The other day I was gathering old clothes and shoes for donating, trying to make room for winter coats and boots. I collected a few pairs of worn-out gym shoes, but couldn’t bring myself to toss the shoelaces with them! I just knew I would find a way to use them. I ended up finding lots of clever ideas for their use (and reuse) and will be carrying around a shoelace in my purse from now on, just in case!
I also came across some fun projects and crafts that might be worth even buying a pair of fun shoelaces for. 🙂
Drop a ring down the sink drain (or other hard to reach space?) Don’t panic! Just attach a magnet to the end of a shoelace to retrieve rings, earrings and other precious magnetic items.
If your sink has a drip, use a shoelace to guide the water to the bottom of the sink. No more annoying drip sound while you wait to get it fixed!
Use a shoelace to measure oddly shaped items. Just wrap the shoelace around the item, marking the point that needs measuring. Then you can compare the length of shoelace to a measuring tape for an accurate reading! This is a great tip if you don’t have a flexible, cloth measuring tape (or if you’re like me and can never find it!)
Make a fun and simple cat toy! Tie a few shoelaces together, making a loop on one end with dangling shoelace ends on the other. You can hang the toy from a perch or attach it to the end of a stick!
Replace the string in your hoodie by tying a shoelace to the old string and pulling the new one through! I found lots of designs at a local store, but there are some fun ones online too! Here are a few of my favorites:
2-sided designs http://amzn.to/1Nv37sV
Happy Faces http://amzn.to/1KosUBZ
Vibrant colors http://amzn.to/1QfR81B
Metallic http://amzn.to/1Nv3kw6
Use a shoelace as a makeshift belt.
Keep your glasses on your face with a DIY strap. This especially comes in handy when you’re doing yoga or any activity that makes your glasses slip often.
Pull your hair away from your face by using a shoelace as a headband. You can even make a fun bow out of a second shoelace and attach it to the top for little ones. 🙂
Make a quick book carrier for easy transportation without a bag.
Use as a bookmark that won’t bend inside a backpack.
String binder clips, beads, bobbins, washers, or even bobby pins to keep small items tidy!
Braid a few shoelaces to make a keychain, a bracelet or a lanyard. You can continue braiding to make a sturdy handle for reusable shopping bag, too! Learn how to make this braid here.
Use as a cute ribbon on a gift.
Teach kids to tie shoes with this project from One Crafty Place.
Braid this pretty Celtic Knot Necklace. Tutorial at Clones N Clowns.
Use straws to make a bright statement necklace! Learn how at Don’t MIS It.
Turn soda tabs and shoelaces into these bracelets with Cut Out + Keep.
Make a Pencil Kit to store art supplies on-the-go! Martha Stewart
Learn how to support tomato plants 5 different ways from Bonnie Plants.
What do you save old shoelaces for?
