Recycled Belt Bracelet Tutorial

Are you an avid thrift shopper who is creative and all about recycling? If you are, this is a great project for you. With very little money involved you can create lovely bracelets to either sell or give as gifts and bask in the knowledge that you made something yourself that turned out pretty cool! Even if you are not crafty, you can do this.

1. I bought a Boat Snap Kit that contained heavy duty canvas snap pliers and even came with snaps.

2. A heavy duty revolving leather hole belt punch

3. Household scissors

When buying snaps for your project, don't be fooled by "Heavy Duty" snaps that you can buy at most retail stores. None of them tell you how deep the shank is on these snaps and most do not fit the leather belts you will be buying to make your projects. Buy them from a leather manufacturer. I chose Line 24 products and they seem to do the trick.

While I like to use all leather products, sometimes you come across a belt that is not but it is just too cool to pass up. Most of my belts come from resale shops and the shabbier the better! A good worn belt makes an excellent bracelet for those who prefer "tattered" style jewelry.

This is a no-brainer. Buy belts with patterns already on them and you don't have to spend money for tools and chemicals to stamp your patterns.

Once you've purchased your belts, determine what sizes you are going to make and cut them in strips to make your bracelets.

Note: Be sure to save your belt buckles. They are not cheap and someone could certainly use them. Either resell or donate to the cause.

Use your belt hole punch to make holes for your snaps

Using your snap set means applying hard pressure to it to make sure that the snaps are seated correctly, your snap will adhere correctly and will not be ruined.

As you create these belt bracelets and become familiar with making them you realize just how easy they really are. Other than having sore hands, they really are quite fun to make.

I am paying an average of .42 per snap and anywhere from .25 to $3.00 per belt, depending on their coolness. I can get an average of 3 - 5 bracelets from each belt.

Because I am a thrift shopper and into recycling used goods I want to make sure that my pricing reflects the amount I would be willing to pay for something this cool.

Items such as these are selling retail in my area for $12.99 and up. I choose to sell my product for $5 each and I am still making money. Please keep this in mind when you are pricing your items and keep the amount affordable. It's better to price to move than to over price your items and sit on stock. It is what it is...recycling at its finest!