How to Make a Bamboo Bracelet

If you have an old piece of bamboo matting from a placemat or wall hanging, put it to good use and make a one of a kind bamboo bracelet. If you can sew a button, you can make a bamboo bracelet, and the cost will be mere pennies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bamboo wall hanging or placemat
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Fabric glue
• Ribbon
• Small brush
• Leather cord
• Upholstery thread and needle
• Buttons

1. Measure your wrist to determine how much bamboo you'll need to make your bracelet. Look at the bamboo to decide the best place to cut. Most placemats and wall hangings will have seams near the edges, so be sure to cut outside of the stitching.

2. Determine how wide you want your finished bamboo bracelet to be, and cut a piece of ribbon double the width. Mark the desired width and length of the bracelet and use fabric glue to attach the ribbon at what will be the far end of the bracelet. The ribbon will not only be the bracelet end, but will keep the bamboo together as you cut.

3. Cut the length first, across the bamboo. Finish cutting just past the outside edge of the ribbon.

4. Fold the ribbon around and under the bracelet and glue it neatly to finish the bracelet edge. Attach a piece of ribbon to the other end in the same manner.

5. Create a clasp for the bamboo bracelet with an 8-inch piece of leather cording. Slide the cording through the end of the bracelet, pushing it through the bamboo. Tie a knot to secure it.

6. Stitch two buttons together, using heavy duty upholstery thread. Use plenty of thread, and criss-cross it occasionally so the buttons will stay together securely. Stitch the attached buttons to the other end of the bracelet.

7. Put the bracelet on your risk and fasten it by wrapping the leather cord around the buttons. Add a few decorative beads to the leather cord, if you like.