Green Crafts Projects Using Toothpaste Tubes

I was recently searching online for a homemade green crafts project and discovered an interesting bathroom caddy made out of toothpaste tubes and thought it might be a fun green crafts project to try. However, once I discovered the silver inside of toothpaste tubes and how durable the material was my homemade green crafts project went in a different direction.

Instead of creating a bathroom caddy, I ended up making a couple of recycled bracelets. The interior of most toothpaste tubes is a nice silver color making it ideal for creating bracelet charms or by alternating the sliver interior with the colors on the exterior you can create a colorful recycled bracelet.

Green Crafts Project: Toothpaste Tube Bracelet Charm

This green crafts project is simple to make and an ideal companion to friendship bracelets. To get started, you'll need one empty toothpaste tube, scissors, a small paper punch (size ¼-inch or 1/8-inch), craft glue, bracelet thread and a nontoxic sealant like Mod Podge. The first step you'll need to do is clean out the toothpaste tube. Use scissors to cut off each end of the toothpaste tube and then cut along the seam. Use warm water to wash off the inside surface of the toothpaste tube and then lay flat to dry.

Once the toothpaste tube has dried completely, cut an oval shaped piece from the toothpaste tube that is approximately ½-inch long by ¼-inch wide. Use the paper punch to punch a hole in each end of the piece. If desired, you can create a saying to place on the charm by creating text on a computer and then printing out. Use craft glue to affix the text to the silver side of the toothpaste tube. Cover with a non- toxic sealant and let dry. You could also use a permanent marker to write or draw a design on the charm. Use bracelet thread to run through the bracelet and then tie or use a clasp to finish off.

Green Crafts Project: Recycled Bracelet out of Toothpaste Tubes

This green crafts project uses circles cut from a toothpaste tube instead of traditional beads to make a recycled bracelet. The materials you'll need include one large toothpaste tube, cut open, cleaned and ready to use, scissors, needle, thread and a piece of elastic band that is slightly bigger than your wrist.

Use a small circle template (about ½-inch in diameter) to trace circle designs onto the toothpaste tube. Carefully cut out each circle. You'll need approximately 25 circles to make this project. Once all the circles have been cut, use a needle and thread to sew each of the circles onto the elastic band. The elastic band will serve as the underside of the bracelet. For a colorful look, alternate each circle so one is silver and the other features elements of the exterior. Continue to sew each end of the circle onto the recycled bracelet until the elastic band is completely covered. Sew the ends of the elastic band together and slip onto your wrist.

If you'd rather not create items out of toothpaste tubes, TerraCycle and Colgate have partnered together to convert Colgate toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes into unique products. Empty toothpaste tubes can be sent to directly to TerraCycle. Two cents per accepted item will be donated by TerraCycle to the non-profit organization or school of your choice.

Sources:

Terracycle Colgate Oral Care Brigade - http://www.terracycle.net/brigades/50-Colgate-Oral-Care-Brigade

Crafting a Green World: Toothpaste Tube Bathroom Caddy - . http://craftingagreenworld.com/2010/08/05/how-to-colgate-toothpaste-tube-toothbrush-holder/