Make a Potato Chip Bag Bracelet

This bracelet is made using real potato chip bags that have been shrunken down to fit as a bracelet. The bags are melted to the point where they feel like thicker plastic and the result works well when molded to a bracelet shape. This project is a great way to recycle, and it will keep the kids busy during rainy days.

Steps

  1. Empty the bags. Remove as many of the chip crumbs as possible.
  2. Take two potato chip bags (or any crisp plastic bags) and lay them flat on an old cooking pan.
    • Place another pan over this one, so that it creates a dome around the chip bags.
    • Set your oven to 350ºF/180ºC. It should take about 5-8 minutes to shrink the bags, noting that the bigger the bag is, the longer it will take to shrink it.
  3. Be careful. Check the bags every 3-4 minutes. After they have shrunken down to the size you want them to be, remove them.
  4. Cool them by carefully pouring water onto the hot pan. This will be instant.
  5. Poke 4 small holes in through the corners of potato chip bag using a needle, knife, etc. Do not poke too close to the edges to prevent ripping.
  6. Thread the leather cord or rope through the holes on the opposing sides, forming an X. If you find a bracelet with clasps that can fit through these holes, then you don't have to fix the bracelet fittings from scratch. Follow the example given in the picture.
  7. Tie the bracelet onto your wrist. Trim the cord/rope if desired.
  8. Finished.

Tips

  • This is a great project when you're camping; there is plenty of ventilation, and you can use a branch or log to mold the bracelet to fit your wrist. Just put the pans into the fire. However, with this method you must watch the chip bag a little more carefully as you cannot easily manage the temperature of the flames.
  • Use a paper towel to wipe out as much of the grease as you can.

Warnings

  • Do not do this with pet birds in your house. These fumes can be lethal to birds.
  • If you use a microwave to save time, make sure that the bag is just plastic. Some chips come in aluminum type bags, which will spark and burn in a microwave.
  • Beware breathing in the chemicals emitted from the packaging when heated. There is no telling what dyes, glues and plasticizers might be giving off fumes, so ventilate the area well and do not allow babies, infants or children in the vicinity.
  • Pouring cold water on hot metal surfaces (like the pan you bake the bags on) can cause them to warp over time.
  • Do not use the oven to cook for about the same amount of time and leave the door open after removing the pan.
  • Adult supervision/help is essential during the whole project, but especially when using a needle or a knife!

Things You'll Need

  • Potato chip packets
  • Leather cording
  • Jewelry clasp
  • Large needle or a small knife

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Sources and Citations

  • Thanks to Craftbits.com. Original source of this article. Used with permission.
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