Sunday, October 17, 2010

Drinking Straw Jewelry



Well, I just HAD to try it!

I collected the drinking straws from every cup, washed them, dried them & then cut them up. In a glass jar they went. You have to collect a few to play with and I wanted some different colors to choose from.



At the "Taste for Art" event yesterday, I demo'ed the Drinking Straw Jewelry technique and everyone just couldn't get over what can be done with them.

Another thing I do is collect vintage jewelry from family, friends & of course yard sales. They are then taken apart so the pieces can be used in all kinds of artwork.

The technique I used is as follows:

  • Cut the straws into 2.5 inch pieces.

  • Using 2 non-stick craft sheets, arrange about 4-5 straw section in the colors you choose.

  • Cover with another non-stick craft sheet (sandwiching the straws in the middle).

  • With an iron on the hotest setting, slowly lower iron on the top of the straws being very careful not to let the straws drift apart leaving gaps.

  • You will feel the straw beginning to melt.

  • Once you feel the iron has pretty much flatten the straws (this will only take a few seconds), lift the iron

  • Immediately put something heavy on top of the melted straws to prevent curling

  • After a few minutes, remove & peel the non-stick craft sheets away

  • Cut the straw arrangement into any shape you wish

  • Embellish with wire, beads, and/or vintage jewelry

  • Hook onto a ball chain & fish hook ear wires & you're set to WOW some people!

If you have any questions about this technique, just let me know & I'll be happy to answer you!

Enjoy your newly made jewelry!!!

5 comments:

Loretta said...

You always were talented. I love your pics of jewelry and others arts you have posted. Keep it up. I need to get to the shows or meet up with you sometime. Keep posting and I'll get back to you.

Amy said...

This I want to see in person! Love the look in the photo, but I want to see and feel this. How very interesting.

pat moyers said...

You know how neat I think this idea is. I am now collecting straws too!!!!

Subriagirl said...

Thank you Loretta! Thanks for visiting my blog. I'd love to have a home show soon! Will let you know.

Amy, just let me know which Amy ya are & it's a deal! After the demo last Saturday, everyone is saving their straws...haha

Pat, wish I could have found the other pendants I made! If I lay anything down in this house...it disappears!

Cindy Cade said...

How fun. I will have to give this a try. I wonder if they are die-cutable? Nice to see you girl. I just stumbled on to your blog!
Creatively
Cindy Cade