Popsicle Stick Bracelets

I’ve seen a few of these bracelets posted on Pinterest and they always get my attention because they look amazing and who would have thought of making a bracelet from a popsicle stick??!!

We decided to give it a go and so we tried a few methods of preparing the popsicle stick so it would bend without snapping.

We realised that the most effective method was to place the sticks (we used a few just in case some snapped, the success rate was about 80%) in a saucepan of boiling water for an hour to make them quite pliable.

You’ll need to keep topping up the water levels but they were quite soft after an hour at boiling point!

Use your imagination with the decorations, we used washi tape and beads but I’ve seen some great designs wrapping multiple coloured thread around the bands. Paint, crayons, stickers….whatever tickles your fancy really!

Materials:

Popsicle sticks (we used the slightly wider ones, approximately 2cm wide)
Saucepan & water
Narrow glass (try use a glass similar size to the wrist it’s for)
Washi tape, thread, paint – whichever you choose, they all look fabulous
Hole punch (only if you want to add beads)
String
Beads

Method:

1. Place the popsicle sticks in a saucepan of boiling water and set the timer for an hour. Remember to keep checking that the water levels are kept up. This is absolutely a job for an adult as boiling water and kids is a big no no!

2. After the timer has gone off, test that the sticks are quite soft. Start to very gently bend them in a U shape but don’t force it or they will snap.

3. Once it resemles a U, gently place it inside a glass to set the shape.

Popsicle_Bracelet_31

4. Leave the sticks in the glass overnight in a dry/sunny position to set.Remove the sticks from the glass and use a hole punch to punch small holes in each end.

5. Decorate the bands with tape and finish off by threading some string and beads through the end holes to decorate.

Popsicle_Bracelet_2

A beautiful gift for mothers day that the kids will enjoy making and decorating!

All images courtesy of the contributor, Jade Stapleton.

107 Comments

- - coppin85 said
  - 11 May 2014
    5:55 pm
what a clever idea this is

- - rachkap said
  - 11 May 2014
    3:33 am
Clever idea, thanks for sharing!

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 10 May 2014
    1:50 pm
such a very simple and great idea

- - meedee said
  - 10 May 2014
    1:45 pm
Well blow me down….thats very cool.
I know a little girl whos always into arts and crafts and this would keep her busy for ages.

- - cherz said
  - 10 May 2014
    11:18 am
Have to admit I had to use Google to explain the tape to me, see below for others that are not familiar with this. Thanks for sharing they are so cute and a great activity for youngens to decorate.
THE SECRET OF THIS CRAFT SUPPLY SOLVED!
You’ve probably seen it on Pinterest a million times or read about it on your favorite DIY or crafting blog, but what is washi tape anyway… and why is everyone so in love with it? Well, be prepared, because your washi tape obsession is about to begin!
OK, dish it! What is washi tape?
Often called wasabi tape by mistake, washi tape does originate from Japan, so we can see how the two terms are easily confused! But, washi tape has nothing to do with the spicy condiment that you eat with your sushi. The best way we can describe washi tape is that it feels like masking tape — very, very pretty masking tape. It’s made of paper, but is not as delicate as you would expect. Plus, it comes in patterns and designs that will make even the most dedicated crafters swoon and varying widths to allow you to create some fun and intricate washi tape designs.

Washi tape is typically made from natural fibers, such as bamboo or hemp, but most commonly from the bark of trees that are native to Japan — the mulberry, the mitsumata shrub or the gampi tree. Most washi tapes are strong (as strong as duct tape in some cases!) and functional as well as pretty, making them wonderful for both everyday and decorative use.

- - Mellypenny said
  - 10 May 2014
    1:11 am
What a creative idea! Love the colours and bead details

- - mom57522 said
  - 09 May 2014
    5:43 pm
Haven’t seen this before. Love it!

- - thejodsta said
  - 09 May 2014
    4:16 pm
Awesome what a great idea, seen so many awesome washi tape projects lately!

- - june11 said
  - 09 May 2014
    2:36 pm
What is washi tape ?? I have never heard of it!!

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 09 May 2014
    1:39 pm
wow, would never have realised boiling them would make them soft and pliable. thanks these look like they are fun to make.

- - 2forme said
  - 09 May 2014
    1:11 pm
What an interesting craft idea! Thanks 🙂

- - curlytops said
  - 09 May 2014
    12:36 pm
what a lovely idea and so nice to have natural (wood) products.

- - sarah_wardleworth said
  - 08 May 2014
    10:39 pm
Awesome idea great for kids thanks for the read

- - hopefullyheidi said
  - 08 May 2014
    10:26 pm
My son would have great fun making these.

- - eenimeeni said
  - 08 May 2014
    8:25 pm
What a cool idea! My little Miss Four will love to give this a go. Thanks for posting 🙂

- - Gracelow said
  - 08 May 2014
    5:41 pm
They look gorgeous – great way to recycle popsicle sticks!

- - rachaelchara said
  - 08 May 2014
    2:43 pm
Love it and so easy also.

- - yyon4699 said
  - 08 May 2014
    2:09 pm
wow! gorgeous ! friendship bracelets are always fun to make with kids!

- - ashblonde said
  - 08 May 2014
    1:45 pm
What a fun craft idea! My granddaughter will love making her own bangle!

- - teak said
  - 08 May 2014
    12:26 pm
I never would have thought to use sticks for bracelets.