This is a very simple, creative recycling project children love. They are very quick to make and are fun for kids of all ages. The best part is they’re made with bits most of us have around the house. Warning: this does require diving into the recycling bin.

Supplies:
old magazines - toilet paper roll or paper towel roll - white glue - paint brush - scissors - glitter & sequins

Optional: small hole punch or large needle - narrow ribbon (about 12″ or 30cm long)

How to

Cut down the length of the paper roll.

Trim around to make rings in whatever width you like.

If you’d like to add a ribbon, use the small hole punch or a large needle to make holes in both ends of the roll at this stage.

Take magazines and cut out strips of pictures. We used images from the garden sections of home magazines for some background pattern.

Next paint white glue on the back of a magazine strip, wrap and smooth it around the width of the paper ring and continue until it is completely covered.

Cut around individual images for more detail and glue them on. My daughter used roses but any small pictures would work.

Add other bits, we used sequins and glitter but other items can be used like small beads or fake jewels (real ones might be pricey :)

Put another layer of white glue over the top of the bracelet to protect it, avoiding the sequins if you’ve used them.

If adding a ribbon, enlarge the holes as they may have got clogged with glue, thread a ribbon into both ends and tie a bow. Finished!

TIP: If this is all too girly looking for the boys out there try this: Use car, sports or travel magazines, cut out small images or use lettering to spell things out. You can also glue items like small Lego or tiny nuts and bolts. (see the first pic at top)

About the maker:
Joanie was an art director and graphic designer in Northern California for several years before moving to England in 1997. Her move and parenthood prompted a simpler, less hurried lifestyle. She’s now a primary school art teacher, mother of two, freelance designer and regular contributor to children’s magazines. She displays her work and shares ideas on her site ninimakes.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, August 26th, 2007 at 7:32 am and is filed under home+children, tutorials+patterns. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site. Your comments will be moderated but will appear as soon as humanly possible.