Bottle Bling! A Craft Project to Encourage a Good Habit





"Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink."


This quote from the The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, reminds me how often my coworkers and I used to get our matching, disposable water bottles mixed up. We hated having to throw them out. Then I created a sparkly solution! I am working on my daily goal of drinking 64 ounces of water and I've returned to using my Bottle Bling! to make the habit stick. Here is a quick and easy craft project to add a little bling to your water bottle. Your bejeweled bottle may also encourage you to drink your daily goal of 64 ounces—good luck!

I’ve made these Bottle Bling! bracelets for years. They double as great little gifts to surprise a friend. The idea resulted from a lesson on creative problem-solving I wrote for a fourth or fifth grade class many moons ago, during a unit on Inventors and Inventions. Then, it morphed into a fund-raiser for a campus Relay for Life team. When I was an assistant principal, I used to keep a stash of completed Bottle Blings! in my office and they always came in handy as a little surprise for a student, or a thank you for a faculty or staff member.

I found all the materials for this project at Wal-Mart, but I am sure my other favorite craft store Joann’s has similar items. You can make multiple Bottle Blings! from the materials listed, so each may cost a dollar or less. Customize the charm and bead colors to your personal taste or inspiration. I chose a mermaid charm and the ocean blue beads to match one of the themes in ChainLinked! A Moccasin Cove Mystery--my current novel in progress. Cross your fingers that I catch the eye of an agent! Oh, I hope you make more than one to share. 
(Warning-choking hazard, use caution around young children.)

 Materials: (Many similar brands available—pick your favorites.)

·         1.2mm, Stretchy Cord> 1 piece about 9” in length

·         1 charm of your choice (like those found on a charm bracelet)

·         Size 6/0 glass beads>about 30

·         1 Bottle of water. (I recommend Zephyrhills water. It’s my favorite brand.)












Directions:
1.       Cut the cord & pour a few beads into a secure container.
2.       Center the charm on the cord and tie a half not to hold it in place.
3.       Thread about 15 beads onto the cord strands on each side of the charm.
4.       Check the length for fit—make it snug enough that it does not fall off.
5.       Tie a double knot to secure the cord. Snip off the excess cord.
6.       Loop the Bottle Bling! over the top of your water bottle.
7.       Show off your Bottle Bling! and be prepared for compliments! 


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