DIY PROJECT: Jazzing Plain Bangles

 

Secure the threads onto the bangle with a knot.

Create a loop on top of the bangle with one set of threads

Go through the bangle

from below, through the loop

Repeat the step II and III twice or thrice before proceeding with the next set of threads

I found many of such plain bangles lying around when I was packing my room. I like simplicity, but I have way too many already. Therefore, I seized the opportunity to jazz it up with some DIY work! I mostly paired the bangles up with complementary colours namely, purple & yellow; green & red; orange & blue. After I got the main few colours down, I ventured a little to other colours, as I have a lot of spares remaining. I tried colours like pink & yellow, usually this combination may seem a little off, but I used a nudish pink, and the effect wasn’t all that bad imho. As the saying goes, nothing ventured nothing gained. It pays to come out of the comfort zone and ignore the rule of the thumb.

Things that you need (can be found at any crafts store such as chinatown or Artfriend ):

1.       Coloured threads (I used 3 threads per colour. 7 feet each.  If you are using mouline threads, 2 will suffice.)
2.       Scissors
3.       Bangles
4.       Superglue (Optional)

P.s. Mouline threads are commonly used in making friendship bracelets.

Step I

Secure the threads onto the bangle with a knot.

Step II

Create a loop on top of the bangle with one set of threads

Step III

Go through the bangle and from below, through the loop.

Step IV

Repeat the step II and III twice or thrice before proceeding with the next set of threads.

Step V

Repeat till the bangle is fully covered, end off with a knot.

Step VI (Optional)

Further secure the knots with super glue to make the bangle last longer without coming loose.

DIY PROJECT: Braided bracelet

 

Materials:

All are from chinatown. I think Artfriend sells them too.

I’ve been busy with handicrafts for the past week. I got fed up with the hunt for the precise accessories that I craved, therefore, I started making accessories of my own. For this particular piece, I used 3 strands of medium hemp cords, each length is about two coils around my wrist plus an additional 5 inch. I tied a simple knot to begin the bangle with one strand being in a loop. It’s basically just doing hair braiding. I did a set of braiding first, followed with two beads on each side, The center strand will not have beads at all. Just repeat the steps and I ended it off with a square knot. I’m no guru in diy accessories so I hope my pictures are clear enough. Those that are unclear of the steps for square knots, go google it. (: that’s all folks!!

DIY: jewellery bowl

 

I bought this from ikea tampines. But somehow, I just can't find the direct link for this, sorry!

  

The paint that I'm gonna use, I bought them from artfriend.

 

Don't worry about the paint being not lasting, I've use both paint colours before, this is just one of them. This is the "couple" photo frame J and I made for each other last year. (:  

Photo frames are bought from Bangkok Chatuchak.

 

First layer, not dried yet. I would strongly recommend you to set some newspaper on first before you start painting, It could get messy. I didn't use any water to mix with the paint, but I did wet my paintbrush first to remove any colour stains from previous works. The finish looks very uneven due to the original colouring of the box. Refer on top.

 

I'm applying second layer, as you can see, the top half is darker than the bottom half (first layer). 

 

Second layer done.

I'm painting the inside of the box neon pink. Oh by the way, this pink paint glows in the dark, well, slightly. /insert disappointed face.

 

As you can see, compared with the blue paint, this is way much more uneven than the blue one. Reason? my guess is, in order for it to "glow" the extra chemicals they added in doesn't help with a "smooth finish". It kinda makes it look a little gloppy, but really, a few more layers would help. Well, I've evidence on top; refer to photo frame. 

 

This is how it looks like when it's dry. (second layer)

 

I'm using masking tape to tape the side. 

 

Because I'm going to stay painting on the borders as highlighted.

 

This is why I taped it. 

This is the fourth layer, I taped the inside part for the border painting.

 

The finished product!

 

The colour runs a little closer to this picture here instead of the above one.

The reason for choosing this pink paint for the interior of the box instead of the exterior, is because, I've worked with these paints before. I know that the finish for the pink one isn't as fantastic as the blue one. Since, this would be my jewellery box, I'm hoping that the jewellery inside will distract anyone from noticing the flaws. Also, it will be cool if it glows from inside right? 

A tip for you girls to keep your paint brushes longer, is to always clean your brushes right after you paint. Do not procrastinate! For me, I always wash it with water first, wipe off the excess water with tissue papers and leave it to air dry. This is probably not the proper procedure, but hey, at least I wash it, though you may want to google the actual procedure.

more about this inspiration: previous post