Jewelry Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

I've been having so much fun making earrings and necklaces from empty plastic (PET) bottles and milk jugs!   You too can make your own jewelry from plastic bottles that would normally be thrown away or recycled. 
To make your own jewelry, use your imagination.  Save your recycling.  I think the see-through colored bottles are especially pretty.  I've saved many plastic bottles, including soda bottles, body spray bottles and even childrens' "bubble bottles".  You can purchase "findings" (links, etc.) to connect your pieces or you can use wire, fishing line or other items you have on hand. 

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To make my jewelry I used purchased "fish hook" style earring bases and round links.  I spent just pennies per piece of jewelry.  See the photo tutorial below to make your own!  It's easy, I promise!

For more great ideas on recycling items to make beautiful jewelry and accessories you might want to check out the following resources ~

Green Bling: Turning Bottles Into Bangles (Leisure Arts #4335) (Clever Crafter)

1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse: Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew (1000 Series)

Jewelry Upcycled!: Techniques and Projects for Reusing Metal, Plastic, Glass, Fiber, and Found Objects



Look for bottles that have a "1" OR a
"2" in the recycling "marking" on
the bottom of the bottle.
I've found that this for the most
part includes plastic beverage containers,
medication bottles, body sprays, milk jugs,
etc.




Cut desired shapes from your empty, clean
bottles.




Using pliers or tweezers to protect your hands melt edges slightly to create desired look.  I've researched and PET bottles are considered very safe for melting and
incineration regarding toxic fumes.  I would
recommend that you use common precautions and make certain your work space has adequate ventilation. 



The plastic will sometimes curl rapidly so be very
cautious to protect your hands.  As you can
see, I often don't follow my own advice....



The pieces (depending on the shape) will
look somewhat like this when you are done melting
them.  I use a safety pin to poke holes where
I wish to attach links, etc.



Earrings made with milk jugs ~
Milk jugs can be shaped with twisting but do not respond well to heat.



Earrings fashioned out of milk jugs and
old buttons.



Earrings made from "bubble solution" container



Earrings made from a
soda bottle




Made from soda bottles
and food container lid



Cobalt earrings
from body spray bottle



Earrings made from body
spray bottle.

Amber earrings from medicine bottle

These pieces are a fun way to turn recycled items into wearable art! If I can make these, just imagine what you can do!
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