Rhonda's Recycled Tape Core Cuffs

I am an artist who uses recycled/reclaimed/rescued supplies. I was 'Green' before the first official Earth Day!
This Instructable is my first (of hopefully many), so please be gentle...

Tape core bangle bracelets have been around for ages but most people find them to be waaaaay too big (fig. 1) so I played with a few until I discovered an easy way to turn them into cuff bracelets (fig. 2). I will show you how to make an empty tape core into a fabulous original work of wearable art. If you decide these simple instructions are beyond your skills you can always see more finished recycled odd art and curious crafts at http://www.oddartist.com

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Step 1: Step A

Things you will need:
        - Empty tape core - these come in many widths from your basic 3/4 inch painters tape to the wider packing tape roll that I prefer to use.
        - Scissors
        - Gesso/primer
        - Paint or anything else you care to decorate your cuff with
        - Clear coating (spray or brush-on)

Begin with making certain there is no adhesive or residue on the core. Do this by running your fingers over the cardboard. If it's sticky, just rub the spot with your thumb until the residue rolls off.
Find the outer seam. You want to cut that section out using the places the seam touches the edge of the core as your guide. This will give you the proper size. If you need it larger just leave a little more of the seam since you'll be rounding the corners anyhow.
Carefully round the edges of your cuff with the scissors. It doesn't have to be perfect but the cleaner job you do here saves time sanding later.
You can use the discarded piece as the base for a barrette - the arc fits a standard ponytail clip!