DIY: Craft Stick Bracelets



 So I was on Pinterest... and I saw these really cute bracelets made out of popsicle sticks. I decided that I wanted to make them, but with a twist. This is a great DIY and I wanted to share it with you! I was thinking about doing more tutorials, what do you think?

What You'll Need:
- Scrapbook paper
- Large craft sticks
- An assortment of drinking glasses
- A pot of boiling water
- Mod Podge
- Foam brushes
- Craft chain or cord
- Hot glue
- Scissors

Instructions:

1: Pick out your scrapbook paper. I'd recommend a mixture of
patterns and plain colors that fit with your wardrobe.

 

2: Cut strips of scrapbook paper out. Mine were about 2-3" by 6".
3. Place the craft stick on the paper and draw around it, mimicking
the shape. It needs to be bigger than the stick itself, about 1/4 to
a 1/2 inch bigger. They don't have to be exact. When finished,
cut them out and put aside.

 

4. Boil a pot of water. Once boiling, place in craft sticks
and "cook" for 15 minutes. When done, take off the heat
and drain the sticks. Keep some of the water in a small bowl.
5. Once the sticks are cool enough to handle, curve them into
a circle shape and fit them into the cups. While you are doing this, keep the
remaining sticks in the remaining boiled water to keep them flexible.
Leave about an inch of space between the two ends. Let dry overnight.
 

6. In the morning, check to see if they are dry. If not, keep them
in the cups until they are. Otherwise they will lose their shape.
I got impatient and finished them by heating them with a blow
dryer on the warm temperature at the low setting for a couple
seconds.

 

7. Dip the foam brush into the Mod Podge and
lightly brush it onto the the stick in a thin coat.
Place on the paper from earlier, making sure that
the edges are hanging off.

8. Using the scissors, cut out small triangles like
in the picture. This is so that when you fold in the
edges, you don't get creases.

9. Starting with the ends, fold in the tabs you
just created. Brush on some Mod Podge before
you fold them down and afterwards to seal them
in. Do this with every single one. When all the tabs
are in, brush the Mod Podge onto the outside, brushing
in horizontal motions. Use very thin coats. If it looks
like a white mess, brush some of it off, but keep in
mind it will dry clear.

 

10. Once it dries, trim your chain or cord to fit the
space between the sides. Hot glue it in place.

Now you are done! Voila!

Other things you may want to know....
1. I used Matte Mod Podge, but you can use the glossy kind if you prefer it to look shinier.
2. When using the boiling water and hot glue, please be careful!
3. To get Mod Podge off your fingers, place hands in warm, soapy water and scrub.
4. Boil more sticks than you need. I can guarantee that at least one or two will refuse to curl or just break.
5. Remember these are made of paper, so keep them out of the way of water! You could use fabric too.

Well, there you have it! Now you can flaunt that DIY style! When people ask you where you got them, you can just say with a smile, "I made these." How cool is that? Plus they make awesome gifts and craft fair items.

Follow me on Pinterest!(Linked at top) XOXO
~FashionistaGirl

Check Out My Tattoos!

I know what you guys are thinking and it is just the opposite! This tattoo is the temporary kind, but not in a place you'd think it would be. No, that there! You all have dirty minds. ; ) These tattoos are on my nails! For all those times you want some intricate designs on your nails but can't draw to save your life, here is the answer!

You'll need;
1. A cotton ball
2. A small dish of water
3. A sheet of temporary tattoos (Designs and lines look best. Avoid characters and words)
4. White nail polish
5. Top coat
6. Scissors

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut out your tattoos to the size of your nail. They should be slightly bigger.
Keep in mind that everything will be backwards. To keep them straight,
I'd recommend labeling them. Ex: L Thumb

2: Place the desired tattoo on nails that are already painted white. The nail must
be completely dry. I watched a bit of America's Next Top Model to pass the time! : )
It will stick a bit to the nail, so when you place it, place it carefully. The place
you put it is its final position pretty much.

3: Place a damp cotton ball on the tattoo, just like you would do
on regular skin. Make sure the cotton ball isn't soaking, squeeze off the
excess if you must. Apply equal pressure and roll the cotton ball over the nail, being careful
not to smudge the design. After about 10-15 seconds, carefully remove the cotton ball
and peek under the tattoo. If it has transferred, gently peel it off. If not, apply more pressure and re-wet
if needs be.

4: Once removed, seal with a topcoat and admire your
handiwork.

Here's the finished product! Sorry it's a bit blurry, but
you get the idea!

 

I've gotten so many compliments and I got the tattoos at the dollar store! Cheap and adorable!

 

Update: After a couple days the edges begin to fade, so reapply topcoat every 2 days for the lasting design and minimal chipping.

 

Wow your friends with this adorable mani! XOXO

~ FashionistaGirl