Recycled Flip Flop Bangle

Best stacked in multiples, for sure!

These bangles are made from worn out and recycled plastic footwear. 

In a country ranked amongst the five poorest in the world these sandals are worn by the poor or just cheap shoes for kids. They will be repaired for as long as possible then finally discarded. But that’s not the end for these plastic shoes.

Ladies looking for extra money collect these shoes for their next step in life.

The flip flops are cut into manageable pieces then heated into a gooey glob at the end of a metal rod. This glob is picked at by the end of a bicycle spoke, drawn out like you would chewing gum from your mouth and wound onto the spoke by twirling the fingers (same as you would twirl a lollipop between two fingers and see the sucker part spin), creating the first layer. The same is done for the 2nd color. The ends are heat sealed together over the fire and presto, there’s your bangle.

Don’t try this at home.

Ethically sourced.

Made by women in Mali.