Do It Yourself Tuesdays: Ettika Neon Bracelets

Worn correctly, accessories can take an ordinary, plain outfit and transform it into an extraordinary one. Personally, I’m in amore with accessories, especially jewelry.

By Kim

This season, the fashion world is all about neon and bright colors. Yes, even during the winter. Bright tights under dark skirts, bright purses to add a splash of color to any outfit… I like to think designers like Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg and Christian Siriano are doing their part to put an end to seasonal depression. And I applaud that.

Especially when it’s happening with fun and cheery bracelets that will brighten any dark and dreary winter day.  Like Ettika’s braided neon bracelets that celebrities love. They are so simple, adorable and fun. And I want a million of them.

Problem is, they’re expensive for being a simple (yet fabulous!) piece of jewelry. $24 for one bracelet? I don’t think so!

Good thing they’re incredibly easy to DIY on the C-H-E-A-P. Add a little neon-cheer to your winter and make these bracelet on your own.

What You’ll Need:

1. Neon Satin Cord: You can pick this up at most fabric/trimming/art stores. You can even get it at the Container Store. You’ll need about 1.5-2 feet each of 3 different neon colors of satin/silk thread. This will be enough for one bracelet (with a little extra depending on wrist size). If you want to save some money and get the most for your buck, buy a yard of each color so you can make way more bracelets!

P.S. If you live in NYC, you’re in luck because the Fashion District has about a million fabric/trimming stores. Try M&J Trimming (they are the bestest).

2. Superglue: Since the satin or silk thread is very slick, the superglue will help keep the ends of the thread in the clasps. Use the type with a brush – it makes the application easier (and prevents it from getting on your hands/getting your fingers stuck together). Also, whenever using superglue on your bracelet, only use a little!

3. Tape: This will hold your bracelet to a table, desk, or any hard surface while you braid the thread.

4. Charms: You can find super cute charms at any craft or bead store. Pick the ones that suit you best to add some fun and charm (tee hee) to your bracelet.

What You’ll Do:

1. Take the ends of the 3 different color cords and tie them in a secure knot, leaving a few centimeters of extra cord. But before securing the knot, brush on superglue between the knot and around the extra cord. Tie securely by pulling on the extra bit of cord. Once the super glue dries, you can cut off the extra.

2. Tape the cord knot to a solid surface, so you can start braiding your cords.

3, While braiding, slip your charm(s) onto one of the cords and braid it into the bracelet at your desired location. Continue braiding, leaving an inch or so of un-braided cord at the end.

4.  Hold the end of the braided cord with your fingers (or use tweezers) and dab a little bit of superglue where the braid ends and the un-braided portion begins to secure it.

5. With the extra, unbraided 3 cords, make a loop big enough to fit the other knotted end of the bracelet through. Use superglue to keep the loop in place.

6. With a small extra piece of cord, tie a knot around the end of the loop. Secure the loop with superglue. You don’t have to do this step, but it looks better, adds color, and will make your bracelet more secure!

7. Finally, loop the knotted end of the bracelet through the loop to secure that sucker onto your wrist and bring on the fabulous. See ya later, gloomy winter.

Some extra tips: Make a bunch of bracelets and layer them! Choose other colors, neon or not, to wear all year long! If you want to make an even fancier bracelet, try braiding in a strand of small pearls or rhinestones. To really add some bohemian charm to your outfit, make a long wrap bracelet by using a 2-3 feet of cord.