Don't you hate it when the zipper breaks on a favorite article of clothing? Replacing the zipper is a quick solution, but don't be so quick to toss the old, broken zipper. There are lots of ways you can upcycle a broken zipper into unusual jewelry.

Earrings

If you need to replace pocket zippers, then you probably have two good sliders (the thing that does the zipping) to work with. Glue an earring post on the back of each slider, and voila! you have a pair of funky earrings. Want to see what it would look like? Check out this version on Flickr.

Ring

Using a piece of the old tape (the fabric part) with the teeth still attached, cut a length that is long enough to form a ring band, and then sew the ends together to create the band. Bring a touch of whimsy to the ring with a small button, or coil more of the tape to create a flower.

Bracelet

If you have a long zipper from a coat, you can make a great bracelet. Using a needle and nylon thread, sew up and down through the center of the tape such that each stitch measures one-half to three-quarters of an inch. When you get to the end of the tape, push the tape along the thread so that it bunches. Knot the end of the thread to a bracelet fastener and you have a twisty zipper bracelet.