Floss Wrapped Bangle Bracelets
- Category: Contemporary
- Technique(s): General Education
- Skill Level: Beginner
Like many crafty people, I can't limit myself to one thing. So, in addition to my beading/jewelry stuff, I have bins of paints and yarn and a ton of embroidery floss. For me, no matter what the medium, it's all about color.
So, when I scored a big bag of those cheap bangles from the '80s at a thrift shop a few years ago, I started combining the colors and texture of the embroidery floss with some beads, bits and buttons from my stash, and gave the beat up bangles a second act as fun stackable bracelets.
So, when I scored a big bag of those cheap bangles from the '80s at a thrift shop a few years ago, I started combining the colors and texture of the embroidery floss with some beads, bits and buttons from my stash, and gave the beat up bangles a second act as fun stackable bracelets.
Materials
24 Gauge Round Stainless Steel Craft Wire - 60 ft
H18-F24-60FT
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $6.40
- Gold Club Price: $4.80
Tools
Memory Wire Cutters - Pack of 1
G2-36
- G2-36
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $10.38
- Gold Club Price: $7.78
Instructions
Step 1
Once I ran out of bangles, I found that coils of memory wire worked just as well - plus you can adjust the width! Or, you can try wrapping scraps of thicker wire, bracelet blanks or other old bracelets that have seen their day.
Step 2
If you're using memory wire - unless you're making the bracelets for kids - you'll have to expand the wire to fit an adult wrist.
I used a paint jar, but you should use whatever cylinder reflects the wrist size you're looking for. Use small strips of tape (I used clear packing tape) to keep the coils in line and at the correct diameter. Unlike a standard memory wire bracelet, this won't be a spiral and you don't want it snapping back into place.
I used a paint jar, but you should use whatever cylinder reflects the wrist size you're looking for. Use small strips of tape (I used clear packing tape) to keep the coils in line and at the correct diameter. Unlike a standard memory wire bracelet, this won't be a spiral and you don't want it snapping back into place.
Step 3
Even if you are making them for kids (a great gift or project) before you start wrapping, add a bit of jewelry glue to keep the coils in place while you wrap. It's not strictly necessary, but it'll save some aggravation. If you didn't plan ahead and don't have time glue the wires and let them dry, but you want to get started, (I know the feeling!) you can use a bit of packing tape.
In any case, wrap the tape tightly and try not to use more than two or three layers to avoid a noticeable bump in the bracelet. But you don't have to be worried about being super neat - the floss wraps will cover the tape and any flaws in the wire.
In any case, wrap the tape tightly and try not to use more than two or three layers to avoid a noticeable bump in the bracelet. But you don't have to be worried about being super neat - the floss wraps will cover the tape and any flaws in the wire.
Step 4
To start, tie a knot leaving a 1- or 2- inch tail. You can eventually trim the tails, but leave your options open in case you want to use the fringe as embellishment or to attach a charm or button.
Step 5
Wrap one or more colors depending on the look you want. Play around with your options - it's just floss, so experimentation is relatively inexpensive.
Step 6
As you add colors, you can either trim close to beginning and end knots or each color or keep the fringe. Again, leave your options open.
Step 7
If you are wrapping one color for more than an inch or so, tie a knot every so often. It'll keep the wraps from sliding around as you work.
Step 8
You can add small beads to the floss as you wrap if you want. Or add charms with jump rings when you're finished - attaching them this way will allow them to move around. Otherwise you can use the floss tails to add charms or buttons.
If you don't use the floss tails, trim them and add a touch of jewelry glue.
You can seal the whole bracelet with Mod Podge, too. You'll lose the soft feel of the bracelet, but you'll increase its durability.
You can seal the whole bracelet with Mod Podge, too. You'll lose the soft feel of the bracelet, but you'll increase its durability.
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Cathryn Jakicic
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