Make a Pop Tab Wristband
Before you recycle those cans, you might want to pull off those tabs and make something new from them, like a simple pop tab bracelet or, if you have plenty of tabs, one of these unique wristbands.
Steps
- Configure the alignment of the tabs. If you alternate placing the tops back to front so that the backs of the top layer and the backs of the bottom layer are facing, it will reduce irritation on your skin.
- Cut two pieces of long cord, string or ribbon. They must be at least 24 inches (61cm) long to provide enough length for you to tie knots at the ends.
- Tie the two cords together with approximately 2 inch (5cm) tails.
- Thread one cord up through the top hole in a tab. Take the second cord and thread it up through the bottom hole.
- Lay a second tab half on top of the first tab so that the coinciding holes overlap.
- Thread the top cord over the left edge of the second tab and down through the first tab's top hole.
- Do the same with the bottom string, through the bottom hole.
- Pull the cords tightly through the tabs––this gives it the layered look.
- Turn the tabs over. Overlap a third tab on the second one (touching the first tab)
- Thread the top cord over the first and third tabs, through the third tab's top hole and down through the second tab's top hole.
- Do the same with the bottom string, through the bottom holes.
- Continue with this pattern until the bracelet is as long as you need it, alternating back and forth between threading the cords from the back and front.
- End with a top tab (one that lies on the top layer) by threading each cord up through the corresponding hole.
- Tie a knot to secure. Cut the ends to approximately two inches (5cm).
- Tie the ends together in a double knot.
Tips
- To make the bracelet even more involved, try adding different elements, such as colored tabs or stones, beads, etc.
- Cut down on scratching by facing the backs of the tabs into the interior of the bracelet. This keeps the shiny smooth side on the outside. It also makes the entire bracelet reversible because both sides will have the shiny smooth side on the outside. One side will have Xs, one will have lines!
- Add a bead on one end and tie a loop on the other for an easily-removable bracelet.
Warnings
- Be careful when wearing the bracelet or sliding it on and off. The backs of the tabs can scratch. To prevent this you can cover the back with sports tape to protect your skin from the sharp edges.
Things You'll Need
- String, cord, ribbon, etc.
- Scissors
- Several pop can tabs (25+)
