As a crafty business owner, packing tape is just a fact of life. I try to use as little as possible at a time, but when you're packing and shipping orders, tape is just part of the process. What always stumped me was what to do with those cardboard tubes left over when the tape was gone. I was just tossing mine into the recycle bin, but The Vintage Vignette has been turning hers into super adorable bangle bracelets! Check it:

Green it Up!

She uses scrap book paper, but I bet you could totally make these with reclaimed paper instead. I bet that the insides of security envelopes would look really cute as a bangle bracelet. Instead of the Mod Podge that she mentions, you can use Eco Glue thinned out with a bit of water to green this up even more. To paint the inside, make sure you opt for water-based paint to keep things more eco-friendly. You can also skip the crackle glaze and just go with an extra coat of your home made mod podge instead.

You can use the paint dauber, like she mentions, but if you want to go with fewer tools, just paint your tube before you stick your paper on.

The only option I can't figure out how to green up is that water-proof finish. If you guys have ideas about how to replace that, I'd love to hear them!

Have you guys made anything cool using packing tape tubes? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments!

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by meddygarnet