Pop open a soda, save the tab, and make useful items out of material heading for the trash. Tiny aluminum tabs work surprisingly well for jewelry, home decor, and accessories. With simple tools like jewelry pliers, yarn, and wire, you can assemble high-end looks for next to nothing. If you prefer organizing your workspace before starting, check out these shabby chic craft room ideas to prepare your desk. Grab your tools and try these quick upcycling ideas today.
1. Pop tab chainmail bracelet
You can build an armor-style wristband out of everyday pop tabs. Cut one side of each tab using wire cutters, then hook them together into a woven pattern. Attach a lobster clasp to the ends to lock the bracelet around your wrist. Pro Tip: File down the sharp metal cuts with a nail file before wearing the bracelet.
2. Soda can tab belt
Thread satin ribbon through two rows of soda tabs to assemble a flexible belt. Weave the ribbon over and under the tabs until the band fits your waist. Add a metal belt buckle to the ends to finish the strap. This project adds a solid metallic accent to standard denim jeans.
3. Pop tab bib necklace
Link several rows of pop tabs together using small jump rings to create a collar necklace. Paint the assembled metal piece with gold or rose-gold spray paint to give it a uniform finish. Wear the piece with a basic dress to show off the metallic pattern.
4. Pop tab table lamp shade
Attach vertical chains of pull tabs around a bare wire lampshade frame to build an industrial shade. Link the tabs into long strands and secure them across the top ring. When you turn on the bulb, the metal tabs reflect light in a grid pattern across the room. Check out structural guides on Instructables to secure the wire frame correctly.
5. Pop tab purse
Work yarn around pop tabs with a crochet hook to make a flexible handbag. Single crochet stitches hold each tab in place, forming a thick pattern resembling metal scale mail. Line the interior with stitched canvas so smaller items stay inside the bag.
6. Pop tab dangling earrings
Make lightweight earrings in under ten minutes using pull tabs, fishhook wires, and glass beads. Wrap thin copper wire around the inner bar of a tab to pin decorative beads in the center opening. Connect the top loop to standard earring hardware for an easy handmade gift.
7. Pop tab keychain charm
Group five tabs together and pull a leather cord through their centers to make a durable key fob. Tie off the bottom of the cord with a tight knot. Slide a split key ring through the top loop, then thread wooden beads onto the loose cord ends to customize the look.
8. Woven pop tab coasters
Arrange pop tabs in concentric circles to protect wooden surfaces from warm drink mugs. Stitch the metal pieces together tightly using embroidery floss or cord, then glue felt to the bottom side. Materials Needed: 30 pop tabs, embroidery floss, tapestry needle, and felt backing.
9. DIY pop tab curtain divider
Connect tabs end-to-end to build long hanging strands for a doorway curtain. Mount the finished chains on a standard tension curtain rod to separate spaces inside a room. Like many of our DIY wall hanging crafts, this project fills empty doorways with a distinct metal texture and subtle sound when touched.
10. Pop tab Christmas tree ornament
Lay six pop tabs in a circle with their rounded edges facing outward to build a star ornament. Glue the middle connection points together, coat the surface with glue and glitter, and run a satin ribbon through one loop. Hang the star directly on your Christmas tree branches.
11. Pop tab bookmark
Link four pop tabs in a line to mark your page in a book without damaging paper pages. Run velvet ribbon down the middle openings of the tabs to lock them together. Leave a short piece of ribbon or tassel hanging out the bottom to locate your spot quickly.
12. Pop tab picture frame border
Cover a plain wood photo frame with overlapping rows of pull tabs. Glue the tabs down in a staggered pattern similar to fish scales. Apply a coat of matte black or silver spray paint across the frame to blend the tabs together before inserting your favorite photo.
13. Pop tab fish hook lure guard
Slide a pop tab over treble hooks to cover sharp points in your tackle box. The double openings slip over standard lure hooks, holding the barbs firmly so they do not catch on clothing or skin. This practical trick uses discarded metal to secure loose fishing equipment.
14. Pop tab holiday wreath
Cover a foam wreath base with overlapping pop tabs to create a front door decoration. Push craft pins through the tabs into the foam ring until you hide the white surface completely. Attach a burlap ribbon at the bottom to balance the metallic look. Check out Treehugger for additional upcycling tips.
15. Pop tab guitar strap accent
Stitch pop tabs down the front face of a plain nylon guitar strap using heavy thread. Overlap the metal pieces so the strap retains its full flexibility over your shoulder. The metallic pattern adds texture to standard stage gear without restricting movement.
16. Soda tab napkin rings
Form eight tabs into a ring shape and bind them with thin craft wire or twine. Roll up cloth napkins and slip them through the center of each ring for your dinner table. Wipe the metal surfaces clean with a wet cloth after meals.
17. Pop tab flower brooch
Glue eight metal tabs around a center button to form petal shapes for a floral lapel pin. Fix a safety pin or brooch backing to the back side with hot glue. Paint the tab surfaces with nail polish if you want to add color to a jacket or tote bag.
18. Pop tab costume shoulder guard
Build flexible shoulder armor for cosplay outfits using pop tabs tied to canvas backings. Weave heavy cord through overlapping tabs to form broad armor pauldrons that curve around your shoulders. Review metal safety guidelines at the Crafts Council before building full costume pieces.
19. Soda tab desk organizer
Turn a clean tin can into a pen holder by covering the outside with linked pop tabs. Glue the mesh tab shell directly onto the metal can using epoxy. If children want to join in, try these cardboard crafts for kids alongside your project to use up extra household scrap.
20. Pop tab choker collar
Weave leather cord through a line of pop tabs to build a close-fitting choker necklace. Fasten fold-over cord crimps and a clasp to the ends so you can adjust the neck size. The finished band sits flat against the skin and works well alongside casual leather jackets.
21. Pop tab wall clock frame
Customize a basic battery-powered clock mechanism using pop tabs arranged around the perimeter. Glue single tabs along the outer rim, then use double-tab links to mark the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The metal pieces catch room light while turning a plain clock into a functional wall piece.
22. Pop tab candle holder sleeve
Build a metal mesh wrap for glass votive holders using wire and pull tabs. Link the tabs into a cylinder that slides directly over small glass jars. Candle light casts patterns through the openings when you place a lighted tealight inside. Safety Note: Keep candles inside glass inserts so flames never touch glue or cord.
23. Pop tab hair barrette
Fasten three pull tabs onto an alligator hair clip frame with thin craft wire. Run a narrow ribbon through the centers of the tabs to match your clothes. The metal clip secures hair in place while reusing leftover beverage tabs.
24. Pop tab wall art canvas
Arrange pop tabs on a canvas frame to form geometric patterns or silhouettes. Glue the metal pieces in place, then apply coats of spray paint from different angles to create shadows around the edges. Mount the canvas on a wall to display your textured artwork.
Tips before you start
- Wash your tabs: Soak pop tabs in warm soapy water to clean off soda residue before working with them.
- Smooth sharp edges: File down sharp burrs using a nail file or press rough metal flat with pliers.
- Sort by color: Separate silver, dark, and colored tabs into distinct piles to help plan uniform patterns.
Final thoughts on pop tab crafts
You do not need expensive supplies to build practical and decor items. Soda tabs offer durable, flexible metal pieces that work well for jewelry, home lighting, and wall art. Collect tabs in a jar, grab your wire and pliers, and build your first project today.