How to Make a Credit-Card Bracelet
May 14, 2009 at 2:49 pm | In Recycling, Tips | 33 CommentsEveryone knows that credit cards are for buying stuff you can’t afford. You get the stuff now, but don’t have to pay until, uh, later. Credit cards are based on the obsolete premise that in the future you’ll have more money than you have today. In the current economy, using credit cards to rack up high-interest debt is the world’s dumbest idea. The time has come to throw that credit card away —
Or to give it a whole new life as something else. Instead of using your credit card to buy a bracelet, why not turn the card into the bracelet? Pretty much useless for their original intended purpose, credit cards are like the vanished currency of a long-lost civilization. And just as humans have always adorned themselves with shiny accessories made of old coins, the time has come to do the same with credit cards. More lustrous than real gold, durable yet permeable, “gold cards,” “platinum cards” and American Express cards in particular make glorious jewelry. Repurpose these relics into tomorrow’s gems.
MAKE YOUR CREDIT-CARD BRACELET
A step-by-step photo guide
Before you get started, you will of course need to salvage an old credit card that you’ve discarded — or a new credit card that you’re about to stop using!
1. Cut the card into your chosen shapes: squares, rectangles, and ovals work best. Try to get at least six pieces out of each card.
2. If you’ve chosen squares or rectangles, trim their corners to form curves. (A bracelet that jabs you or catches on things is not a fun bracelet.) Arrange the pieces in an order that pleases you.
3. Using an electric drill, make holes in each card-piece through which loops will be inserted. Ensure that these holes are close enough to the edges of the plastic to accommodate at least half the diameter of each loop. Also ensure that the holes are big enough to allow the loops smooth movement. (Lacking a drill, you can make holes in the pieces using a hammer and a small nail, but the impact will create unwieldy raised edges around the holes on the reverse side.) Interior pieces need two holes at each end (equalling four holes per piece); the terminating pieces need two holes on one edge and one central hole on the final outer edge (equalling three holes each) for affixing the clasp mechanism.
4. Insert loops through holes to connect all the pieces. Squeeze the loops tight so that they won’t slip off. Affix clasp mechanism of your choice.
Voila! The final product.
5. Enjoy your finished credit-card bracelet.
Other types of jewelry can also be made with credit cards.
The credit-card ring — with windshield-glass “gems” scavenged from the scene of an auto burglary.
Credit-card earrings. Use your imagination to find ways of incorporating cards into other jewelry (or jewelry parts) that you’ve scavenged.
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pretty damn cool!
Comment by lydia — May 15, 2009 #
[...] Scavenging has step-by-step directions to turn your credit card into a bracelet, ring, or earrings. Check it out! Below is one of their [...]
Pingback by Bargain Babe » Making jewelry out of credit cards — May 15, 2009 #
Wow, this is so creative! I’d love to link to this if you didn’t mind.
Comment by Rachel — May 15, 2009 #
Just found your site and can’t wait to follow your adventures in scavenomics!
I love this concept.
Where did the quote “Nothing is garbage anymore…” come from?
Comment by tammy — May 15, 2009 #
What a great project… and kind of a phuck you to the credit card issuers who rob people blind everyday and then ask for bailout monies… lol… You could always make one of these and send it to the card issuer… Im sure many would be amazed by it and get a good laugh!
Comment by JeffreyScottThomas — May 15, 2009 #
This is sooooooo kewl, I will have to make these as soon as I can get the other supplies
Comment by Susan — May 15, 2009 #
This is great! I’m gonna link from Dollar Store Crafts!
Comment by Heather - DollarStoreCrafts.com — May 16, 2009 #
What a totally fun idea!!
Comment by Sarah@thriftydecorchick — May 17, 2009 #
Too cool!!
Comment by Vanessa — May 17, 2009 #
I am so linking to this! You are a kindred soul indeed.
Comment by Sharon the Crafty Bag Lady — May 17, 2009 #
[...] cards. But don’t just cut them up and toss ‘em – make them into something awesome! The Scavenging blog posted a tutorial for making your plastic into cool jewelry. Thanks to Woof Nanny for the tip. [...]
Pingback by Dollar Store Crafts » Blog Archive » Make a Credit Card Bracelet — May 18, 2009 #
[...] I found this site called Scavenging that reuses…well, everything. It’s not really a crafting site, but definitely check it out for money-saving tips. With just an old credit card, some metal rings, and just a few tools to create the bracelet you can make something that looks like it came from a store. For some extra bling try using your platinum or gold card. Check out the full step by step directions here. [...]
Pingback by How to Use Those Extra Credit Cards | FaveCraftsBlog — May 18, 2009 #
Wo that looks like such fun and makes a statement at the same time.
Comment by Perry Peck — May 26, 2009 #
While I don’t have Platinum credit cards, I do have a ton of Starbuck gift cards that people seem to think I want. Now I know what to do this them. Thanks!
Comment by R A Larkins — May 28, 2009 #
all I get is a blank page for tutorial for guitar picks
Comment by sharon — May 29, 2009 #
This is a good idea not just for credit cards but for gift cards. I’ve already been collecting old gift cards and have been looking for a use for them….think I found it :)
Comment by otbcreations — May 31, 2009 #
If you expect to always pay your monthly bill in full, your best choice may be a credit card that has no annual fee and offers a longer grace period.
Comment by No Fee Credit Card — June 10, 2009 #
What a really cool idea – I am going to make a bracelet this week. Thanks for the ingenious tip!
Comment by Sonnee McCabe — June 14, 2009 #
Wow, this is so creative
Comment by Manifest — June 30, 2009 #
[...] Image: Scavenging [...]
Pingback by Incredibly Weird Dresses Made From Credit Cards — July 20, 2009 #
One good way to get over having to rip up your gold Amex card I guess!
hope they have a platinum one to replace it with.
All the best
Sam
Comment by jewelry pendants — July 24, 2009 #
I love the irony of it all – especially using a GOLD amex card! Being frugal has never been so in your face! Sam
Comment by jewelry pendants — July 31, 2009 #
What a fantastic idea!!! I LOVE this! I am a lover of scavenging.
Comment by Lori — August 6, 2009 #
I try to stay away from credit card companies as much as possible. What a great alternative to the usual usage!
Comment by Creditrepair — September 4, 2009 #
[...] Source [...]
Pingback by Awesome Examples of Credit Card Arts and Crafts | Interbent — September 10, 2009 #
WOW, this is a cool way to use the old card just sitting in a box in my house! love it!
Read all the reviews of the jewelry stores that you are thinking to sell your gold jewelry at. Do you homework to get the best gold price.
Comment by How to sell gold jewelry — September 14, 2009 #
My wife would love one of the bracelets. BUT I WILL MAKE SURE I CUT UP ONE OF HERS NOT MINE. HAHA
Comment by sell jewelry tampa — September 15, 2009 #
What a funky idea! I will do this soon. :) I have a ton of cards sitting around and need a weekend fun project to do. :P
Comment by indygo — September 23, 2009 #
The ultimate bling Jewelry? Just wait till you see 50 Cent wearing one of these in his next music video! Nice Job. Keep the creative work coming.
Comment by Delta SkyMiles Credit Card — September 24, 2009 #
So cool!Wow~~
Your blog is so nice.I really like it.
By the way,
Would you like to have a link trading with me?
look forward to your reply.Thank you!
Comment by Manufacture Services — October 29, 2009 #
[...] small banks in the US will do a separate credit check to qualify for a check card, this is not joke. Can you imagine going to a full service bank think you are getting all the [...]
Pingback by instantmoby | Check card credit checks — November 6, 2009 #
I remember making one of those for my mom……a long time ago.
The holidays are upon us and we have it all at great discounted prices. http://docketdirectories.com/Consumer_Jewelry.html
Comment by George — November 13, 2009 #
I would strongly suggest checking out the Jazz Jewelers before selling gold or silver to ANYONE. I did a great deal of research, online and offline, and learned a lot about this business. I checked pawn shops, jewelers, “gold parties”, hotel “buying events as well as the online buyers, including the “as seen on tv” guys. I found that the JAZZ JEWELERS paid more than anyone else I could find. http://sellgoldtampa.com I I can recommend them 100%
Comment by sell gold tampa — November 18, 2009 #