Friday, May 30, 2014

Cleaning up the scraps: Fabric Bracelets


Hello all!

So, somehow I missed that there are five Fridays in May.  Thankfully, this week I received the loveliest and most well-timed inspiration in a package from my incredibly crafty and creative great-aunt.... Thank you Titi Magda! :)

So, we're going to use up more fabric scraps this week and make some bracelets!

Here are some of my Pinterest inspirations:

(Seriously, when I find some fun printed jersey, I'm totally making this.)



You can also check out this fabulous Etsy shop for some cool fabric jewelry:



Feeling inspired?
Good, let's go!

Materials:
-Fabric of your choosing
-Scissors
-Ribbon pinch clasps (optional)
-Jump rings and clasps/closures (optional)
-Needle nose pliers (optional)
-Needle and thread (optional)


First, pick your scraps, then cut them into strips of ~1 inch.




I decided to use ribbon pinch clasps to use several strands of fabric and make the sizing adjustable.  You could certainly avoid all of the hardware by giving yourself extra fabric and just tying the ends together with a pretty knot.  I just like the hardware, but it's completely up to you!
I found these at Hobby Lobby, but you can check any local craft or bead store for something similar!

You can braid or twist the fabric.... get creative!
I used clamps and clothespins to hold my strands in place while I was working.


Once you have the desired length, trim the ends to make them even, then insert the ends into the open ribbon pinch clasp.  

(Again, you could just tie a pretty knot here instead of using the clasps!  Just be sure the size is suitable for sliding over your hand, but not too big that it will fall off later.) :)












Tip:  To get the fabric into the clasp in one piece, it helps to use a few stitches with a needle and thread to secure the pieces.






Once you're happy with the placement of the fabric, use pliers to close the clasp as securely as you can.


Ok, now all you need to do is attach whatever kind of closure or clasp you want to the ribbon pinch clasp.


Use pliers to open a jump ring.  Then carefully slide the closure and ribbon pinch onto the ring.  Use your pliers to close the ring.  Follow the same step to attach a jump ring to the other side.  Now you have a ring for your clasp.  
Done!
You can find jump rings in any size.  You can use them as spacers or connectors for all kinds of jewelry projects.



This is a lobster claw clasp, but you can use any clasp you like!



Pretty!



Now repeat with as many scraps as you like-- have fun!

This is a super simple and fun gift idea (teacher gifts, anyone?)-- and something you could totally make with kids who are immediately bored on summer vacation. ;)


We'll be experimenting with paper crafts next month, so stay tuned!  Have a great weekend!!

2 comments:

  1. Those are sooo cute! I've passed the post on to my niece who's big into doing things like this!

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    1. That's so great! I hope she has fun! :-)

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