value to the owners. What could be better than wearing something that your grandmother wore? All I do is turn it into a style that young people want.

"I take the bits and pieces, talk to the own ers and see what they would like ie earrings, necklaces and bracelet and what styles they like. Do they want Bling or sedate?

"I reuse practically every part including the catches. I hate throwing anything out and so let children make handbag charms etc out of my excess. Small workshops/parties are fun.

"I scour charity shops and auctions for broken beads, and have extended my search now to old buttons. I really enjoy doing this and rarely make two things the same."

Prices start from £3 for earrings and £15 to £20 for bracelets or necklaces. If you have any old costume jewellery, broken or not, that you want recycled, sell or donate, or if you would like Shirley to come out to a WI or PWA meeting where you can make something yourself just let her know! contact Shirley on 07805731336 or 028 945 5932 email Shirley.tumelty@btopenworld.com