popsicle stick bracelets

i was feeling like gettin' my craft on with the girls since it was "make something monday".  i turned to my tried and true friend:  PINTEREST (did i mention i heart pinterest)?

here is what you need:

• craftsticks
• modge podge
• glue gun or white glue
• decorative paper or washi tape
• cup for drying/shaping
• container for soaking
• any other fancy decorating items

STEP 1:
soak sticks in water for a VERY.LONG.TIME...the post said a few hours, but i soaked for almost the whole day.  you will know they are ready when you can gently bend them without them breaking.

STEP 2:
gently bend each stick and place inside of a cup to form the shape.  there will be a few casualties along the way.  also, some may start to break along the sides.  these can be salvaged..just file them down with sand paper or a nail file before decorating.  i let these dry over night...and then some!

when they are finished drying they will look like this.  some of mine didn't quite get the shape of what i was hoping for and they don't necessarily fit my girls' wrists, but that's ok...it was more for fun (plus, they fit mine, so i'll be wearing them : : wink, wink).

STEP 3:
cut paper and either use a glue gun or white glue to adhere the paper to the bracelets.  i cut the paper slightly bigger than the bracelets themselves and then after they dried i cut off the excess.  once dry, brush on the modge podge over the paper and let dry.  this will give it a shiny, protective coat.  when they are completely dry you can decorate even more with fake flowers, beads, etc.  i added a felt pink flower to one of mine to gussy it up.  i also used washi tape on a few of them and it turned out looking good.

here are some finished products.  i think they turned out pretty stinkin' cute if i do say so myself.

 
xoxo