Friday 11 December 2015

Make Jewelry Out Of Recycled Plastic

Plastic bags can be recycled into your fashion accessories.


In today's society, "trash" is a relative term. Art pieces and collections made from recycled materials are one way artists are combining their creativity and their desire to be eco-friendly. You don't have to be a sculptor in a studio to create beautiful pieces from recycled materials. You can use plastic bags and drink bottles to create jewelry that makes a statement and reduces your carbon footprint. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


Cuff Bracelet


1. Cut the ends of the water bottle off to make a cuff. You can make it as wide or narrow as you want. This will be the foundation of your bracelet.


2. Measure the width of your bracelet foundation. Double this measurement. Cut plastic bags into strips as long as this measurement and at least 4 inches wide.


3. Glue one end of a strip to the inside of the bracelet foundation. Allow the glue to dry completely. Twist the plastic strip loosely and fold it over the outside of the bracelet foundation.


4. Glue the other end of the strip to the back of the foundation to secure it in place. Repeat this process until the front of the bracelet foundation is covered with plastic strips.


5. Weave ribbon in and out of the twisted plastic strips all the way around the bracelet. The way you weave the ribbon is a matter of personal preference that expresses your personality. Glue the ribbon in place. Alternatively, tack the ends of the ribbon together with a needle and thread.


Necklace


6. Cut plastic bags into strips at least 10 inches long and 2 or 3 inches wide. Separate the strips into groups of three. Select one group of three to begin working with.


7. Glue one end of each strip in the group to a water bottle ring. Cross the right strip over the center strip. Cross the left strip over the new center strip. Pull the strips tight and continue braiding until you reach the ends of the strips. Glue the braid to another water bottle ring.


8. Repeat the process, using the other groups of strips and additional rings, until you have braided plastic at least 45 inches long. Glue the end of your last braided section to the first water bottle ring.


9. Glue one end of a piece of ribbon to one of the plastic rings. Weave ribbon in and out of the plastic rings to add more color to your necklace. When you get all the way through the necklace, glue the other end of the ribbon to the plastic ring to secure it.

Tags: bracelet foundation, water bottle, bottle ring, least inches, ribbon plastic, water bottle ring, bags into