This adult bib is my upcycled take on the traditional lobster bib. It’s simple, unique, and made entirely from materials I already have on hand! Whether you’re cracking into seafood or just want a practical (and cute) way to wear a cloth napkin to protect your clothing, this project is as useful as it is unexpected. That’s because it’s a true multi-tasker! You can even wear it as jewelry to your favourite restaurant; stylish and at the ready when you need it!

Inpsiration

After a long attempt to save my tooth, I did end up having it extracted, and let’s just say I haven’t been feeling my best. To pass the time, I’ve been watching Food Network on repeat. Hubs finds it a bit strange, considering I’m on a soft food diet and can’t eat any of what I’m watching, but for some reason I actually find it comforting and distracting!

One thing I’ve noticed is how often lobster shows up on one show in particular, the Big Food Bucket List: in a roll, in the shell, and even deep-fried like a corn dog. But what really stands out? Those not-so-lovely plastic bibs they hand out at seafood restaurants to protect your clothes. I mean, there has to be a better way.

That got me thinking; why not make something I’d actually want to wear? I came up with a simple and stylish tube with alligator clips that turns a cloth napkin into a wearable accessory. And of course, it’s made entirely from upcycled materials, with a few colourful seed beads thrown in for fun. It’s a small thing, but it makes me smile, and honestly, that’s been welcome this week.

Creative Craft Hop

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop! So if you are visiting from Carol at Blue Sky at Home, welcome! At the very bottom of this post, we’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to check out the other stops too because you’ll find plenty more ideas. Be sure to drop back in throughout the week to visit them all!

Materials for Adult Bib

Ever wondered where bibs got their start? Here’s a little backstory.

You will need:

• Seed beads
• Alligator clips
• 3/16″ inside diameter clear vinyl tubing
• Metal bobbin (if embellishing)
• White dinner napkins
• Glue (E6000)
• Scrap leather
• Leather hole punch

DIY Adult Bib

Important: This adult bib is designed for adult use only and is not intended for children. Keep out of reach of kids and do not use as a substitute for children’s bibs or protective wear.

To start, Hubs raided the garage for this new old stock vinyl plastic tubing, left over from his auto restoration stash. The alligator clips you see beside it are from diy table number holders from our wedding. Sentimental and practical! You can see our other upcycled wedding decor ideas here.

Cut the tubing to size and then gather a mix of cool-toned glass beads; white, green, blue, and turquoise, like a mini aquarium for your neck!

Seed Bead Mix

Put the seed beads into a plastic bag.

Shake them up!

Now, keep in mind that you have to seal the ends so the beads don’t spill out of the alligator clips (don’t ask me know I know).

Take some scrap leather and punch out two circles for each side. When you glue the first one in, apply glue sparingly around the edge (you don’t want so much that you can see the glue through the clear tubing).

Then you can add a dab of glue to bottom of the next piece before pushing it into place. You may think they are so tight that a pressure fit is fine, but be sure to use glue; don’t take a chance that it can work loose one day.

Now grab a funnel. Pour in the beads, then shake the tubing gently until they settle at the other end and are packed snugly.

There shouldn’t be any noticeable gaps.

You could stop right here and wear this as a necklace.

Try it on for size with a cloth napkin. Those clips turn it into a makeshift adult bib holder when lobster comes to the table and things get splashy. No judgment. Just drip protection with style. Splash away!

Adult Bib – Accessorize

But it doesn’t just function as a bib clip! I joined the Style Makers Network to pick up techniques for making unique jewelry, like the beaded earring you see below. For extra flair, I made a focal piece from a few more supplies. So you can change the vibe depending on which way you wear it!

Bobbin Focal

To create the focal, I used a sewing bobbin (threadless, but fabulous) and added the dangly earring drop (notice the same green and blue combo as the seed beads).

An earring post and backing holds it onto the sewing bobbin as you see below. You can shorten the wire and them pop the plastic backing into the hole in the bobbin to make it perfectly flush.

Use the alligator clips to hold it in place. I just love blues and greens together!

You don’t have to use it as a napkin holder at all if you just want an industrial chic look!

But wait, there’s more! Clip it onto your belt loops for an unexpected touch of sparkle that gives your denim a stylish little upgrade.

So there you have it! It’s quirky, but it flips the script in all the best ways; even if the only transformation happening is from classy dinner guest to full-on lobster warrior.

We’ve been on quite the jewelry journey lately, and what a creative ride it’s been so far! Upcycled jewelry is not only a fun and rewarding craft, but also a brilliant way to repurpose bits and pieces you might otherwise toss. From forgotten buttons (see our vintage button necklace) and broken chains to drink cans (like our diy soda can bracelet) and vintage yarn (which you can turn into a celtic knot necklace), it’s amazing what you can transform into one-of-a-kind wearable art. Turning everyday odds and ends into beautiful accessories is the ultimate blend of sustainability and style.

Pin Adult Bib Clip

Pinning is always welcome and appreciated.

Now it’s time to check out this Easy Tissue Home Decor from Terrie at Decorate and More with Tip. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

• How to Decoupage Terra Cotta Pots for Patriotic Holidays
• Adult Bib (that’s us!)
• Easy Tissue Home Decor
• Americana Inspired Wreath For Summer Decor
• Decorative Woven Basket With Lid

FAQs

What can I do with alligator clips?

Alligator clips are perfect for making a stylish and functional adult bib! In my project, I used them to attach a fabric napkin to a beaded necklace, turning it into wearable jewelry that’s also ready to catch spills. It’s a clever upcycled solution; great for dinner parties, restaurants, or anytime you want to protect your clothes without sacrificing style.

How do you make bib clips?

You can make bib clips using this clever DIY method I used in my adult bib project that doubles as jewelry:

1. Start with alligator clips. Attach them to a piece of clear vinyl tubing filled with your choice of coloured seed beads.
2. Seal the ends. This turns your functional clips into something stylish.
3. Add embellishments, like a focal made from a sewing bobbin, if you want to be able to wear it like a necklace.
4. Clip the ends onto a cloth napkin, scarf, or even a small towel, and voilà, instant adult bib with flair!

It’s practical, portable, and wearable; perfect for dining out without sacrificing style.

How to attach a bib to a shirt?

No need to attach a bib to a shirt if you make my adult bib clip. It just hangs around the neck and the napkin attaches with alligator clips.