Make a Tire Tread Belt

Never again toss away used bicycle tires. Recycle them, and use them to make great individualized belts.

Steps

Search for used tires with a nice tread. Check out various bicycle repair and sales stores; look for tires with regular, even treads that are not too worn. Tires that have a simple tread design (for example, not a bumpy tire) will slide through belt loops more easily.
Buy some belt buckles. Look in belt stores, flea markets, or recycle an old belt that you presently own. Find belt buckles of any type and shape and color that would fit your look.
Buy some bolts called Chicago screws to fix the buckles. These are sometimes called "sex bolts" and can be found at hardware stores, specialty paper stores (people use them to tie folios together), or a saddlery.
Cut out the tread in the width of your belt buckle from the centre of the tyre. The edges will curve too much to be useful.
Make the amount of holes needed to fit comfortably around your waist using a leather hole puncher. Cut from the inside side of the tire (closest to the fabric threads in the tire), as this will give a cleaner cut, as illustrated.
Add the buckle to the belt and fix it securely. Ensure that the bolt is close to the buckle when you join the ends together, this will prevent the buckle from moving sideways.
- Fold the end of the belt.
- Cut a small square on the folded part of the belt.
- Insert the buckle.
Put the belt on your trousers or skirt fit the belt to your size, and enjoy wearing it.

Make sure that you thoroughly clean the tire tread before you use it.
Use mountain bike tires to make a wider belt. This tire is also suggested for those who have a larger waist.
Add studs if you're really daring.
There are a range of interesting variations you can make, including segmented belts using rivets and wire loops.