How to Make Bangle Bracelets Using UTEE

Create bangles with textured, embossed designs.

UTEE, or ultra-thick embossing powder, delivers rich and textured color to your art projects in just a few minutes. Though embossing powder is usually a scrapbooker's medium, jewelry artisans can also make use of this thick, glossy powder. It comes in a wide variety of colors and stamps onto many different kinds of surfaces. If you love to make bangle bracelets with color and whimsy, try UTEE on your next project.

Things You'll Need

• Empty masking tape circle
• Craft spray paint: any color
• Paper plate
• UTEE
• Clear embossing ink pad
• Long, narrow rubber stamp: simple design
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Place your empty masking tape circle on your work surface. You may use a circle from ¼-inch wide tape or 3-inch wide tape; thickness doesn't matter as long as you can fit your hand through the center.

2. Spray paint the entire circle any color you like. For your first attempt, try a saturated jewel tone or a rich, light color. These colors help set off the UTEE effects and help them to show up better. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

3. Pour a little UTEE out onto a paper plate. Jiggle the paper plate to sift the UTEE powder into a thin, even layer on the plate. Set your rubber stamp next to it. You have to perform the next steps quickly, so having everything in place is important.

4. Rub your clear embossing ink pad over a section of the bangle. Sprinkle some UTEE onto the ink and heat it with a hairdryer on low until the powder begins to become shiny and fuse into liquid. Quickly stamp your rubber stamp down into the melted UTEE, rolling it gently along the curve of the bangle. Lift the stamp straight up to avoid smearing your work.

5. Allow the powder to cool for about 5 minutes before continuing. Emboss, heat and stamp your bangle one section at a time. Allow the finished bangle to cool and harden completely overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Use UTEE on thinner bangles that can handle heat like cardboard or wooden bangles. Don't use it on plastic, resin or metal bangles. You could ruin your bangle and burn yourself.

References

• Scrap Jazz: How to Use UTEE
• Paper Craft Junkies: UTEE Tutorial
• Rate Desi: Upcycled Bangle Bracelets