My bracelets are no where near as fancy and artistic as the ones at these sites, but I think they're cute just the same and will make lovely gifts for some of my nieces!
The steps of the process are fairly straightforward:
1. Boil the craft sticks and/or soak in hot water until very wet and pliable.
3. Place the bent stick into a small circle cup or container. Make sure you use one smaller than you want the bracelet to be because when you paint it, the wetness will open the bracelet again.
4. Let it dry overnight or for a day or two until it's good and dry.
5. Paint, decorate, and have fun! I used acrylic paint to make a simple design then painted over everything with Modge Podge to give a glossy look and seal it. I also added a few small jewel stickers on this one for "bling".
Some of my observations on the process:
1. In addition to boiling the sticks, I also tried just soaking them in water overnight. I had better success bending the hot sticks but I think either method is do-able.
2. It was tough to bend the sticks and not have them splinter or snap. I probably broke two for every one I successfully bent. The small craft sticks - that really look like popsicle sticks - are thicker than these larger sticks and much more difficult to bend.
3. Make sure whatever container you chose to form your stick is nice and sturdy. I used an old 1/4 cup measuring cup.
4. You might have to do a little sanding if there are any small splinters. Sand before you paint!
5. Mini Me had fun decorating a couple bracelets for gifts, also, so I think this can even be a kid activity for the preschool set. I didn't ever let Little Lady have at it, but she might have done okay slopping some paint on, too.
Has anyone else made these before? They were easy and fun! I wish I was more creative on the decorating front; any extra ideas are appreciated!
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