DIY: Braided Charm bracelet

This DIY bracelet project was inspired by the gorgeous plait and chain friendship bracelets around in the shops at the moment. I especially like these in Urban Outfitters - Intial Bracelet and Effiel Tower Chain Bracelet . I fancied specific colours and had charms handy so decided to make some myself. 

Ingredients:

- embroidery thread (three colours)

- chain

- cord (leather/knotting)

- charms

- clasp, jump rings, flat leather crimps

Start by cutting three pieces of each embroidery thread. Put the three ends into the crimp and close. Plait the threads. I find attaching it to something non-moving using a safety pin makes it less fiddly. 

When you reach half way along the length that you would like the bracelet, add the charm to one thread. Continue plaiting until the end and finish with a crimp. 

Add a jump ring to the crimp at both ends. Cut a length of chain the same length as the plait and attach to the jump rings

Cutting the same length in cord (one or two pieces), attach leather crimps to both ends and attach to the jump rings. Finally add a clasp and chain and its ready to wear!

T-Shirt Bracelet Tutorial

I came across some lovely bracelets made from plaited t-shirts (various variations on pinterest most notably from the henryhappened.com and cutoutandkeep) so thought I'd give it a go. Once I played around with how to make them they were very easy and quick. 

Here's how I made mine...

Ingredients

• - T-shirt strips - I had some already cut up from an old necklace but if not find a jersey t-shirt you don't mind cutting up. 
• Cord (or ribbon)
• Thin bendable wire (I used 28 gauge beading wire)
• Glue

How to

• If you need to cut up the t-shirt into three strips, about 2cm/0.5-1inch wide and 30cm/12inches long. 
• Cut the cord into three 28cm/11inch pieces
• Hold the ends together, with the cord slightly higher

• Wind the wire around the ends to hold the cord and t-shirt strips together and in place
• Separate into three groups and plait

• Plait until it's the right length around your wrist. I have made mine to pull over my hand. 
• Wind wires around the ends and cut off the excess cord and t-shirt strips

• With the wire, continue winding around both ends to bind them together

• Cut a piece of fabric to cover the ends and wire.  Fold the fabric over and wrap around the ends, glue in place.

•  Leave to dry then it's ready to wear! Enjoy!