Quickly master making paper mache bracelets and spend as much time and effort as desired to turn then into one of a kind art works. These bracelets prove that jewelry doesn't have to be expensive to make a distinctive fashion statement. Requiring only the most basic of sculpting skills to give them shape, they are a unique and fun fashion statement.
Plan Ahead to Allow Drying Time
Follow the instructions here to form round, oval, even square bracelets in any width from a half inch to a large cuff. Make several at a time for decorating later. Summer is an ideal time to make paper mache, just place it in the hot sun to dry. Waiting for the paper to dry takes longer than the actual construction. It's important to let each layer dry thoroughly . Drying time will vary depending on both the temperature and humidity, so make a batch to decorate on a rainy day.
Materials for Making the Bracelets
- 3 Small plastic plant pots – the thin ones that come with plants, 2 round ones, and a square one, small plastic cups will also work
- Brown paper grocery bags
- Scrap white paper
- Craft knife or razor blade
- Flour
- Salt
- Water
- Skewer, or other sharp pointed tool
- Kitchen string
- Clear protective spray
Getting Started
Choose pots to fit your wrist. With a craft knife or razor blade, carefully cut the bottom out of the pots, and slide them on your wrist. The pot size will be the inside size of the bracelet. These can be reused many times.
Make one of the round pots oval by poking 2 holes through opposite sides of the pot with the skewer, near the top of the pot. Tie a knot in the end of the kitchen string, run it through both holes, and tie a knot in the other end of the string, pulling the pot into an oval shape. Click on the pictures below for larger images. Use a ruler and permanent marker to mark 1/2" increments around the pots as a guide.
Making and Using the Paste
Inexpensive paste can be made by mixing a handful of flour with a spoonful of salt (to keep mold from forming) and enough water to form paste about the consistency of cream. Alternately, white glue can be thinned with water. It will make a stronger bracelet. The pieces of paper need to be coated with the paste on both sides. Run the paper through your thumb and index finger to remove the excess.
Tear the Paper
Tearing is better than cutting, because tearing creates a more feathered edge. For small projects like this, tear small irregular pieces. The pieces should overlap, with no air pockets and smooth edges. To make an edge lie flat, simply make a small tear where it is puckered.
Let each layer dry before adding the next. I use white paper for the first and last layers with at least 2 layers of brown paper grocery bags in the middle. Shaping can be added between the brown layers by taping crumpled paper towels to the bracelet with either masking or duct tape.
Remove the bracelet from the pot by gently squeezing the pots until they break away from the bracelet. They come off very easily. Trim the edges to the desired size and shape and add more paper folded over the edges to finish them.
Add Imagination
Some of the possibilities for finishing the bracelets include spray or other paint, markers, ribbons, thin layers of polymer clay will stick to painted bracelets, and anything that can be glued to paper can be used. This is fun, not fine jewelry. Be creative, and protect your favorites with a clear spray finish. Wear one or several at a time. Is it more fun to make them or to wear them?
Corinne Shibley - Corinne Shibley studied sculpture in art history and created her own sculpture on the way to a B.A. in Studio Art. "There's something ...
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