Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Easy Zipper Cuff Bracelet



Today I'm going to show you how to make a super easy zipper cuff bracelet. I whipped mine up this afternoon in no time flat. I love the way it turned out, but "someone", who I won't name, said it looked like a sweatband made out of zippers. Well, what does he know anyway?



I started with this really beautiful shiny plastic bangle I found at Walmart for $2. Yes, the color and sheen leave a lot to be desired, but what sold me on it was the size. I couldn't find a nice substantial sized bracelet anywhere. I needed it to be big enough that I could use several different zippers and be able to see them all. I saw it's potential through the ugly!


I picked out 2 zippers in colors I liked, parakeet and grey. The very large natural colored zipper is actually sold by the yard. I had no idea....that's GENIUS! Let's break this down. See that 7 inch zipper that cost me $1.50, and the 22 inch one for $2? That doesn't seem like much, but when you compare it to the big pile of zipper (36 inches) I got for $1.99....there really is no comparison. What a great deal! Unfortunately it only comes in this one color, but I am totally good with that since it's such a great neutral and would go with just about anything. I still have quite a bit left over and I have all sorts of plans for it.


I started by hot gluing my larger zippers with the metal teeth on either side of the cuff. LOVE those metal teeth! By the way, the metal zippers in the packages sell for about $5 each, so buying it by the yard saves you a ton! Plus, the metal teeth are what make it so pretty in my opinion . Anyway, back to the task at hand.....sorry, I'm easily distracted. I continued to hot glue my zippers on until I had the look I wanted. There is really no set way of doing this. You can just play with it until you like what you see. No rules....just right!


My original plan was to use the grey in the middle, but I wanted more of the chunky metal to show, so I used the natural color again in the center.





I think my new zipper cuff bracelet is fun and funky, with a bit of a playful edge! Even if "some people" think it looks like a sweatband. PLEASE tell me it does not look like a sweatband. Please, I beg of you!






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24 comments:

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

So cute Amanda! I am going to be on the lookout for some zippers!

XOXO
Jen

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

I don't think it looks like a sweat band. I like it. :)

1 Funky Woman said...

Cute and it looks sew easy!

UberBliss said...

NOW THAT'S Fun! I'll be looking for blissful things in Paris this week. Watch my blog and I'll see if I can find any 'copies' of your Amanda orginal!

Unknown said...

Finally, a zipper project I think I can actually do! Thanks for sharing, it's really cute!!

Nancy

Melanie said...

That bracelet is totally cool & even I (a non-sewer!) could make it, whoo-hoo!

Unknown said...

This bracelet is awesome! This is such a great idea!!! I am a new follower.

The Autocrat: Haley said...

I just bought a bracelet like that at WM too!! On clearance!! I am so going to redo it too!! (Not with zippers, I have another idea.) Great job! Looks fabulous! New follower!

Wenn said...

"somebody" is wrong! it does not look like a sweatband...it is so cute and i love the colors.


http://salvimexikana.blogspot.com/

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} said...

This is too fun! The turquoise is just yummy. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting on my light box tutorial! Have a fantastic rest of the week!

Michelle L. said...

I love it, your hubby is nuts. But aren't they all? Yesterday I proudly showed mine a lacy pendant thing I made...his comment was "Oh, a neck collar for an Elizabethan hamster." Grr. You colors are beautiful on this bracelet!

Unknown said...

Love the zipper trend in accessories! Such talent you have!

Unknown said...

i love this!! come on over and link up to MMM :)

Ashlee Marie said...

I love zippers, who doesn't these day's. I've just started the topsy turvy tuesday link party! http://imtopsyturvy.com

Tara said...

SUPER CUTE! I LOVE this! Thanks for linking this up at Trendy Treehouse

Sarah said...

I think it is cute! I have a hard time finding wide bangles too

Quilted Cupcake said...

I love it! Where did you find zippers by the yard? Gotta get me some.

Aubree said...

Very creative! Great job!

I would like to know how you list all of those blog parties at the end. I don't want to post on parties without grabbing a button if the host wants me to, but I am getting really sick of how much time that takes!

Melissa said...

It definitely does not look like a sweat band. Very cute and as you said edgy.

Sheri@childmade.com said...

So cute! What fun things people are doing with zippers nowadays! I haven't seen anything like this. What a great conversation piece. I've posted a link ... thanks for sharing. I'd love if you joined my link party some time!

Unknown said...

Your bracelet looks so great! Thank you so much for sharing this at Anything Related!
{Rebekah}

Kat @ Black Kats Design said...

I love all things zippered! Very cute idea. I love the different colors.

I’m having a new link party “Cheap Thrills Thursday” starting the 29th. It’s for creative ideas that cost under $20. I’d love for you to stop by and join in!
Kat
www.BlackKatsDesign.blogspot.com

Fawnda@Fireflies and Jellybeans said...

This is a great idea! I love all things zipper!

I featured you here: http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2010/07/sunday-spotlight-soys-36-favorites_24.html

Anonymous said...

Thats really creative! You could even string the middle piece with charms befor you hot glue it on and make a zippery charm bracelet too!

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