Cut up an old T-shirt & create a fashionable bracelet

T-shirts, like coffee mugs and plastic water bottles, seem to multiply quickly and without notice. There’s a crafty way to recycle a used tee, and it's fashionable, much more fun and far more environmentally friendly than throwing it in the rag pile. Whether the tee in question is multi-hued, tie-dyed or a solid shade, converting its remnants into one bracelet or many is easy, nearly free and quick.

Similar to friendship bracelets, these pieces are made by employing a simple braiding technique and attaching magnetic bracelet clasps, widely available at craft stores, on either end. Whether you choose to make a dozen as a show of love for friends or one as a gift to yourself, these accents add a casual, beachy look to any outfit. The farthest thing from precious, these bracelets can get wet, be pushed and pulled, and can withstand other types of wear and tear--yet they remain consistently cute.

- Old t-shirt
- Scissors
- Permanent Sharpie markers in different colors
- Needle
- Thread in color that matches t-shirt, or contrasting color
- Magnetic bracelet clasp

1. Lay the t-shirt flat and cut the strips, about ½” wide, from the sleeves, starting at the open end.

2. Lay three strips side by side lengthwise and cut to the same length.

3. With one or more markers, draw a pattern or coat the middle strip with a different color.

4. Gather the strips together and tie a knot at one end.

5. Braid the three strips, starting at the point where the knot is, ensuring that the colored strip is still situated in the center between the two plain strips.

6. Tie a second knot at the other end when you're finished braiding.

7. With a needle and thread, sew a magnetic bracelet clasp piece on one end of the bracelet, making sure that the magnetic end is facing the other end of the bracelet.

8. When it’s secured, knot the string and cut the excess thread with scissors.

9. Repeat steps 7-8 on the other end of the bracelet.

10. It's now ready to wear.