https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/star-charm-bracelet • Posted by Killerbee Lolita
I've made sooo many versions of this bracelet! (maybe because people keep asking me to make them as gifts, so have sold a few) The most time consuming part is folding the stars. But once these are done it's just like putting together an easy bracelet The folding technique for the stars is available below
I've made sooo many versions of this bracelet! (maybe because people keep asking me to make them as gifts, so have sold a few) The most time consuming part is folding the stars. But once these are done it's just like putting together an easy bracelet The folding technique for the stars is available below
First - fold your stars! You can buy pre cut "lucky star" paper strips. Mine are cut from Japanese note paper. They are roughly 5 mm wide and 16 cm long. It might be easier to learn to fold them on bigger strips first Use a good quality paper - newspaper is too flimpy. Notepaper or origami paper is ideal
The pattern on the paper should be on the outside. Tie a knot in the paper...as close to the end as possible
Pull the knot and flatten it out. This should create a pentagon with equal sides.
Fold the shortest end in
The paper is then folded and the star turned till all the paper is folded in. Please look at the website I referenced as it explains it far better than I can!
Use fingertips to squidge in the sides of the penatgon to form the points of the star
Once your star is complete use a pin to create a hole THROUGH the star. I start between two points and poke out the otherside through the opposite point. Use a thick needle or kilt pin to get a decent sized hole
Now you can use these stars as beads! They do need spraying with an enamel or acrylic spray to toughen them up. I usually give them two coats with 12 hours drying time between coats. (I use Plasticote clear finishing spray) The easiest way to spray them is to wait till your jewellery item is finished then spray the whole thing
Pick a length chain that fits/feels comfortable on your wrist and cut with pliers or cutters. Attach the clasp. I like to add an extension chain because they look pretty on charm braclets and can be useful if you're giving as a gift
To make the star a usable bead - put onto a headpin. I like to sandwich them between two seed beads because it makes it easier to put a loop on the end of the headpin without crushing the star. Now you have a cute handmade charm!
Now simply assemble your bracelet. You could stick to stars or use other beads/charms too, depending on how chunky you want your bracelet! Use jump rings to attach the charms to the chain - I always count the links in my bracelet and use this to work out how many charms I will need
Hope this project makes sense! (it's my first one)