Rubber Tube Necklaces, Bracelets, and More

Have you ever had some work done on your home and then used the leftover tiles, carpet, or other supplies, to make something else? Thats what youll want to do if you ever have rubber hose supply line put in. The supply line - a clear tube - is perfect for making a new necklace, bracelet, or set of earrings.At a home improvement store, you can find rubber hose supply line in various diameters. Choose the type you want for your necklace or other jewelry piece. The hose should be completely clear and purchased in a small-diameter size.To make one kind of necklace or bracelet, first cut the rubber hose to be as long as you need to wrap around the neck or wrist. Decide on a stopper for the holes in the ends of the tube. One thing you can use - if it fits the particular tube youve purchased, is a pencil eraser. Slide it in halfway in to one end of the tube, then use the other half to connect the two ends. Glue the pencil eraser - or other chosen stopper - into one end of the tube.Fill the tube with whatever you want. You could use beads, glitter, confetti, foil balls, tiny pom-poms, or another material. When the tube is filled simply slide the stopper into the opening, so that you hook both ends together.Make a completely different type of tube necklace by cutting off just a tiny section of it. An inch-and-a-half to two inches is a good size for the tube. If the tube curls just warm it up with a blow dryer as you straighten it. That will be easier to do if you straighten the tube before cutting it.If you have a small, pliable wire, you can quickly assemble the necklace like so: run one end of the wire through a bead, then a button, then the tube, then another button, and another bead. Then, go the opposite way, running the wire back through the bead, button, tube, button, and bead. Its tricky, though, as you try to fill the little container while keeping the wire tight.A little easier method of finishing the tiny tube necklace is to glue a button and bead to the bottom, fill the tube, then glue a button and bead to the top. For this version, position the top bead so that the holes run from side to side, then thread a cord through it. Or, slide a large jump ring into the holes of the top bead to hang the pendant on a chain. The jump ring is recommended for making tiny tube earrings.Whether youre making necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or tiny charms, youll love the new jewelry pieces, made from a bit of rubber tubing.