DIY Tutorial: Zipper Bracelets

DIY Tutorial: Zipper Bracelets
Photo – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFkwLvdPTXU

Zippers! Since the invention of this nifty device, getting dressed and undressed became way easier and faster. They are so useful that zippers are used for bags, tents, luggage and many other things. We discovered a great video tutorial by Show Me Cute that will teach you how to make really cute and adorable bracelets from zippers!

Tools and Materials Needed:

1. 7 Inch Zipper (you can get a shorter or longer one according to your wrist size)
2. Scissors
3. Kitchen Lighter or Candle Flame
4. Crimp Bead
5. Pliers
6. O-Ring or Jump Ring (for jewelry making)
7. Jewelry Clasp
8. Jewelry Charms (Optional)

Comments/Suggestions:

1. To determine the length of the zipper, you would need to measure your wrist size. Use a tape measure and wrap it around your wrist. Make a note of the number at the point where the tape meets the 0 mark. Add a 1.5 cm allowance if you want an exact fit. You may add or subtract a few centimeters to adjust the size to your liking. You can divide the number of centimeters by 2.54 to determine the number of inches.

Another option that will help determine the size of your bracelet is to use an old bracelet that fits just right as a guide.

2. If you want to create a fun multi-wrap-around bracelet, use a zipper that is three times longer than your actual bracelet size.

3. You can make your own charms by using polymer clay. Make simple figures of things that you like. Insert an eyepiece before baking the clay and then attach it to to the zipper bracelet. You can also get three eyepieces and insert some beads. Close the end of each eyepiece with a pair of pliers. Get a jump ring and put these beaded eye pieces together. Close the jump ring and then attach this to the zipper bracelet.

4. You can also get bigger beads and insert them in the zipper before securing the bracelet with the crimp bead.

5. To create variety, you can get bigger sized zippers and make bracelets out of them. Mix small and big zippers to make your arm candy (bracelet stacking) look more interesting.

OK, here’s the video:

DIY Tutorial: Stylish DIY Wooden Picture

DIY Tutorial: Stylish DIY Wooden Picture
Photo – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NjYbAAQ4vw

If you have a stack of pictures that you’d like to display at home, this unique method of transfering a picture onto a piece of wood will make your room decor look so interesting and stylish! This is a great project and can create amazingly effective results.

This DIY video by Crystal Hethcote uses a very useful product: gel medium. The effect wouldn’t be possible without this. It’s an acrylic based product and it is available in different types and finishes. A gel medium is usually used as a glue, a paint or a decoupage material.

Tools and Materials Needed:

1. A Block of Untreated, Light Colored Wood
2. A Picture of Your Choice That Is Printed on Thin Paper (this makes it easier for you to transfer the picture onto the wood)
3. Mod Podge
4. Paint Brush
5. Sandpaper
6. A Wet Washcloth

Comments/Suggestions:

1. Make sure that the surface of the wood is smooth. Use sandpaper to ensure that there aren’t any rough edges.

2. Use a rolling pin, an empty bottle of wine or a sturdy paint roller to smooth out any air pockets during the process of sticking the printed paper onto the surface of the wood.

2. Try to print pictures in a sepia tone. It will create an artsy vibe to your wood “art”.

3. There are different kinds of Mod Podge that are available in the market right now. Try using the one that’s in an “antique-matte” finish. It will make your project look more interesting.

4. If you have a big plank of wood at home, you can ask someone to cut it up and use the small pieces to make mini wooden pictures. Give these out to your friends! Print out the pictures of the fun moments that you’ve had with them. You can also write a short but sweet message on the back of each wooden picture.

5. Use a gloss gel medium to make your pictures look more outstanding. Also, don’t scrimp on the amount. The more gel medium that you use to cover the wood, the easier it would be for the picture to transfer.

Ok, here is the video:

Video: How To Make Your Own Charms

Video: How To Make Your Own Charms
Photo – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp21hJIbiso

Gears aka. cogs are of course parts of a rotating machine and are well known by all. Even though they were more used in old machinery than modern inventions, they can still be found in many appliances and other moving objects that we have right now, such as “analog” watches! Prior to a few years ago, these items weren’t really considered as any sort of a fashion accessory – however, since the arrival of the Steampunk fashion craze, anything with gears and other unlikely “retro” machinery has become popular and cool.

Check out this video by TracysTreasures24 – it will change the way you look at them! These gear charms can make any decorative item look so vintage-y and cool.

Tools and Materials Needed:

1. Shrink Plastic (Aleene’s Shrink It)
2. Gear Masks (you can use gear stencils)
3. Pen or Sharpie
4. Exacto Knife
5. Scissors
6. Versamark Watermark Stamp Pad (for embossing)
7. Embossing Powders
8. Scraps of Paper
9. Shiny Sheets of Paper
10. Heat Gun
11. Tweezers
12. Screwdriver

Comments/Suggestions:

1. Shrink Plastics (or Shrinky Dinks) are made of large flexible sheets that shrink to small hard plates without changing their color or shape. They were invented in 1973 by two housewives. They were sold at a local shopping mall and became really popular among kids. These were soon licensed to be manufactured by major toy companies and the rest, they say is history.

2. Embossing Powders are made of finely ground plastic. They create a 3D like texture when melted. There are many colored embossing powders that you can get at arts and crafts stores but you can also get them online.

3. These plastic gears can be used to decorate your scrapbooks or you can even make a bag or clothing accessory out of them! Get creative – use various chains and attach other charms to make the chain look more interesting and unique.

4. You can also make other charms. Try looking for other interesting shapes or you can even apply different colored embossing powders on simple shapes like stars and hearts to make your charms look pretty.

5. Make sure that you’re working on a well-ventilated area. Place a cardboard or old newspapers on your working table to protect it from staining or any kind of damage.

6. You can also stick these gears on books or notebooks. Decorate your room with these DIY’d notebooks. It will add a personal touch to your space!

Use your creative juices and make these pretty vintage-looking gears.

Ok, here is the video: