Some artisans call it “vegan leather” and that’s because inner tubes can be cut and sewn together like leather. A lot of the projects you would make with leather can be made instead with inner tubes. In this Trashmagination podcast episode, we’ll talk about ways you can creatively reuse inner tubes whether you are a craftsperson or just want some cool storage and exercise options.
Trashmagination’s Pinterest Board of inner tube projects
Sewing Inner Tubes
Bicitoro – blog about inner tube sewing tips
Bicitoro – tutorial to sew a bicycle pannier from inner tubes and oil cloth
Bicitoro – tutorial to sew a reflective belt from inner tubes
Fantome – baskets from inner tubes and wicker
Inner tube products on Kuttlefish, an online store for products made from creatively reused materials
My Inner Tube Bracelet / Cuff
I designed a bracelet or cuff. I perform with a taiko group and my inspiration was the pattern that the tacks or byo make on the drum head.
This is how I punched the holes in the inner tube. I taped it to a piece of scrap wood, then drew a basic design on a piece of paper and punched through the paper to the inner tubes. In most cases, a little bit did not cut through and I cut it with small scissors.
My hands playing taiko – see the byo pattern? Photo by Bruce Hollywood, April 2016
Inner Tube Projects that Don’t Involve Sewing
Instagram – results for the hashtag #innertubejewelry
ArtCycle Bali inner tube jewelry
Bicitoro – tutorial to make a mud flap for your bike from a recycled inner tube
Garbage bag holder – to hold your garbage bag in your can without falling down
Exercise band
Plant hanger – Bicitoro tutorial using macrame techniques
Rubber bands – big (use the whole tube) or small (cut it into loops)
Bouncy Bands – putting a band on the legs of a desk for kids to push against when studying
Artists Who Work with Recycled Inner Tubes
Grace Duval – designs clothing from inner tubes, has won awards in the World of Wearable Art show
Nir Ohayan – furniture from inner tubes
Show Details
Script for this podcast episode about creative reuse of inner tubes or rubber bicycle tyres (not a transcript but gives the main ideas)
The Trashmagination podcast theme music is Kitchen from the Marian Circle Drum Brigade.
