How to Make Bottlecap Beads

Use bottle caps to create interesting beads.

The next time you crack open a cold bottled beer or soda, don’t throw out the caps. Bottle caps are an inexpensive material that you can use to create your own beads. Inserting two holes into your bottle caps enables you to string them onto necklaces, bracelets and earrings for a truly unique piece of jewelry. Keep your eyes open for brightly colored soda bottle caps that have interesting designs and logos.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board or hard work surface
• Bottle caps
• Fine tipped marker
• Awl
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Lay your bottle caps on a wooden cutting board or other solid surface. You will be hammering into the surface so make sure you’re not working on a surface that is easily damaged.

2. Use a fine tipped marker to make two markings on the inside rim of your bottle cap. Make one marking at the top of the cap and the other at the bottom. Place a ruler or other straight object against the cap to make sure the second hole is directly underneath the first. Or, if you trust yourself, just eyeball it to make sure the second hole is in the right spot.

3. Place the awl on top of the pen mark. Hammer the awl into the inside of the cap rim, creating a small hole.

4. Repeat this on the other side of the cap rim to create a second hole. Now that your cap has two holes in it, you can use it like a bead. String the bottle caps to create bracelets, necklaces or earrings.

References

• A Beautiful Mess: DIY Bottle Cap Earrings