11.10.2011

Catalog turned Couture: A DIY Beaded Bracelet

 'Tis the season to receive catalogs, fa la la la la la la la la.  Every year around this time the holiday catalogs start rolling in, and while those glossy pages sure are pretty to flip through, at some point I end up recycling each and every one of them.  When I received my latest shipment, I made a conscience effort to re-purpose these catalogs into a holiday project.  Paper bead making ensued. Over the next month I'd like to share some easy, affordable projects that make great gifts this holiday season.  For this project I borrowed from this tutorial, as well as this one.

Cast of Characters:


- A brightly colored magazine or catalog (I used J.Crew and Urban Outfitters)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Toothpicks (or needles)
- Mod Podge (the Gloss/Lustre version)
- Small paint brush
- Gloves (optional)
- Hemp Cord (embroidery floss or thread will work too)



1) Line up a ruler along the edge of the page you want to use and create a triangle that is 1mm (or eyeball it) at the base and goes to the top of the page and cut it off.



2) Mark 2mm base triangles with a ruler and pencil across the rest of the page.  Cut the triangles up.
Definitely getting a manicure tomorrow.
3.  Using a toothpick (or needle) wrap the base of one triangle around the toothpick and wind the paper tightly around the toothpick.  If the finished product comes off the toothpick, its OK, just hold it together until you Mod Podge it.

4. Brush some Mod Podge onto your toothpick and set aside to dry.  Let the beads dry at overnight.  They should be nice and shiny when they are dry.  *If you have a manicure or like your nails at all, put gloves on before you start step 4.  Mod Podge does not do wonders for your fingers.


5. To remove beads, hold the toothpick in one hand and spin the bead off the toothpick with the other hand.  If they do not come off easily let them be for a while longer.



6. Using hemp cord, thread the beads onto the cord to the desired length and knot at both ends.  I made a long bracelet (28") that I could wrap around my wrist four times and tied it off at both ends but feel free to get creative!



This project is as easy as flipping through a catalog but with a much better (and cheaper) end result.  This bracelet is made from three catalog pages, is colorful and glossy.  I'm going to try making a black, white and red one, since its my favorite winter color combination.

While its not snazzy, expensive or offered by a cool brand, I would like to give away a bracelet to a sweet reader in honor of my 100th post ever!  Just be a follower on Google Friend Connect to be eligible to win.  Leave a comment below with what colors you'd like.

Enjoy your holiday weekend, thanks to all of those who serve!  One of Jamie's childhood friends is getting hitched this weekend and its an all weekend event culminating in a black tie wedding!  Very excited to wear a new dress and see the hubs in a tuxedo.

16 comments:

Alexa said...

Coolest thing ever...especially for fashionistas and readers of fashion mags!

Katherine said...

Wow this is such a cool idea! All the colors are gorgeous. Have fun at the wedding!

AllThingsYummy said...

That is so cool. I've never seen anything like it. I love the purple and yellow one.

Bravoe Runway said...

Cara you did an amazing job with this bracelet! Current Elliott jeans are comfortable and definitely hope you give them a try! My Mom makes her bags for private clients currently, but after today's round of comments...she's rethinking her business ;)

Kathy said...

Oh wow!! What an awesome DIY! This is totally cool! xoxo
http://hellofridaybypaik.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Very cute! I love this! That's such a cool idea for beads! I hope you can stop by my blog too, I think you might like it! It's a personal style and fashion blog from England. I would love for you to check it out and comment if you like it! Thanks :) :)

www.raindropsofsapphire.com

JustPatience said...

Amazing. This is recycling at it's best.

Patience
Enter my Giveaway to win a $118 Bracelet:
J-Crew Pave Bracelet Giveaway

skippysays said...

Wow, I am ridiculously impressed- it turned out so cool! I would love to win one of those :) And the colors you used are gorgeous- yellow, orange, purple- some of my favorites :) Congrats on this being your 100th post!
www.saysskippy.blogspot.com

welldressedmaker said...

paper beads! It's been so long since I've done this! Yours turned out super great!

have a yummy Friday!
♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
enter my Too Faced and Hello Kitty Giveaway!

marykapsi said...

Lovely DIY honey :D
Thanks for your comment on my blog!

MaryFashionLove

TaraMixandMatch said...

That's pretty much genius...and totally awesome!

Mix and Match Fashion

Paper Doll said...

so amazing!! great diy thanks for sharing :)

love kat

www.paperdolltheory.com

E said...

That's so neat! what a great idea!

Cinnamon-donuts said...

aww thanks for your comment! basic donuts are the best :P :P

I'm loving your handmade bracelet! very smart! eco friendly but stylish <3 congrats on this being your 100th post!! yay~!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I loved seeing the transformation! Such a stunning bracelet. :)

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Omg'd how AWESOME is this! You have taken recycling to a new level girl. I love it and it sure beats those damn cat balls that lady is turning into necklace. Can I say you need to open an etsy shop? Just sayin. Just throwin it out there. You're super creative my friend! ((HUG))
http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

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