Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Popsicle Stick Glam Bracelets

Popsicle sticks have reached a new high. We all know they work well in kids craft projects, but what about taking them to another level, wood bracelets. Thin wood can bend fairly well without splintering when placed in a hot water bath for a few minutes. When the wood is completely saturated in hot water it can bend.

With a few simple supplies you can bend popsicle sticks into fabulous bracelets for both adults and children. Once bent, stamp on them, roll in glitter, paint, wrap in paper or decoupage. This project is so fast and easy to make, so let's get started.
Materials:
  • Jumbo wooden craft popsicle sticks
  • Ornate wrapping paper or large sheet paper, Paper Source
  • Clip-on earrings, Forever 21 
  • Velvet ribbon, Simplicity
  • Drinking glasses or mugs
  • Glues; hot glue, industrial glue, modge podge, Plaid
  • The popsicle sticks inserted into glasses and drying for 24 to 32 hours.
  • Tools: hot glue gun, scissors, large pot, foam brush

Directions:

  1. Fill a large cooking pot with water, bring to a boil, drop popsicle sticks into boiling water, let boil for around 10 minutes. Reduce heat and let soak in the hot water for 5 more minutes.
  2. Remove popsicle sticks from water using tongs, let cool a minute. 
  3. Begin slowly bending the popsicle sticks and insert them into a glass or mug. Bend them into rounded shapes that fit around the inside of the glass or mug. You can even wrap one around the glass or mug and hold in place with elastic band or wire.
  4. Let dry for 24 hours to 32 hours, so they dry and hold their shape. Remove from glasses.
  5. Brush modge podge onto the front of the rounded popsicle stick. Fold a piece of paper over it. Let dry.
  6. Cut any extra paper and glue the ends on the back of the bracelet. 
  7. Hot glue 2 pieces of velvet trim to each end of the bracelet.
  8. Add a clip on earring to the center and your bracelet is ready to wear.
Tips/Tricks:
  • Add a bunch of popsicle sticks to the boiling water, as a few may break.
  • Always be careful when working with hot water or hot glue.
  • Try covering bracelets with washi tape, rub on transfers, stamps and vintage ephemera.
  • Paint or ink your bracelets and use rubber stamps to create wording or design of choice.
Hope you enjoyed this fast and fun project.  There are a ton of popsicle stick projects available on the web. This is my version of a classic kids project, made for adults.

More projects on the way and the new blog is coming along!
xoxo
Lisa

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