cute DIY bracelet + how to use a calotte

Today's post is a DIY on a cute preppy ribbon and bead bracelet. It's super easy to make and looks great in a stack

from left to right:
what you are learning to make today, hand made, forever 21

___________________________________________________________________________________

What you need:

• 1/4 inch ribbon 2-3 times the size of your hand
• elastic the size of your hand plus about 5 cm
• pliers (chain nose works best but any one will do)
  
  
  

 

•   Pearl beads of your choice (about 5mm in diametre)
• 2 callottes (optional)
• a clasp of your choice (optional if you are using elastic)
• a needle

 ________________________________________________________________________________
This first part is if you want to finish off your ends neatly and make it look more professional. You don't have to do it, but I recommend attempting it even if you are not crafty. It really isn't that hard. If you chose not to do this part, simply tie a knot at the end, leaving room to tie on the clasp/ tie the ends together and skip the next photo.

Thread on the callotte as shown and tie 1 or 2 knots at the end to prevent it from sliding off.

 Squeeze the two round parts of the callotte together as shown. That's it! You've just finished your ends and look at how neat they look.

Skip this step if you opted not to use a callotte.

 Thread the eye of the needle about 4 cm down the other side of the elastic. Thread the needle through one end of the ribbon.

 Thread one bead onto the needle and fold the ribbon over as shown. Repeat this step until you have about an inch short of your desired length. 

The easiest way to thread on the beads and ribbon is to not push the beat and ribbon down but simply push it off the needle just enough to thread on another bead. Does that make sense? It's hard to explain.

What it should look like when you have the length you want.

 To finish the bracelet, simple add your other callotte and connect the clasp. (Depending on the clasp you may need a couple jump rings.) If you didn't use a callotte, tie a knot at the and and then tie on your clasp.

When I was making mine I forgot to take into account the callotte and clasp and ended up making mine a bit long. To make up for that, I just attached the two callottes together and left out the clasp since it's elastic anyway.

For when I'm feeling lazy...

This is kind of bad, but I find that lately I just want to wear shorts and a sailing tshirt. Today Dad and I are just going to pick up the sails, run a few errands and then I have racing this afternoon. I'm just wearing my Lilly Pulitzer Callahan Shorts with one of Meggyums' sail team tshirts and my Sperry's. The bow bracelet is from Forever 21 and the other two are home-made. My cardigan is Lands' End.

Outfit of the day- Lilly love

Jewelry and close up on dress

the awesome back of the dress

Navy and pink dress: Lilly Pulitzer
Flower sandals: Lands' End
Starfish headband: Homemade by Meggyums to match my doggy's homemade bow tie
Jade flower bracelet: Houston China town
Pearls: ?


This is my ultimate, all time favourite dress that I have ever owed and not just because it's Lilly! I would wear this to quite possibly anyplace where "casual" is not acceptable. Anyplace! The navy fabric is zig-zag texture and is soft and thick. It's so well made I didn't even know it had a zip until my cousin pointed it out, but that may just be because I was so excited to get the dress. I love the little key hole in the back which for me just makes the dress. I think this requires simple jewelry to showcase it's beauty. What's more simple than pearls? Pink sandals complete the outfit and a simple quiet purse would do fine.