How to Make Bracelets With Soda Can Tabs
Soda can tabs or "pop tops" can be used to create an innovative and stylish bracelet. This is an eco-friendly practice because you are recycling things that would have been thrown away. This bracelet was made popular in 2009 by actress Kristen Stewart, who was seen wearing a bracelet made out of soda can tabs.
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Instructions
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Make Your Bracelet
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1
Measure and cut the cord so that it is about 2 1/2 feet long. Use any kind of ribbon, an elastic cord, or even a narrow strip of sturdy material.
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2
Loop the cord through the first pop tab as shown in the picture so that the tab is in the middle of the cord. Make sure the "sharp side" is facing downward. This bracelet is constructed so that you won't get poked or cut by the metal. (Regular black cord was used for the photos because it shows up well.)
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3
Take another pop tab and position it underneath the first one, sharp side facing the sharp side of the first one. Bring both ends of the cord underneath and up through the second one and the first one as shown.
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4
Place a third pop tab next to the first one, sharp side down. Cross the two ends of cord over each other to form an "x" that will hold the third one on. Pull the two ends down through the tab on the bottom as shown in the picture.
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5
Keep repeating the process by putting another pop tab on the bottom, sharp side up and looping the two ends of cord up through the next one and the one on top. When it starts to get long, keep checking against your wrist to see how much further you need to go.
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6
Finish the bracelet by placing the final tab on the bottom side, sharp side up. If you are using elastic cord, tie the two ends of the bracelet together and you will have enough stretch so that you can slip the bracelet on and off. It you are using ribbon or non-elastic cord, tie the end with the extra cord in a knot. You will use this side to loop through the other end so you can fasten it together.
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7
Try experimenting with different colors of cord and ribbon. Make sure you cut the extra cord or ribbon off at the ends and you're done.
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Tips & Warnings
Get creative with the colors by using cans with colored pop tabs or by painting them first with acrylic paint. If you have a hot-glue-gun you can decorate it further.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Coolspotters.com for Kristen Stewart picture, Angela Neal for step-by-step pictures.
