Making beads and jewelry out of recycled plastic.

I taught a Valentine Jewelry class at WAL
earlier this month.  We had a great time. Lots of mothers and daughters attended. We made jewelry from plastic lids, berry containers from the market and disposable party trays.  This was a great introduction to the kids to be creative with our scraps, instead of filling up or landfills. I was really blown away by their creations. Here are photos of a few of them...

Done by the lady of WAL, Abira

Artist Gracie Miller

Eliza The Great

   

Prior to the oven

Eva is a fantastic designer!

Luciene in gorgeous shades of blue to match her beautiful eyes.

Ella hard at work

This beads says I <3 The Beatles

The Artist Ava Miller

I love her drawing and thick choice of chain.

The Artist Diane Micheali. Designed for her mother and included all of her families initials.

 This design was illustrated by Eva Lindholm. Her, plastic scroll joined the chain and vintage beads together.

 

 

To make these pieces at home. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Have a spatula and oven mitt handy. Cut out your desired plastic. I recommend #1 or #6 but all plastics work.  Take a piece of sand paper and lightly rub the plastic until its dull and has no more shine. Sketch your design in marker or pencil. Use a whole punch to put a whole in your piece prior to baking.  Then place your bead on the foil wrapped cooking sheet and put it in the oven for a couple of minutes to shrink.  If your plastic curls, use your spatula to gently flatten it out.  I do recommend using a toaster oven outside or a well ventilated area in your kitchen.  Please be sure to air out your oven after each use!