Tubs into Toggles: jewelry clasps from recycled plastic.

Recently I had an email from a new reader, asking me to make something from cottage cheese tubs or other plastic recyclables.  What a co-inkee-dink!  I've had this tutorial germinating in the ruburbs of my brain for ages, and her email got me motivated to write it.  Thanks, Carrie N.!

Toggle clasps: I love love love them!  And sometimes I like to make my own.  I've done it lots of ways: polymer clay, hardware, precious metal.  Today, I want to introduce you to these little guys:

Yep, they are made from recycled tub containers.

So here's what ya do.  Start with a plastic container (or any old plastic, really) from your recycle bin.

Cut out two pieces.  One can be any shape, with a hole in the center - that's your toggle.  (Try hearts, flowers, squares, teardrops - or just go with a classic circle.)  The other is a straight skinny shape - that's your bar. 

The one trick is to make your bar long enough so it won't slip out of the toggle hole.   Maybe take a look at some ready made toggle clasps to eyeball the proportions.  Too long is better than too short, in my experience.

Next, poke a hole in each piece.

On a headpin, stack your plastic bar and a flat spacer...

And make a wrapped loop on the back.  (Wrapped loop step-by-step tutorial here.)

Guess what?  You're done!!!  Just use jump rings or links of a chain to attach them to a jewel that needs a clasp.

This cute blue one was cut from the logo on a cottage cheese tub:

Nifty, eh?  They work like any other toggle.  But they're extra fun, because you made 'em!

While saving the planet.  Raht own!