Introduction: Marbled Bracelets Made of Recycled Cardboard Rolls

About: My name is Sabina Stan. I am a visual artist based in Romania. I work with rope, paper and recycled aluminium cans and I can do just about anything (figurative or abstract) in the technique I use, which is an …

I decided to take something we usually throw away without thinking and make something out that. I chose the cardboard roll on which paper towels, toilette paper or duct tape come on. I turned then into marbled bracelets.

Here's how! :)

Supplies

  • cardboard rolls
  • scissors
  • marbled paints
  • water
  • small bowl
  • a deep bowl
  • white tempera
  • varnish
  • brush
  • one time use gloves
  • glue gun
  • stripes of lace
  • leather
  • sewing thread and needle
  • clasps

Step 1: Paint the Cardboard White and Let It Dry

Step 2: Marble Paint the Cardboard

  1. Put water in a big, deep bowl
  2. Shake the bottle with marble paint
  3. Put a few drops over the water - you can use only 1,2,3 or several colors. I would advise to use 2 or 3.
  4. You may rearrange the colors over the water with a stick by barely touching the surface wit it and dragging in to where you want the color to go in short, decisive moves.
  5. Submerge the cardboard roll in the water and take it right out
  6. Shake it to displace the water from the surface of the cardboard
  7. Let it dry

Step 3: Varnish the Rolls and Let Them Dry

Step 4: Cut the Cardboard and Leather

Cut the cardboard roll vertically so it can be placed over the hand

Cut the cardboard horizontally to the size you want the bracelet to be

Cut the leather to the size of the cardboard.

Fun fact: I was looking for some leftover leather pieces I knew I had to use them for this since it is about recycling, but couldn't find them. I remembered I gave them to a friend who uses leather to create her art and she told me then that she is sure I could find something to use them for eventually. I was sure that would not come to happen. Turns out that day came four years later. However, I bought a larger piece of leather for a different project a few months back, so I just used some of that.

Step 5: Glue the Leather to the Back of the Cardboard

I used a glue gun for this. I find it very efficient and durable.

Step 6: Add the Clasps to the Ends of the Bracelet

I sewed the clasps to the leather, placing it between the leather and the cardboard.

Afterwards, I glued the edges of the leather and cardboard together and fixed the clasp.

Step 7: Apply the Lace on the Upper Edges of the Bracelet

Step 8: ​This Is It!

Hope you have enjoyed!

Have fun creating! =^.^=