Thursday, January 3, 2013

Recycled plastic bag braided bracelet





Looking for an easy Kid’s craft to make on those long winter evenings?  This braided bracelet is simple and extra special when you personalize it with school colors or just a favorite color.  Each bracelet uses one clear plastic bag that newspapers come in when it’s raining or wet outside.  The ones around my neck of the woods are 21” x 7” or 24” x 8 ½”.  Either size works great.  So make one or a ton, you decide.

Note:  This is a great project for older kids with supervision.  Always keep plastic bags away from babies and toddlers.

You will need:

Clear plastic bag (The ones that newspapers come in when its raining)

Satin cord in desired colors

Clear tape

Ruler

Scissors

Sharpie marker


1. Work on a surface where you can tape one side of the bag down.  (Kitchen counter or piece of corrugated cardboard. 

2. Tape the bottom edges onto your particular work surface.  Measure down the bag 15” for small bracelet, 16” for medium, and 17 ½” for large.  Cut off at that mark.


3. Cut three evenly spaced sections up the bag to one inch before you reach the closed edge.  There will be three sections with two layers of plastic in each section. 

4. Cut one length of satin cord the same length as the bag for each section and attach to the top with a small piece of tape.




5. Begin to braid the sections using the middle one as the anchor.  Over and under much like you would braid your hair.  Continue down the bag keeping the same tension.  When you reach the bottom wrap a piece of tape around the ends and cut.  Wrap a piece of tape around the opposite end as well, remove from your work surface and cut the ends even.  Discard the extra cord and plastic.








6. Bring both ends together, one on top of the other and carefully wrap clear plastic tape around to secure.  Press tightly to make sure that the tape has secured the bracelet and add another piece of tape if needed.  





Note:  And for Breast Cancer awareness you can make these bracelets using 3 strands of pink satin cord



14 comments:

  1. Seriously, where do you get these ideas??? This is cool!

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  2. Looks like a great project to make with the kids - thanks!

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  3. Very cute, lovely bracelets! Thanks for visiting me and for your sweet words :)

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  4. Such a clever idea!! The bracelets look great!! Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!

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  5. Absolutely wonderful! Such a unique bracelet!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I can't wait to see what you link up this evening!

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  6. What a neat idea! You have spent quite a bit of time making these unique bracelets. Such pretty ribbons of color.

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  7. It appears as though you've been told, but great idea! I'm going to show it to my nieces (15 & 13). I think they'll love it!

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  8. Really cute! Great craft for scouts!! Thanks for linking up at DianaRambles.com!

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  9. What a great upcycled project! I would love for you to come link up at my weekly linky party Thrifty to Nifty Thursdays at A Jennuine Life. I'm working with a couple of bigger bloggers to feature great projects, so I'm hoping to bring fabulous exposure for participants! http://ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/2013/01/thrifty-to-nifty-thursdays-2.html

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  10. I am always blown away to see what people can create out of nothing. Amazing you amazing us one more time. Thanks for sharing on BeColorful.
    p

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  11. What a great idea for recycling plastic. It's fun too! Could be the next trend :)

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  12. Beautifull... you are in my Pinterest.

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  13. Wow, this looks so cute! What a fantastic idea on recycling plastic. Great share!

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Thanks for your lovely comments!