How to make belts and bracelets out of soda pop tabs

 This instructable shows you how to make belts and bracelets out of tabs found on soda cans.

This project is fairly easy but takes some time.
Bracelets average 10-20 minutes and belts take about 1-2 hours depending on how quick you are.

Step 1 Supplies

 Ok first you need to gather all your supplies.

1. about 25 tabs for a bracelet or 100 for a belt.
2. string (yarn, ribbon, wire, ect.)
3. needle (optional)
4. scissors
5. key chain rings or book rings (or anything that can be used for a belt buckle)
6. Glue or nail growth stuff (recommended)
 

Comments

[Xtrodinary]

Wondering if I make make a bracelet with red bull tabs, considering their odd shape and all. Would be cool since I have a jar full of tabs :)

[Xtrodinary]

Didn't understand how to proceed with the end knot. Here is a pic of how it looks with red bull tabs and white yarn.

[drumdude]

I don't see a picture...
But just do a few simple "over and under" knots. If you are using yarn you can put some all purpose glue or some nail growth stuff. That way the knot will be glued and will never come apart.

I hope this helped.

[Xtrodinary]

Okey thanks! I'll try with glue then :)

Maybe the pic works this way: http://bildr.no/image/1165547.jpeg

[drumdude]

Ok it worked now! cool! =)

[drumdude]

I don't know. You could try it, but I bet when you're done you probably won't be able to see the little bull =/

[nanananananananabatman]

:D my cousin made me a belt like this when i was in elementary school, using an extra pair of shoelaces that she had. its still somewhere in my closet, but it doesn't fit me anymore, so i made a new one with dollar store shoelaces. it works great for tying and untying, and it also lasts a lot longer than yarn. i was planning on making an instructable for it...but i got kinda lazy... :/ (bad habit) Anyways, good job :D

[drumdude]

thanks! ya im planning on updating this instructable soon so i will definatly make one with shoelaces!

[WhyHello]

I wanted to say thanks! There are many instructables for things like this but you make it a lot clearer and, you make it look easy so i'm willing to try it x3

Mwahaha now to buy loads and loads of Orange soda !

[friendlysinger]

I love orange soda! I love this instructable to! I'm just starting to collect these tabs and I hope to get enough to make a ton of these!

[drumdude]

good luck! =)

[judesmommy]

I love this bracelet design. I use ribbon instead of yarn. I wear them at work to cover up my tattoo and I get a lot of compliments on them. I'm addicted to these bracelets. I've made a few, the most recent one I've made is this one:

[missalissaa]

<3 the ribbon look. fabulous idea :)

[gr8gran67]

Great Instructions!!
I even spray painted my tabs to match some of my outfits...lol

[RattDaPained]

Wonderful! I just got done making a choker using this! Thanx a ton!

[drumdude]

omg! i never thought of a choker! that sounds soo sexy!

[RattDaPained]

I use hemp for them and made a simple hook and eye clasp out of one of the tabs. I am going to make a vest out of many strands. I already have it started. I'll post a pic when I'm done.

[drumdude]

its been three months... are you ever gona post a pic? haha!

[WhyHello]

I'm guessing no lol I think we have to hunt him down

[drumdude]

cool! cant wait!

[WhyHello]

would there make a good necklace?

[scoochmaroo]

For the belt, I would consider using a quick-release clip of some sort on one end, to make it easier to hook and unhook throughout the day. Looks great when it's all finished! How well does it hold up?

[drumdude]

ive had mine for two weeks now and its fine. but ya if you wanna make it last longer i would suggest you use more than one string of yarn or even use another material. but ya book rings are about the same size as the keychain rings and they are waaay easier to hook and unhook. i just used keychain rings because thats what was in my house.

[steelers437]

I made one of these about five years ago, and I used vinyl cord for strength sp that it would last longer. You just have to melt the ends so that it doesn't fray...I also crisscrossed the cord on one side so that you get two different looks. Just a suggestion :) Thanks for posting the instructable!

[drumdude]

thanks for commenting and giving good advice! ;)

[steelers437]

Don't mention it :)

[5STARGBLOOD]

oh haha

[thegreat58]

How would it work if you used that elastic stuff like hair ties are made of, you can get it at fabric stores, then it would stretch if say, you gained weight.

[drumdude]

well actually, even the string has some stretch when u make this.

but ya streachiness makes it easier to slip on!

[drumdude]

Hey guys! Ill be on break soon so i promise i will update this soon!!!

[SwimmingRox]

This is cute I saw one at a gift shop and then i looked at the price tag... it was $22! I wanted to make one but didn't know how... now i know :) I'm going to try and add beads to mine!

[drumdude]

awesome! send me some pictures!

[92033]

If you use leather cord (could be color dyed) available at Craft Shops or Leather Maker Supply catalogs (like TANDY) the bracelets and belts would last a long time. You can also apply a keychain type quick release most guys carry their keys on, and clip to a belt loop for easy access and fast removal. Snap, it's open...snap, it's closed. Made of color anodized aluminum with spring release...like clips used by mountain climbers on their ropes. Get them at most any stores (Dollar Stores, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Sporting Good Departments, Camping, etc).

[mcshawnboy]

I looked at drumdude's page on this site (I didn't see any hotlinks to a home page) nothing there seemed to indicate "Chip on the shoulder" what am I missing?

[92033]

Just his 'attitude' in posting to my comments. His home page reflects the same mindest.

[mcshawnboy]

Yeah, I guess I see it now with the 12 June post, but that didn't show up when 1st watched the 'ible.

[drumdude]

i dont get it? whats wrong with my shoulder?! SPEAK ENGLISH MAN!!! lol

[drumdude]

like i said in the instructable, you dont have to use yard you can use any kind of string. and you dont have to use keychain rings, you can use book rings or even those climber clamps. If i were to make every single possibility this would be a loooooooooooooooong instructable.

[92033]

I was replying to 'scoochmaroo's query. She asked a question and I answered it. Of course, you are correct. You can use a motorcycle chain and a welder too. :-) After receiving your reply and visiting your home page it seems as though you have a chip on your shoulder. Life is too short. Loosen up kiddo. :-)

[drumdude]

lol sorry! and sorry for replying 6 months later =)