About

Cost
$ $ $ $ $
Difficulty
• • • • •
Time
15 mins

Comb Bracelet Tutorial
Readers of this blog will know by now that I like to make jewelry and art out of rather unconventional things, and this tute is no different. This will show you how to make a cool and kitschy bracelet out of a comb.

You will need a clean comb that measures 7 inches (17.8cm) (preferably unused, but if you're the only one who will be wearing it, feel free to ransack your own comb collection. I guess I am weird about that, although you will be boiling it. I went to cosmetology school, so I am all about sanitation!) I used basic black because for one that's all I had, but it also goes with everything. Look for brightly colored ones if you wish. There are really awesome fluorescent ones that would be great for this project. Anyways, you will also need a saucepan of boiling water, a paper towel or two, and a pair of tongs.

Posted by Impybat from North Andover, Massachusetts, United States • Published See Impybat's 32 projects »
PrintEmbed
  • How to make a recycled bracelet. Comb Bracelet - Step 1
    Step 1

    Bring the medium sized saucepan of water to a full boil. Carefully drop the comb and and let it happily boil away for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift the comb with the tongs and set the comb down on the paper towel to let it cool slightly. Use caution as the comb will be very hot. Turn down the stove burner to low-medium.

  • How to make a recycled bracelet. Comb Bracelet - Step 2
    Step 2

    After it has sat for a few minutes, it is time to mold the comb into a bracelet shape. Place the comb down on the paper towel and grasp it by the ends as pictured (please pardon the state of my nails).

  • How to make a recycled bracelet. Comb Bracelet - Step 3
    Step 3

    Hold the comb down and begin to turn the ends up. Once you have the "C" shape (or "U" as it appears) you will have to hold it in that position for a few minutes while the plastic cools for it to retain the shape.

  • Step 4

    Wrap the paper towels around the comb if it makes it easier to deal with the hot plastic. When the plastic cools, it will be come rigid again. If this happens while you are forming the bracelet, drop it into the water for a few minutes, or hold it over the water with the tongs until the plastic has become pliable enough to bend. Be careful as the comb may lose its shape if you drop it into the water for too long. You may have to be a little forceful to manipulate it into the correct shape, but don't exert so much pressure that you snap it in half.

    This piece would be a cute gift for a stylist or anyone else who loves doing hair!

Made this project? Share your version »

Comments

Impybat
Impybat · North Andover, Massachusetts, US · 34 projects
Let's see a tute for the plastic silverware one, chase!
Reply
chelsea
chelsea · Port Clinton, Ohio, US · 10 projects
yeah i don't think theres a project for the silverwear ones i just kinda startes throwing things in after making a toothbrush one. but you do it just the same. the only thing i do differently is that i shape them in the pot with tongs by pressing it against the sides of the pot rather then shaping it by hand outside of the pot
Reply
Impybat
Impybat · North Andover, Massachusetts, US · 34 projects
I've seen the toothbrush ones, but not the plastic silverware ones--those sound cool!
Reply
chelsea
chelsea · Port Clinton, Ohio, US · 10 projects
OMG!!!! IVE BEEN PLANNING TO DO THIS EVER SINCE I FIGURED OUT HOW TO MAKE TOOTHBRUSH AND PLASTIC SILVER WEAR CUFFS!!! THIS IS CRAZY!!!
Reply
Fondasaurusrex
Fondasaurusrex · U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, US · 11 projects
That is so cool !
You can also do this with toothbrushes Happy (Clear ones work best)
Reply
minty
minty · 16 projects
that is fantastic, i love it
Reply
Cat Morley
Cat Morley · London, GB · 1432 projects
That is awesome, another fantastic idea from Impybat!
Reply

More Projects