Introduction: Making (virtually) Free Jewelry (out of Staples!)
A few days ago I was messing around with some staples, making them into a chain, and thought they looked kinda cool like that. I suddenly realized the chains would make great jewelry, for cheap too! You could use them instead of an expensive gold or silver chain for hanging your favorite pendant or charm, and with needle-nose pliers (and maybe a soldering iron), you can make little charms too! Personally, the chains would make a great gift. Anyway, here's how to make them. BTW this is my first Instructable, so please be nice.
Step 1: Materials
You'll need:
Stapler
Fingers (duh!)
Needle-Nose Pliers (helpful, but optional)
Step 2: Staple!
All you need to do here is use the stapler like you're stapling paper. Do that until you have a good size pile of staples on the table.
Step 3: Helpful Hint
Ack! You dropped a staple on the floor! Staples are nearly impossible to find in gray carpet. Here's a helpful tip: Take a magnet and run it across the floor. Eventually you'll probably run into the staple somewhere.
Step 4: Make a Chain
All you have to do now is link the staples together by the folded-over parts. The problem is, they don't stay together sometimes. That's easy to fix, though. Just use your fingers (or needle-nose pliers) to squish the folded parts down. On the other hand, sometimes they won't connect together, so just pull open the end that won't go together.
Every so often, check the length of the chain to make sure it fits around your arm or neck okay. If you're trying to make a standard length necklace chain, normal length is usually 16 to 18" long. Bracelet size depends on how big your wrist is.
Step 5: Done!
To finish off, make sure one of the end staple loops is opened to a hook shape so you can slip the loop on the other end through it. After that, you're done! Wear (or gift) your new jewelry with pride.
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9 Discussions
5 years ago
Maybe after completing project, it could be wrapped with fabric or something of the sort. Have to try it!!!
5 years ago on Introduction
Hi.
8 years ago on Introduction
Tried it-- didn't work for me. Think my staples were the very small ones, so maybe that's why it wasn't a success. Yours looks fine though. May make it again, but buy the bigger one's next time
9 years ago on Step 5
Does it hurt? Like the ends of the staples, wouldn't they dig into your skin? Great idea though :)
Reply 9 years ago on Step 5
Well, they might hurt a little after awhile, but not too bad. On the other hand, maybe I just have calluses from playing violin.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Great idea. Love it!!!!!! this is one I WILL do. quite unique.
9 years ago on Introduction
this reminds me of my friends who would bend paper clips into earrings, then have ear infections from whatever is in paper clips.
9 years ago on Introduction
Great pictures and well written, good job on your first instructable. Hope we see more from you!
9 years ago on Step 5
genius