This is a quick craft to do with kids and I bet you have everything you need right at home. Here we go!
Get a plastic bottle. I used a 2 liter bottle, but I think a smaller bottle would work even better (you'll see why later on). Carefully, cut the top and bottom off and cut it open to make a rectangular shape.
You'll need material. Any material will work. I used an old white t-shirt and part of a patterned dress of Vaughn's that didn't fit anymore. Draw designs with permanent markers.
Use duct tape to tape the bottle down to cardboard. This will keep it from rolling up onto itself.
You'll also need tacky glue. Spread a layer all over the inside of the bottle. I used a folded up piece of magazine to spread it out because I'm high tech like that.
Don't worry, it dries clear.
Press your already drawn on fabric, face down, onto the glue.
Let it dry completely - mine took more than a few hours.
For the kids I stuck to 1 inch wide by 5 inches long. Cut with sharp scissors or even a rotary cutter. Rounding the corners adds a nice touch also.
If the bracelet is too loose, wrap a rubber band around it and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. I had to do this with ours. I think this is why using a smaller plastic bottle would work better than a 2 liter bottle. Or you could even use a paper punch to punch holes in the ends and tie it closed with ribbon.
Voila!
Voila!
I think this project has definite jumping off potential. I'm tempted to try a more "adult" one for myself using a scrap of already patterned material and then using some sort of trim to finish the edges off. I'll keep you updated!
By the way, I found this idea in Todd Oldham's Kid Made Modern book.
Enjoy and have fun!
Enjoy and have fun!
Those are awesome! My daughter would love to make these. Thanks for linking up to the creative bloggers' party & hop! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. I can't wait to try it myself. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to make these with my nieces! Your turned out AWESOME. I just pinned this!
ReplyDeleteCute!!!!! I will have to try those!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI gave you an award at: http://freethingsbybritney.blogspot.com/2011/08/versatile-blogger-award.html
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower, too!
These are cute and really inexpensive! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love a good cuff!?! This is a super cute and easy idea. I just found your site through a blog party and am a new follower. I would love for you to link your post up at my Savvy HomeMade blog party at
ReplyDeletehttp://www.homesavvyatoz.com/blog-party-4
These are so cute!
ReplyDeleteI was out searching for kid's crafts to feature on Fun Family Crafts, a site similar to Craftgawker (but kid's crafts only) when I came across this. I would love it if you would submit it! http://funfamilycrafts.com
Thanks so much for the great comments! I appreciate all the feedback. Hope you try it out and if you do, let me know how they turned out!
ReplyDeleteI would have never thought of this. It's almost like a snap bracelet.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, you're right! That's exactly what they're like!
ReplyDeleteMy daughters would LOVE to make these! Would love for you to link this up to my (wow me) wednesday link party going on right now on my blog. :) (I'm a new follower, too!)
ReplyDeleteGinger
gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com
Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNew follower from the Creative Bloggers hop. Hope you stop by for a visit.
Cool idea. I wonder does stretch fabric work better than regular cotton weave? I'm tempted to try this one! :)
ReplyDeleteSeaweed & Raine, I'm not sure that it would make a difference. The cotton t-shirt was nice because it soaked up the glue which makes it adhere well. Also, when you're pressing the material down into the tacky glue the material spreads and stretches quite nicely. You can work it in the direction you need it to go. Give it a whirl and let me know if you try it out!
ReplyDeleteVERY CUTE! I don't have any kids at my house anymore but I am going to try this for myself! Like you said there are SO MANY possibilities/ways to go with this project. I saw your post over at the "Bear...." party
ReplyDeleteI still cannot believe these are made from plastic bottles! Thank you so much for linking up at Savvy HomeMade Monday. We are partying again and I hope you will stop by! :)
ReplyDeletewhat a great way to upcycle! i would have never thought of this.. they don't even look like they are made from bottles!
ReplyDeletethanks for linking this up to my tip-toe thru tuesday party last week!
what a fantastically fun upcyle idea! I will have to try this with my lil fashionista - she adores bracelets so this would be a HIT!
ReplyDeletePlease stop by & share this on my child centered linky party - The Sunday Showcase (open thru Thurs) http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase
I will be sharing this on my FB page as well - so cute!
Bern
What a creative idea and yes I also can see some cool adult bracelets being made. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower from the Sunday Showcase. If you have a moment stop by http://messforless.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Wow! I'm more impressed with all the different blogs you've "linked" to...can you teach me how to do that?
ReplyDeleteI had already decided that I will use your ideas (and you have so many) when my granddaughter comes for visits ~ I can't wait. This one looks pretty do-able for me :)
featuring your cool bracelets on this weeks Sunday Showcase (linky goes live tomorrow night)
ReplyDeleteBernadette
http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com
Thanks for the tutorial, I shared a link to it on The Craft Connection
ReplyDeletehttp://craft-connection.blogspot.com/2012/04/bracelets-from-plastic-bottles.html
complimenti bellissimi! Anche io creo bijoux riciclando puoi vederli sul mio blog http://maria-dalnienteatutto.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThat is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteShort but very precise info Appreciate your sharing this
one. A must read article!
Here is my site last minute zonvakantie turkije
That is Soo pretty :D Check out my Blog http://inluvwithcrafts.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI Done this at my blog :D
ReplyDeleteHello Charisa.
ReplyDeleteI came to your blog and loved the idea of the bracelet pet bottle.
It is super original.
kisses,
Sah Errera - Brazil
Blog Sabrina Errera
It is good to have a blog which is showing such a great designs of bottles. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to link up to our Crafts for Under Twenty Somethings party going on now. It's a blog hop specifically for kids and teens related "stuff", so your post would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteYay, love this idea. Definitely gonna try this. Thanks for the cool craft
ReplyDeleteThank for the cool ideas. I'm really into up-cycling, I love reusing something well more than once. Be blessed
ReplyDeleteDo you think this is sturdy enough to use as a cuff blank? I've been looking all over creation for a diy-able one.
ReplyDeleteHi Shirley!
ReplyDeleteHmmm….It has been quite some time ago that I made these with my kiddos but I do recall them being more bendy than stiff. It uses soda bottle plastic and that type is pretty thin.
Good Luck with your search!
That is so cute, I would of never thought of that. I am definitely making me one or maybe a few! Lol
ReplyDeletei like this idea and really looked loved i will try it
ReplyDelete