4th of July Craft: Bandana Bracelets

Seeing how Independence Day is just around the corner I thought it would be fitting to sharing some Fourth of July related DIY projects. Over the next few days we will be sharing some simple ideas that anyone can do to celebrate the holiday.

To start our holiday projects off with a bang (hehehe) I thought we would start with a very easy project that I learned from Gingham Girl called the bandana bracelet. If you can braid, you can bandana bracelet. It's that easy. Now for the step by step instruction, I'll pass the job over to Gingham Girl.

~NoPlaceLikeHome~

Bandana Bracelets

My friends and I have been making bandana bracelets (and necklaces) for quite some time now. They're fast, easy, and super cheap! Bandanas usually cost $1 at most and you can get about 12 strips cut from one bandana. I also found the beads half off (300 pieces for $1.50). I spent less than $5 dollars on the supplies for this project. I've made at least 8 bracelets so far and still have bandanas and beads left. I took the materials to work yesterday, and it was a hit. The 4th & 5th grade girls loved making their own bandana bracelets to wear on the 4th.

Here's what you'll need:

3 bandanas (red, white, and blue)

1 package of star beads (next time I want to try silver stars)

Scissors

Water (just be near a sink)

First, cut the strips for your bracelet. It's up to you how thick you want the strips and how thick you want your bracelet. But if you're using beads, you probably don't want the strips to be much thicker than 1 inch.

If you're using beads, you'll also want to cut off the edge of the bandana to make stringing the beads easier.When it's all cut, run the strips under water and then wring them out; they just need to be damp in order to stretch. It will also help the bracelet stay in place better when it dries.

Now it's time to start braiding. It helps if you can get a helping hand to hold the end while you braid, that way you can get it nice and tight. Once you've braided about an inch or so down, string a bead onto one of the outside strips. Once in place, continue braiding and add beads where you think fit. Be sure to leave a bit of unbraided material at the end to tie.

When you're finished braiding, tie it on your wrist while it's still damp. Instead of tying all 6 strands together, tie 3 knots: the red to red, the blue to blue, you get it. This way, the knots will be tighter and the bracelet will stay on longer. Cut off whatever fabric you have hanging, and then you're done! :D

Bandana bracelets are great summer accessories. Try different colors and beads if you'd like. I used to change my bandana bracelet once a month just to mix it up. Use three colors, or just one. Choose a fun patterned bandana (like camo or tie dye) and see what happens. They cost almost nothing and are quick and easy. What could be better than that?!

*Gingham Girl*