DIY Recycled Bamboo Link Jewelry

I am a woman on a mission!! I have two worn-out bamboo window shades and I'm determined to make things out of them. Today it's jewelry!

I can't bring myself to throw the shades away. We purchased them 10 years ago for our bedroom and they've lived a good life, but they were falling apart and we had to take them down. Now, I see so much potential in them - for jewelry, furniture, and many other craft projects... my creative juices are flowing. This page represents my latest window shade inspired creation - bamboo jewelry links.

On this page, I'll explain how to create the links from window shade slats, then how to create jewelry pieces from those links.

All photos on this page are my own.

Needed for this step:

* 1-2 bamboo window shade slats

* Pliers with a wire cutter component

* Several emery boards

I decided I wanted my bamboo jewelry links to be 1 inch long. So, after removing the slats from the window shade, I measured my first link from the end and cut it using a wire cutter. I used a utility wire cutter built into a set of pliers (NOT my jewelry wire cutters; it's important to protect your jewelry wire cutters blades for finer work). After my first piece was cut, I used it as a guide for the rest of the pieces.

I cut about 60 pieces to start with. This gave me more than enough links to make the jewelry pieces I wanted and a few extra for the mistakes I was bound to make along the way.

Before I go any further, I used an emery board to file down any sharp edges and smooth over any parts that may have splintered when I was cutting the pieces. This gave me a chance to examine each link for flaws too. (Note: if you choose, you could save this step for after you drill the holes. That way you won't waste time filing links that have drilling errors.)

• Twigs from the yard
• Hardwood dowels
• Strips of plastic soda or water bottle

Needed for this step:

• Bamboo links
• A drill that gives you good control (such as the affordably-priced Black & Decker Lithium Ion Cordless Drill - shown here)
• 1/16" drill bit

Jewelry connector links have at least one hole on each end. The bamboo pieces have just enough space for 1/16" holes. I put the links one at a time on a scrap of 2x4 so I could drill through without worrying about damaging the drill bit or the surface below. It didn't take long before I had all of the holes drilled.

Tips for the Tricky Parts:

* Don't get too close to the end, or it's very likely to split out.

* Find a comfortable position where you can both see clearly where you are placing the bit tip and get good leverage for drilling.

* Make sure your drill gives you good speed control. If the bit spins too quickly to start, it can split the end immediately. If you start slow, the link holds better.

30 Bamboo Links - Use more or less depending on the length you want your final necklace to be.

Add Jump Rings to Both Ends of Each Link - When adding jump rings, I used a flat-nose pliers and a chain nose pliers. Some people like to use the bent nose pliers. Use whatever is most comfortable for you. Whatever two pliers you choose, it's important to twist - not pull - the ends of your ring apart to open it up enough to add a jewelry component. Use the "how to" video below if you do not know how to use jump rings.

Connect Pairs of Links - You should definitely have the hang of using jump rings after all that practice in Step 1. This time it's even easier. I like having two bamboo links for every decorative beaded link, so Step 2 is connecting pairs of links. Use a jump ring to connect the rings at the end of two bamboo links together. I ended up with 15 pairs (There are 14 shown here, if anyone's counting).

Making Beaded Links - Slide one cultured freshwater pearl (or bead of your choice) onto an eyepin. Follow the instructions in the video below to make it into a connector link with a loop on each end. You'll need a round nose pliers for this step. I made 15 beaded links for this project.

Putting It All Together - When your beaded links and the paired bamboo links are ready, use jump rings and your two sets of pliers to assemble a chain. Link one beaded link to the end of a bamboo pair with one jump ring. Link another bamboo pair to the end of that beaded link with another jump ring. Repeat until you have used all beaded links and bamboo pairs, and use the last jump ring to connect the two ends and close the chain.

The final necklace and some variations on the design are below.

1. Sterling Silver Earwires - 1 pair
2. 4 Jump Rings
3. 2 Bamboo Links
4. 2 Eyepins
5. 2 Beads (of your choice)
6. Jewelry Making Tool Set (including wire cutter, 2 chain nose pliers, and 1 round nose pliers)

Create the Beaded Dangle - Using the same technique as the beaded connector video above, use the headpins to make a beaded decoration for the bottom of your earrings. Note: Use a head pin because you won't need a loop at the other end the way you did with the necklace.

Connect the Component Parts - Using your 2 sets of chain nose pliers and the jump rings, connect the bamboo links to the earwires, then connect the beaded decorations to the bamboo links.

Simple. Beautiful. Done. A photo of the final product is below.

Thanks for any feedback!