How to Make Colorful Wristbands
Colorful wristbands have always been a favorite accessory of children. Jelly wristbands of the '80s, snap bracelets of the '90s, and rubber-band bracelets of the 2000s all exemplify the qualities which keep them popular; they are colorful, portable, wearable and can be traded. Luckily, making your own is easy, requiring only a bit of time, materials and some creativity. Make them just for fun, or use them to raise awareness of your favorite cause.
Things You'll Need
- Soft colored vinyl
- Scissors
- Newspaper
- Craft glue
- Snaps
- Paint & brushes
- Beads & small bells
- Needle & thread
Instructions
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Cut out a wristband out of soft vinyl. The length of the strip should be between 4 and 8 inches depending on the size of the wrist. The wristband should be about 1/2 to 1 inch wide. Use a ruler to guide your cuts.
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2
Lay the strip flat on the newspaper. Paint on your design: add stripes or shapes of many colors. Use stencils to apply more detailed designs, like flowers, vines or leaves. Use a small-tipped brush to paint your favorite animals. Music, nature, sports and school motifs are also popular. You can paint your name or a phrase that relates to your favorite cause.
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3
Apply a coat of clear paint or enamel or your painted designs. This helps to make your designs resistant to water and wear over time. Allow one hour to dry.
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4
Add a snap to each end. Makeit-Loveit.com offers a great tutorial for attaching snaps. You can also use sew-on snaps, but they are more at risk of coming loose over time. Stick-on Velcro is another option. If using Velcro, be sure to allow the adhesive to set for at least two hours without disturbing or readjusting it.
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Customize your colorful wristband with beads, small bells or other embellishments. Attach them with glue or with needle and thread. Add the embellishments to the outside of the wristband only; anything added to the inside of the wristband can irritate the skin.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
