It’s all about the tools!
With the right tools, this project is surprisingly easy.
You will need:
* A detergent bottle or other sturdy plastic
* Scissors capable of cutting said sturdy plastic
* An X-acto knife
* A handful of emery boards
* Scrap wood to put under the plastic when you are
“drilling” the holes.
1. Cut up the bottle into flat pieces. I used these scissors, which were designed
for thick cardboard, plastic, and light metals like tin. Once I got started, it wasn’t as tough going
as I thought it would be.
2. Cut circles or ovals from the pieces.
3. Use the emery board to smooth the edges. Test it first on a piece of scrap plastic,
as it may lighten the color or leave scratches. You’ll want to make sure you only rub it on the edge.
4. Put the board under each piece and use the X-acto knife
like a drill, steadily spinning it at a sedate and safe speed. Continue until the hole is the size you
want.
5. Use the emery board around the holes. I recommend having a front and a back of the
button—drill from the front to the back, then rub off the fringe around the
hole on the back side of the button where it won’t show.
You are done! Use
them as button, beads, embellishments, whatever you like.
My necklace attempt failed.
It kept wanting to twist.
So I made earrings instead.
The beads are also recycled—it’s papier-mâché.
I’ll be doing a tutorial on how to make beads like it soon.
