Plastic bag bead bracelet
There is only one way we are going to ever stop the flow of plastic from filling up our landfills -- and that is to recycle it. We can get creative and think of new ideas for the standard items we tend to throw away such as plastic bags. A simple and fun idea is to make beads out of them. Granted, it won't use up many bags, but it is recycling. If you are crafty, follow these steps to make your own beads.
Instructions
1. Lay the plastic bag out on a flat surface. You can cut off the handles so that it will stretch out smooth. Avoid cutting over any seams or folds.
2. Cut out triangles of plastic that are about half to three-quarters of an inch long at the fat end and about 3 inches long. It is alright if there is a little variation in each cut as it will help make the bead look unique. Use the areas on the bag that have print on them for adding color to your beads.
3. Spread some glue on the underside of the triangular piece of plastic. Try to cover as much of the surface as you can, using a brush or your fingertip.
4. Lay the fat end of the plastic against the small plastic straw and twist the plastic around it until it the small end of the triangle is lying flat against it. Smooth it out as much as possible, always in the direction of the twist.
5. Allow the plastic bead to dry overnight or for about 12 hours at room temperature. Brush on three or four coats of the Mod Podge, following the recommended dry times between each.
6. Cut the ends of the plastic coffee stirring straw off at the top and bottom of the bead, as close to the bead as possible. Your bead is now ready for jewelry making.
Tags: your beads