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!!!
