How to Design Rubber Wristbands

You can design wristbands with different trims and closures.

Trendy, brightly colored rubber wristbands are sold in retail shops. They commonly include inspirational messages and decorations. Designing your own allows you to add jewelry-like elements such as closures, clasps and charms. Adding motifs in complementary colors also adds to the design. Take wrist measurements, draw the bracelet to scale and add color to the sketch to make a road map to construct the wristband.

Things You'll Need

• Flexible tape measure
• Sketch pad
• Felt-tip marker
• Sketch copies

Instructions

1. Measure your wrist with a flexible tape measure to determine the wristband length. You will most likely have a 7-inch to 8-inch wrist circumference. Add an extra ½ inch to each end for a closure.

2. Draw a lengthwise view of the wristband to scale in your sketch pad. Use a felt-tip marker for the wristband outline.

3. Make copies of the sketch from Step 2 to design several versions. As an option, re-draw the lengthwise view several times.

4. Draw several motif concepts such as a scroll, vine or miniature flowers in a repeat pattern across the wristband. Repeat pattern is a term used for duplicated motifs at specific intervals (such as three leaves and one flower). The repeat pattern starts at the onset of the first leaf. Bear in mind the design is geared for a rubber wristband and applied with permanent markers. Intricate patterns are challenging to apply. Do not draw within the added ½-inch areas made in Step 1.

5. Draw complementary trimmings on your sketch such as a decorative closure. Another design concept is to sketch jump rings which are loop-like links with dangling charms or beads. Draw different elements to the rubber wristband design to differentiate it from retail versions.

6. Color the wristband sketch with colored markers or pencils. Make sure the motif colors are complementary to the wristband's overall color. If you are dyeing the wristband a specific overall color, include it in the sketch as well. Use this colored sketch as a guide to make your wristband.

References

• "Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts;" Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia; 2009