DIY Bangles Fun AND Prize!

You will need a few basic materials to work with:  Plaid Mod Podg or similar clear drying glue, decoupage finish for creating a nice thick shiny surface.

Here are some simple steps to each bracelet design.  If you're a paper crafter, I'm positive you'll be familiar with all of these techniques.  If you'd like to know more detail about any of these techniques, post a comment below and the Design Team will be sure to create a tutorial for you if we don't already have one in our library.

BRACELET 1:  Direct-to-Paper Technique 

First, paint the inside and top edges with black acryllic paint.  Next, think of creating a card but you are working with a 2" x 11" piece of paper!  Direct-to-Paper background coloring has been around a very long time and is a classic as techniques go.  I literally dug out a very old ColoxBox chalk pad and was surprised it was still moist and began laying down color.  Once I was satisfied with the coverage, I made sure it was dry and stamped my Hampton Art/Graphic 45 All That Jazz cling a couple of times.  Mod Podg the paper strip onto the bangle and let dry.  I sanded the edge a bit before I slathered on more matte matte Mod Podg to protect the surface and make it durable.

BRACELET 2:  Torn Paper

 I was thinking about doing a torn paper technique with newspaper but then my eyes fell upon the word search puzzle book.  Just make a pile of torn pieces of paper (any kind really) and begin Mod Podging all the pieces on the bangle. I love words so I clipped words I liked and randomly pasted them over the torn pieces.  The last step was to paint the inside with gold acrylic paint.  To get the rim less perfect, I used a foam applicator and dabbed paint around the rim for a feathery look.

BRACELET 3:  Fabric

First, paint the bangle on the inside and outer ridges.  Bet you didn't realize this was fabric!  I also Copic colored in a few words to highlight them.  I had to piece the fabric in order to wrap around the entire bangle but I hid the seams with two vertical pieces of twill words.  I did use Heat N Bond under my fabric first as I didn't want it to possibly stretch when adding Mod Podge when affixing to the bangle.  Let dry and then slather the outside surface with more matte matte Mod Podge to protect the fabric.  

BRACELET 4:  Krylon and Copics

Begin by grabbing a Copic marker and coloring the entire inside and outside surface.  I used one shade lighter Copic for the flat ovals.  Next, using another very old technique, dab a gold Krylon pen ink into a piece of felt mounted on an old wood stamp and drop a few drops of alcohol blending solution over the Krylon drops.  Begin dabbing the Krylon stamp all over the bracelet working in sections.  There's no wrong way to do this!  For the ovals, I dabbed even more Krylon to really add gold highlights.  Once you are satisfied, stamp a small script stamp (or any image you choose) with Staz-on or other permanent inkpad.  Create a glassy finish with the clear decoupage finish.  Work in a well ventilated area for this step!  I put about 3 coats on this bracelet, inside and out.

BRACELET 5:  Gold Leaf

Paint the bracelet with any acrylic paint and let dry.  I used a burnt brownish color.  Next, using a USArtquest Duo Glue or similar that dries to a clear tacky surface, paint the glue randomly around the bangle.  When it's tacky, lay the gold leaf over the glued surface.  Use a craft store foam brush and gently brush away the gold leaf.  Repeat gluing areas to your liking.  Varnish with decoupage finish to protect the surface.  Craft stores also sell gold leaf 'kits' that include everything for this type of project.

BANGLE 6:  Zentangle

This little bangle is probably my favorite as I am brand new to the wonderful world of Zentangle and this is my first finished project!  There are some wonderful learning resources with Zentangle.com being a favorite along with YouTube videos on the subject and books such as the one shown above by Design Originals.  Just remember to paint the bracelet first.  I practiced on several paper strips first before I was satisfied with the outcome.  As before, Mod Podg the paper strip onto the bracelet and when dry, cover it with decoupage finish or more Mod Podg!

Check out Pinterest for lots of other fabulous DIY Bangles ideas...!  Once you get started on these, you can't stop creating!   I hope you enjoyed my DIY Bangle techniques and as a reward for staying with me and reading about all six bangles, you get a chance to win a $25 gift certificate, but you have to leave a comment HERE first!

Want to win DIY Bangles goodies of your own? Comment HERE and you might be the lucky duck sporting a $25 gift certificate that can be used directly at DIY Bangles!