Cool Belt Bracelets By Barbara Matthiessen
May 30, 2009 11:17 am Guest Blogger Crafts, Green Crafting, Guest Bloggers, Jewelry Making, Techniques and Mediums
Welcome Gust Blogger, Barbara Matthessen, for Earth Safe Finishes.
Belt Bracelets
Recycle thrift store or old belts into fun and funky bracelets. You can make 3, 4 or even 5 bracelets from a single belt and give them all different personalities with earth friendly paints, chains and beads. Why not make a batch of these for gifts or to coordinate with every outfit you own?
Materials:
Leather or leather like belt
Opaque Shimmers from Earth Safe Finishes in your choice of colors
Toggle or hook clasp
1″ chain or 22 GA wire to match clasp
Strong scissors or leather shears
Leather/belt hole punch
Paint brushes, liner for details
Jewelry making tools, pliers and wire cutters
Optional extras:
Metal tags
Kevlar thread or wire to attach the above
Instructions:
1. Cut your belt 1″-1 ½” shorter than your normal bracelet size depending on how loose or tight you like to wear them. (Don’t worry about the existing belt holes you can either ignore them or bead through them later.) Trim corners round, on a diagonal or leave straight.
2. Punch holes on both ends about 1/8″ inch.
3. Paint your belt using Shimmers with your choice of colors. Some are a random splash of colors, some use the existing embossed pattern and some are freeform patterns. You may also choose to use a stencil or rubber stamp to create your image. Allow the paint to dry.
4. Attach your closure with jump rings or a combination of chain, jump rings or wire. If you are using a toggle make sure to add in a small chain on the bar end to make it easier to attach the bracelet.
5. Embellish more if you like! Stitch on beads, charms, buttons or trinkets using Kevlar thread. Knot on the back then dot each knot with a dab of glue when you are done.
More Fun: Wire on tags by using a flat bead with a head pin run through it on the underside. Wrap the ends of the head pins around holes in the tag, secure with more wraps then trim the ends. Add sections of chain by attaching chain ends to jump rings on each end. There are a million and one ways to make this bracelet so try it out today!
Learn more about Earth Safe Finishes HERE.
Tammara :
Date: January 12, 2010 @ 4:57 PM
That’s really a good idea. Thought you would find this story funny. A friend of mine tried on a belt at a thrift store, and bought it. Days later he then realized that the belt he was wearing when he went to the thrift store was missing. He concluded that he accidentally left his belt at the thrift store because he removed it to try on the one he purchased. So, he unknowingly donated a belt when he bought one – lol. Now his old belt, which was still in perfect condition, may end up as bracelets.
Jewelry Making Tools :
Date: April 14, 2010 @ 2:48 PM
Wow, what a great idea! Those bracelets are super eye catching, and what a great way to recycle belts that are worn out or too small. Neat!