Jun 12, 2014

Spicing up friendship bracelets!

Welp, it's that time of year again. Summer and friendship bracelets just go together. Don't question it. It's just the way it is. 

So here are a few ideas to add some pizzazz to the traditional friendship bracelet! 

1. Fishtail braid it out, yo! Fishtail braids are quick and easy and make really cool looking bracelets. Especially if you go a bit mental and choose every color ever...

CHOOSE ALL THE COLORS!


Ahem.

2. Finish bracelets with ribbon clamps and a piece of chain instead of the normal knots! This gives it a really clean and modern look. I got this package at Hobby Lobby for about 3 or 4 dollars. 



These clamps are really easy to use.  I cut my bracelet about an inch and a half shorter than I normally would (to leave room for the chain) and dabbed a bit of glue on the end to keep it from unbraiding.
Unbraiding? ... Unbraiding.
Totally a word. 


Then I put the clamp over the end, made sure all the threads were tucked in, and squeezed it shut with a pliers. Look at me, all using tools and stuff. 





Then I attached some chain and a clasp, and wa-la! Cool, right? 



3. Use yarn instead of embroidery floss! This gives a nice chunky look. Making a thick cuff out of yarn is infinitely faster than trying to do it with millions of tiny threads. (Infinitely? Millions? I never exaggerate.)

4. Combine friendship bracelet patterns, or try splitting off into different sections ... or both! I started out working all the way across and then divided the yarn as if I was working on two different bracelets, switching patterns at the same time. 


Tip: Use a toothpick to make sure all the threads are inside the clamps before closing them, and to apply any extra glue that is necessary. 




Le finished bracelets:






Pretty snazzy, huh? :) 

What's your favorite go-to summer project? 

10 comments:

  1. Love love love. I have never thought of putting clamps on a friendship bracelet - it makes it look classier but still is super summery and fun.

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  2. Wow that looks very cool! I love making friendship bracelets too, but I always make the 'basic/easiest ones', haha!
    Another thing I love to do about summer project, isn't really a big project, but making colourful nailart :) xo. by Leinz

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  3. These are gorgeous! Beautiful clear, crisp pictures too.

    Erin, beingerin.com

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  4. Wow!The colourful mermaid one is so pretty!! I would imagine they also look good if you make them into hair accessories. :D Thanks for the tips!!

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  5. Cooooool!! This is such a great DIY!! I'm definitely going to try this!! xx

    www.alphabeth.co.uk

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  6. Your DIYs are always so fun. I've wanted to do the clasp thing, and chunky is an excellent idea.

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  7. SO COOL. The only problem: The only braid I can do is the original one. XD

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  8. Nice! That first bracelet is so colorful, and the second one is such a lovely color! Great idea using those clasps as well :)

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  9. Oh wow, I love these! I never even thought of using clamps at the ends but they look so nice, and then the bracelet can be so easily removable! Love it, absolutely love it. :)

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  10. They are cute, and love the step by step shots!

    xo

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