45th project completed - a 'stained glass' keyring

I am finding it hard to believe it is Saturday again already. So what did I make with the plastic packaging? 

A 'stained glass' keyring. Does any one remember shrinkies / shrinkie dinks??? Well the type of plastic found in some plastic packaging has very similar properties. You will find it labelled number 6 on the recycling stamp marked on the packaging (it has to be the non-foam type number 6).


Materials needed

• Number 6 type plastic
• Permanent marker pens
• Key chain ring and chain
• 4 x Jewellery pins
• Some small beads and 4 x handmade sweetie wrapper beads (as made in project 1 of the challenge)
• A small piece of tin foil
• Multi purpose glue (like UHU)

Instructions

1. The first job is to thoroughly clean your packaging making sure any labels are completely removed and no sticky glue remains.

2. Cut a section from the bottom of your packaging and using the permanent pens, decorate it as desired. I drew random intersecting lines on mine but you could draw a motif or favourite design instead. Outline in a black pen to simulate the leaded lines separating the panes.

3. Place in an oven at about 180 degrees Celsius. It will curl up then settle down flat again but shrunken when it is ready. Once cooled, glue your piece onto a small piece of tin foil to accentuate the colours.

4. Trim to a desired shape and punch a hole at the top to accommodate the key ring.

5. Thread some beads onto the jewellery pins and make a hook at one end. 

 

6. Now pierce 4 holes in the bottom of your piece to take the jewellery pins. Thread them through and turn in the end to form a loop to attach.

7. To finish add the key chain and there you are, a highly unusual key ring made from recycled plastic packaging.

42nd project completed - perfect autumnal earrings

Well what did I make with the fir cones and sycamore seeds?

Two pairs of autumnal earrings! 

Materials needed (Sycamore earrings)

• Two sycamore seeds
• Permanent Marker pens
• Earring hooks
• Jewellery Pliers 
• PVA Glue

Materials needed (Fir cone earrings)

• Two small fir cones
• Some semi - precious stone chip beads (taken from a broken necklace)
• A few small silver beads
• Earring wires and hooks
• Hot Glue Gun
• Jewellery Pliers

Instructions (Sycamore Earrings)

1. Take your sycamore seeds and very carefully, draw on a small design using the permanent pens ( I did a simple 1/2 tree design using the seed head and spine as a trunk!) See above.

2. Give both sides a coat of PVA glue to add a shine and some protection

3. Once completely dry, pierce a small hole in each top just large enough to take the earring hook.

4. Very carefully attach the earring hooks using jewellery pliers and there you have it a highly unusual pair of earrings, bound to cause a stir!

Instructions (Fir cone earrings) 

1. Using a hot glue gun, glue the jewellery wires to the back of your fir cones. Then very carefully bend them so they curve around the shape of the cone and stand up straight, you don't want wonky earrings!!!!

2. Add a few beads to the wire and then attach an earring hook after making a small loop at the top with the jewellery pliers. 

There we are, two very simple but very interesting pairs of earrings!!!