{a simple way to add a little sparkle}

I love rhinestone chains but they are not the easiest things to work with...which is why I was so excited when this little bracelet idea turned out so brilliantly. Problem officially solved!  

This a quick and easy tutorial.  These bracelets literally take fifteen minutes to make and look so expensive. No one will ever believe you are wearing a homemade bracelet.  And just in time for your New Year's Eve outfit...What could be better??

materials

---

1/2" suede ribbon

rhinestone chain

craft or fabric glue

needle and thread  

one button

---

Start by loosely wrapping the suede ribbon around your wrist. Decide how many times you want to wrap your bracelet, add a couple of inches and cut.  (I made a long one that wrapped five times and another one that wrapped three times.  I like them both)

Choose a length for the rhinestones and trim it with wire cutters or utility scissors.  As a rule of thumb, choose a length that is somewhere between half your wrist measurement and your whole wrist measurement. I found that less than half looks a little skimpy and more than your wrist circumference can feel a little clunky when wrapped around your wrist. 

Next, choose where you would like to place your rhinestones and glue the rhinestones onto the suede.  

It doesn't really matter if they are directly in the center or somewhere near the end of the ribbon. I did one in the center and one near the end, and they both look good when they are wrapped. 

Apply a bit of pressure for a few seconds.  

Stitch the ends in place, and if desired, run a quick stitch in between the links to reinforce the glue. If you are not a sewer, skip it! Just make sure you used a good quality fabric glue.  

For the closure make a button hole by folding the end of the ribbon in half and cutting a small slit.  

Now wrap the bracelet around your wrist again. Make sure you are leaving a comfortable amount of slack--you don't want your fingers to turn purple when you're wearing it!-- and mark where your button should go.  (I used a straight pen so that it would show up in the photo but a ball point pen or a colored pencil would work better) 

Sew the button in place.  I used a plain black button so that it would blend in with the black suede but a jeweled button would also look nice.  Be creative!

No sew option: glue snaps in place of the button hole and button.  

Your bracelet is ready to wear!  

Well, aren't you a clever little thing???  And quite fashionable too...

Tips and Variations:  

I used suede because it is softer than regular leather and a little easier to work with.  If you choose leather, gluing will be your best option...hand sewing leather is tough!

I chose a super skinny, extra sharp needle and black invisible thread to sew the chain into place. You don't have to use a beading needle and nylon thread like me, but use the sharpest needle and smoothest thread that you've got to easily pierce the suede. 

Use a good fabric glue.  I love GS Hypo Cement because the applicator tip is so thin...I apply the glue more precisely as a result. You should be able to find it at any craft store in the bead/jewelry section.

No suede? Use grosgrain, satin or velvet ribbon.  (You can prevent fraying by coating the cut edges with a little clear nail polish)

No rhinestone chain? Glue on individual rhinestones or studs for a similar look.  

Make a longer version of the bracelet and wear it as a sparkly belt.

Attach the rhinestone chain to a smooth flat elastic to make a fancy ponytail holder or headband. 

Happy crafting ladybirds.

xo...

ki