Swiss Candy Jewelry

 

 I call it Swiss Candy Jewelry because it loosely resembles Swiss cheese and the Haribo Gummi candies they sell all over central Europe.
Similar to the process used in the Sparkling and Melting Flowers, this tutorial uses the magical properties of #6 recyclable plastic.
Materials:
* Five #6 recyclable plastic cups
* Heat source (like a well ventilated oven)
* Chain or wire to use as necklace base and links
* Pliers
Cost: Free for me (I already had cups leftover from a party and an old junk necklace, but I imagine this could be assembled for less than $10)
Time: 60 minutes for the blue statement necklace, 20 minutes for the pink pendant

1.    Remove the bottom and top rim of the plastic glass.
2.    Cut rounded shapes, roughly the size of large rose petals
3.    Punch holes

4.    Warm in oven at 180F (see bottom of previous post concerning plastic in the oven)…watch it carefully, it will shrivel and buckle quickly (mine took 25 seconds)…working in small batches in an outdoor toaster oven would be a good idea
5.    Remove from oven and sift out pieces with at least one sturdy hole towards the top (be prepared to discard quite a few)
6.    Assemble jewelry making supplies, including pliers and chain or wire, long enough for your neck
7.    Link individual pieces on to the chain/wire, making sure that individual pieces curve outward and not directly against your neck (could get itchy)…if you want to know more about basic jewelry assemblage, check out this tutorial
8.    Ta Da!
Variation in pink.  I love the contrast between the round/opaque/ vintage pearls and the very thin/translucent/modern plastic.  Also love asymmetrical jewelry of any sort…try it, it’s not so easy to find the right balance!

Filed Under: Inspired by Others, Jewelry, Recycle Crafts, Switzerland, Wearable