Introduction: Sushi Tray Jewelry

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Do you love sushi? Do you hate having to just toss these beautiful trays into the recycling bin? In that case, use the plastic trays to make unique jewelry. I have included directions for this pair. You will also find examples of other jewelry pieces all made with just two sushi trays, beads and chain that I had around the house.

Step 1: You Will Need 2 Sushi Trays, Scissors, Tracing Paper, Tape, Pliers, Earwires and a Hole Punch

Begin by washing the tray. That wasabi can stick!

1. It is best to cut down the middle of the corners toward the flat section. Next, fold back the edges and cut out the flat part. (Save the edges for more styles of jewelry shown later).

2. Draw earring shapes. These earrings can be large because the sushi tray plastic is light.

3. Fold each shape in half to make sure that it is symmetrical. (otherwise create free form shapes. Careful not to make tight concave curves as they are harder to cut and maintain a smooth edge).

4. Layout the paper shapes on the trays. Put the shapes over the patterns that you like and tape them into place. Tracing paper is recommended so that it is easier to see the designs below. Remember that earrings often are mirror image designs of each other. For example, more black on the left earring should be balanced with more black on the right.

5. I used a jewelry hole punch but you can use a drill or hot needle to form a hole.

6. Next attach pre-made ear wires using pliers.

Step 2: You Can Gently Bend Your Shapes and Make Them Concave or Convex

For a 3-dimansional shape, gently roll your sushi piece over your finger and bend it into a curve. Do not attempt to fold or crease as this cracks the plastic tray. (Yes, I tried it). Use the pre-folded edges for designs where you want to make a piece with a right angle bend.

Step 3: Hunt in Your Bead Box and Add Some Goodies to the Sushi Tray Shapes

Now have fun and hunt in your old bead box. Make additional holes and use traditional beading techniques to embellish your "Sushi Tray Jewelry".

All these designs were made with only two sushi trays.

If you would like specifics on any design feel free to contact me. I will be eating sushi or making jewelry!

Come see me at the UCSF Living Green Fair on May the 8th From 11am- 2pm. I will be exhibiting recycled art jewelry.

http://sustainability.ucsf.edu/1.451