How to Make Unique Bracelets and Necklaces with Pull Tabs

Aluminum tabs from soda cans are often saved for charities, and many are recycled, but they have countless creative uses. When pull-tab bracelets and necklaces are created for profit, a portion of the money earned can be donated to favorite charities. The colored variety can be used to make very unique and stylish bracelets and one-of-a-kind necklaces. They are often found on energy drink cans. Use my ideas for creative jewelry crafts with aluminum pull tabs, and create stylish bracelets, necklaces and more.

How to Make Stylish Bracelets

Aluminum pull tabs can be woven together with narrow ribbon to create stylish bracelets for guys or girls. Colored pull tabs add even more vibrancy and style, and I have created several sets. They make fantastic gifts for family and friends, and they are great sellers at craft shows. With colored pull tabs and ribbon, absolutely any color combination can be created when designing bracelets and necklaces.

Begin by arranging the tabs in rows and layers using the photo as a guide. Simply stack one row on top of the other in a staggered fashion. The average bracelet is between 7 and 8 inches in length, and it will take approximately 12 tabs to create a single row. I used a total of eighteen pull tabs to make the bracelet pictured. When in doubt, measure your wrist before beginning.

Next, use vinyl lace to secure the first row to the second using an X pattern as the photo shows, and finish by weaving colored narrow satin ribbon in and out of the top and bottom row. Not only will the ribbon add color and style to your bracelets, but it will also help hold the pull tabs together. Leave approximately four inches of knotted ribbon hanging on each end. It will be used to secure the bracelet when wearing. If desired, beads can be strung in between the knots.

Make Unique Necklaces

I have also made necklaces with aluminum pulls using the aforementioned method. Simply stack and line up enough tabs to create a necklace large enough to place over the head without the use of a clasp. Use any color of ribbon and vinyl lace to string them together, and consider using colored pulls for truly unique necklaces. At first glance, no one will realize that they were made with parts from ordinary soda cans.