When we do what our dentists tell us and change our toothbrush every three months, we’re not long building up a stock of old toothbrushes. But the question is what to do with them? In fact, there are many different approaches: those who simply throw them out without thinking about it, those who keep them for doing the housework and getting into those awkward nooks and crannies…. and those who recycle them into fun children’s bracelets!
With this third option, there are no disadvantages: you’ll make someone happy by giving them an original piece of jewelry, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment and you’ll have learned an easy new craft that doesn’t cost much, and which you can make by yourself or with your older children (although supervision is always recommended).
What you need:
- Old toothbrushes (classic or transparent)
- A fairly large pot of water
- A kitchen tongs to hold the brushes
- A pliers
- Oven gloves (or a thick towel)
What to do:
1) Bring the water to the boil and while it is boiling, use the pliers to remove the hairs of the toothbrush.
2) Immerse the handle of the brush in the boiling water and keep an eye on it, removing it when it has become soft and malleable.
Put it back in the water if you find that it is not sufficiently malleable, especially at the ends.
3) You can create a pretty twisted effect by holding the brush on both sides and turning the handle. Allow it to dry and there you go!
The results:
Video tutorial:
