Brass Tassel Bracelet

At Craftcation I took a tassel-making class the first day of the conference. Since then I’ve been all about tassels and have been wanting to make something ever since. When I came across this awesome brass bracelet from Purl Soho I knew exactly what I was going to make with it. :) It’s super easy and will take you all about 5 minutes from start to finish!

MATERIALS

DMC pearl cotton thread
Scissors
Natural brass bracelet by Fog Linen
3/8″ natural brass jump ring
12-15mm natural brass cylindrical end cap

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Untwirl the thread and cut off two pieces of thread. You’ll need one 6″ and one 12″ piece of thread. Keeping the thread bunched together like it came, fold it in half and cut a section 3″ long (it ends up being 6″ total.) If you are using a larger end cap, like the one I used, then cut another section the same size as the first. You basically want the folded end of the bunched up thread to fit inside your end cap snuggly, but not too tight.

Step 2:

Taking the 6″ piece of thread you cut off in Step 1, tie up the thread in the middle using a double knot.

Step 3:

Now take the 12″ piece of thread you cut off and loop one end through the jump ring. Thread each ends through the top of the end cap, and pull the threads so they are even. Note that I am using a 15mm end cap. You can use a smaller one, just make sure you gauge how much thread will or will not fit within the cap.

Step 4:

Take the tied up bunch and center it underneath your end cap. Tie another double knot tightly and watch how the folded end of your bunch sits right up into the end cap.

Step 5:

Now give your tassel a haircut and cut the ends off to make a nice even edge. Unhook your bracelet and loop the tassel onto one end.

I went simple and just made one tassel for the bracelet…but you could do multiples if you wanted to really spice things up. Buy one bracelet and make multiple colors of tassels to match all your outfits!

Binding Tape Bracelet

A few months ago I hosted The Longest Day craft day in honor of fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Cathie from tinsel + trim came over and we set out to make the bracelets in today’s post. When we sat down to make them, however, our efforts were quickly thwarted when it turned out we had the wrong findings AND the wrong pliers. Fast forward to today’s post where everything is finally sorted and we’re happy to be sharing the results.

TIME

Assuming you have the right findings, this bracelet should take only a few minutes to make.

MATERIALS

Binding tape (We used 14″ to wrap loosely twice around the wrist)
2x 16mm crimp ends in the finish of your choosing
2x 5mm split ring in matching finish
1 set, 8.5mm toggle clasp (bar and loop) in matching finish
Scissors
Split ring pliers (seriously makes your life SO much easier!)
Round nose pliers (optional)
Nylon jaw pliers

Step 1:

After you’ve cut the binding tape, align one end to the middle of a crimp end and secure it in place using the nylon jaw pliers. Repeat for the other end.

Step 2:

Using the split ring pliers, attach a split ring to both the loop and bar of the toggle clasp.

Step 3:

Again, using the split ring pliers (and round nose pliers, if needed) attach the bar and loop to either end of the binding tape.

Tip: One thing to keep in mind, make sure that however your clasp closes that the seam of the binding tape faces inside so it doesn’t show.

Raffia Bracelet

Tinsel + Trim and I have teamed up once again for a fun and easy craft project. This time, she joins me in creating colorful, lightweight bracelets inspired by carefree summer days.

Cathie traveled to Paris a few weeks back, and while she was there she picked up some unique craft supplies. Of course I wish I had been with her on this adventure in Paris, for I know that we would have had a marvelous time scouring the city for supplies, but I was lucky enough to do some crafting with the supplies she did bring home with her.

This DIY comes from the store, La Droguerie. Cathie describes the store…”It is by far one of the best craft stores I’ve ever encountered. Walls were lined with beautiful and unique ribbons, beads, buttons and more. I was simultaneously thrilled and overwhelmed by the endless possibilities. Fortunately, they had several wonderful sample projects including these bracelets (and a few others I will share soon).”

Time

It only takes about 5 minutes to make a bracelet but allow yourself 24 hours for the epoxy to full dry.

Materials

While the exact materials used in this project are not easily found stateside, we did find some worthy equivalents, which we’ve listed below.

Raffia ribbon*
10mm end clasps
Epoxy (slow drying time is best)
Ruler
Scissors

*If you can’t find ready-made raffia ribbon, Dollar Store Crafts and El Cuaderno de Ideas both have tutorials on how to make your own.

Instructions

Step 1:

Cut the ribbon to your preferred length. We cut ours to 7.25 inches for a slightly snug fit.

Step 2:

Pour a drop of epoxy into an end clasp.

Step 3:

Pinch and insert one end of the ribbon into the end clasp. Hold for a few seconds and repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other end. Place in a safe place to dry for 24 hours.

That’s it! You now have a fun and playful accessory just in time for summer! And make sure you visit tinsel + trim for more of her crafting goodness!

Suit and (bow) tie bracelet

OK…call me corny, but I love me some JT (Justin Timberlake that is.) And since my love of JT can’t be held back, I’m going to subject you to a little junior-high make-me-some-concert-outfit craft on you. And yes, I will be wearing it to his concert this Friday! Oh yea bring it!

Let me give you a hint…it’s in the title of his song Suit and Tie. Now if you aren’t familiar with this song, here is a little lyric sample.

And as long as I got my suit and tie
I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight
And you got fixed up to the nines
Let me show you a few things
All pressed up in black and white
And you’re dressed in that dress I like
Love is swinging in the air tonight
Let me show you a few things

OK, now onto the musical craft…

MATERIALS

Leather cuff bracelet (.75″ wide)
Leather trim
Barge cement
Toothpicks
Sharp sewing scissors
Bow bracelet template

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Download and print the bow template.

Trace and cut out piece A and B out of the leather trim.

Tip: Place the cut out template on the backside of the leather and use some washi tape to hold it down as you cut it out.

Step 2 – Making the bow

Turn piece A wrong side facing up. Dab a little bit of the cement in the center and on each of the ends of the leather and let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

Once the cement has set, fold towards the center (wrong sides facing) until the two ends meet together. Press the ends together to set the cement.

Step 3 – Attaching the bow

Take the finished bow and decide where to place it on your bracelet. (I chose to center it on the bracelet.)

Flip the bow over so the seams are facing up and set aside.

Repeat the application process of the cement and dab a little cement on the backside of the finished bow and a little on the front of the bracelet.

Allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes and then press the two pieces together.

Step 4 – Attaching center

Take piece B and wrap it around the bow. You want the ends to meet together, so if there is extra leather trim it to fit.

Turn piece B wrong side facing up. Repeat the cement process by dabbing some cement on each of the ends.

Flip the bracelet over and apply cement to the backside (directly underneath the center of your finished bow.) Let both pieces dry for 15-20 minutes.

Once it’s set, wrap piece B around the center of the bow to the backsides making the ends meet. Press firmly to set the leather. Let it set overnight before you wear it.

Now you are fixed up to the nines sportin’ your suit and (bow) tie. Simple and classy. Just like JT.

Krafty Kath

Tag: bracelet

Brass Tassel Bracelet

MATERIALS

INSTRUCTIONS

Binding Tape Bracelet

TIME

MATERIALS

Raffia Bracelet

Time

Materials

Instructions

Suit and (bow) tie bracelet