Popsicle stick craft idea for tweens – make a bracelet

Make a popsicle stick craft that is suitable for tweens and teens.  This type of craft is perfect for summer gatherings, day camps and VBS.  You can also use scraps of pattern paper and random buttons making the craft very affordable too.  If you are doing it as a short activity you will need to boil the popsicle sticks  and allow them to dry ahead of time.  It does take the wood craft sticks some time to dry out, especially if it is humid.  If you are in a rush you can place the glasses on a tray and dry in an oven on a low temperature. If you have plenty of time you can set them out in the sun to dry.

I am loving all the adorable versions of this throw back popsicle craft from my childhood I am seeing all the web these days. When I found my stash of  buttons last week, I knew I had to give this old craft a new try to incorporate these adorable buttons. The concept is rather simple. Wood can be manipulated when soaked in water since it tears down the wood fibers. So, grab some jumbo craft sticks and let’s get started.

Supplies needed for a popsicle stick bracelet:

• popsicle sticks or jumbo craft sticks
• pattern paper
• scissors
• Acrylic paint to coordinate with paper
• foam paint brushes
• Mod Podge or sealer
• Glue gun or strong adhesive
• rhinestones or smaller buttons

Instructions for a popsicle stick bracelet:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Turn off the burner, Insert the craft sticks and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. Put a few more in the water than you will think you need. I broke a few not being patient while trying to bend them.
2. Once the sticks are soaked. Grab some proper sized glasses or plastic cups and patiently work them into the glass. Work slowly if you don’t want to end up with a lot of broken sticks like I did. It takes a little patience to get the hang of it.
3. These have to set up for 24 hours to completely dry. While they are drying, go ahead and grab some acrylic paints and pattern papers to coordinate with the buttons. I used acrylic paint and some older random simple printed patterned papers.
4. Here is another step you can do while waiting for the sticks to set up, On the wrong side of the patterned paper, use a pencil and a jumbo craft stick to trace it. Use a pair of scissors to cut out the paper.
5. Once the bracelets have dried, gently remove them from the glasses.
6. Paint the bracelets in the colors of your choice.
7. Use a decoupage medium like Mod Podge and a foam brush to apply the papers to the front of the bracelets. Allow the medium to dry and gently sand the edges of the papers even with the wood. Now comes the fun part! Glue some rhinestones in the center of the stitched buttons using a tacky glue like or hot glue gun.
8. Glue the buttons to the front of the bracelet and let dry.
9. My bracelet’s didn’t turn out as snug as I wanted them to be, so I used some chain and jump rings to pull them a little closer in. I can still fit them over my hand without using a closure such as a lobster clasp but that still be another option. Learning from this, make sure you use a glass or cup that is slim enough if you want to skip this step!

 

Before you go check out all the other summer fun posts that are joining the series today. As always you can find lots of summer fun inspiration and ideas on Life Sew Savory.

365 Days of Crafts – Shared a cute Button Bracelet Project.

Cutesy Crafts – Shared fun DIY bookmark project for kids

Simple Practical Beautiful – Has a post about making friendship bracelets… FUN!

Niki’s Homemade Crafts – Fun tic tac toe game, even good for travel!

Jen Gallacher – Made gorgeous flowers. How fun to try this!

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