By Lauren Cohen
McClatchy-Tribune

You might be a little skeptical about digging through that junk drawer in your kitchen for items to use in creating jewelry. I don't blame you. After all, could those random objects you thoughtlessly keep hidden away in a drawer really result in something you would want to accessorize with?

Jane Eldershaw knows it's possible, and makes it clear in her book, "Junk Jewelry: 25 Extraordinary Designs to Create from Ordinary Objects" (Potter Craft, $19.95). Ever consider wearing a belt buckle made from the tail light of a car? What about a necklace fashioned from champagne bottle caps? These are just a few of the many suggestions Eldershaw includes for making pieces that demand attention, and that make any outfit just a little (more) eccentric.

The opening section of the book, "Origins," includes examples of designers who have recently introduced creations similar to junk jewelry in their fashion lines. The next section, "Conceptualizing," focuses on coming up with and carrying out interesting ideas for your own accessories. The third part of the book, "Creating," gives fascinating examples of junk jewelry that you can attempt. Some of the junk used to make the accessories can probably be found in your home, but for other items the book lists possible places for you to search.

The last section of the book, "Wearing," is by far the best section. In it, Eldershaw explains how to wear junk jewelry. As I was looking at the creation ideas, I was worried that a woman who attempted a piece could end up looking like the crazy lady who talks to herself on the bus _ or just juvenile. (I mean, seriously, earrings made out of computer keys?) But Eldershaw helps to prevent situations like this by giving tips on such things as deciding when it is appropriate to wear junk jewelry.