Handcrafted Bangle Bracelets

Adorn your wrists with bold, handcrafted bangle bracelets!

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From totally glamorous to simple and chic, your ensemble is a fun way to express your personality, your interests, even your current mood.

With this simple craft, you and your friends can take any outfit to new heights with unique, handcrafted bangle bracelets.

Find inspiration in decorative papers, ribbons, fabrics, even yarn to take your dated jewelry from plain to pretty in a few simple steps.

So get crafting and prepare to make a seriously stylish statement!

Project 1: All Wrapped Up

Be it yarn, fabric, ribbon or even scraps of decorative trim, encasing your bracelets in a striking material is a quick and simple way to dress up your bangles. Wrapping them in soft materials also offers a gentler feel against your skin and prevents the bracelets from clanking together and scratching.

• Step 1: Gather Materials: Choose from a large assortment of bangle shapes and sizes by asking your friends to bring along old bracelets that they would like to repurpose. In addition, you can scope out thrift stores, craft centers and discount accessory stores for inexpensive options. For a complete list of project materials, download our easy-to-follow Shopping List and keep your shopping trip quick.
  
• Step 2: Get Gluing: Along the inside of your bangle, draw a thin line of craft glue and adhere the loose end of your wrapping material in place. Let dry.
  
• Step 3: Wrap It Up: Once dry, begin tightly wrapping your material around the bangle. If using fabric, slightly overlap the pieces each time you wrap around the bracelet. Continue all the way around the bracelet until fully covered, then cut the material and fasten the loose end in place with a small dab of glue. Let dry completely before wearing.
  

Tip: To add delicate texture and blended color to your bangles, try twisting, knotting or braiding together several pieces of material in various hues, patterns and designs.

Project 2: Decorative Decoupage

With a simple decoupage technique and a creative approach, you can turn your favorite scraps of decorative paper into wearable art.

• Step 1: Sort Through Scraps: Decoupage is the perfect project for finally making use of decorative papers you’ve stowed away. Choose from scraps of wallpaper, maps, greeting cards, newsprint, magazines, calendars, photographs and more to craft a one-of-a-kind bangle you’ll wear with pride.
  
• Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once: With your ruler, measure the width of your bangle, then cut your paper into pieces slightly longer than double the width of your bracelet. Cut enough paper pieces to completely cover your bangle.

Tip: In lieu of cutting your paper pieces to a clean edge, try gently tearing your sheets into scraps to achieve a handcrafted, vintage effect.

• Step 3: Strip by Strip: Paint the backside of your first paper scrap with the decoupage medium, then wrap it tightly around the bangle, smoothing away any air bubbles with your fingertips. Continue applying the paper strips, always overlapping the piece you previously laid.
  
• Step 4: Simple Details: Once your bracelet is entirely covered, measure and cut a paper strip to cover the paper joints along the interior of the bracelet. The paper strip should be approximately as wide as the bangle and long enough to completely circle the inside. Apply a thin line of glue along the interior of the bracelet, then adhere the paper strip in place.
  

Tip: Turn your bangles into eye candy by choosing a bold print or whimsical shock of color for the interior paper. You can even write a special quotation or message on the strip you adhere to the inside.

• Step 5: Finishing Touch: Brush the entire piece with a final thin coat of the decoupage medium. Let dry for several hours before wearing.

A Gorgeous Gift
With virtually endless options for decorating, these customized bangle bracelets make a lovely gift for any friend or relative. As you craft, keep your loved one’s sense of style in mind—the colors, textures and silhouettes she wears regularly will inspire you as you create her accessory.

For the understated woman always in black, try spicing up her neutral palette with a bold animal print. Or for your friend who’s always spotted in the same patterned blouse, combine several pieces of yarn and craft a bangle that echoes its colors.

Too many people you’d like to craft for? Get your girlfriends together for this craft and host a fun-filled gift exchange at the end of the project. Arrange the finished bangles along your dining room table and let each guest choose a bracelet to take home. With such unique creations, everyone is sure to leave your party wearing a custom piece that they adore.

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Creativity From Home Made Simple