As a general rule, bangles don’t usually fit me very well. My wrists are, quite literally, the only dainty part of my body. Which means, the average bangle bracelet just won’t stay on. I took a chance and tried on these plastic bangles from the thrift store and was blown away at how well they fit! I didn’t care much for their appearance, but I knew I could transform them into fabric bracelets that would look more my style.
Since I love shabby chic inspired jewelry (similar to what Anthropologie used to carry many years ago), I decided to cover the plastic bracelets. And to do so, I’d use a vintage sheet as a source of fabric.
And perhaps a few rhinestones from this broken necklace which was another thrift store find.
I loved this technique so much that I even made a version of these in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”!
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me first show you how to make them!
This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.
From Thrift Store Jewelry to Fabric Bracelets
First, I first cut a long, narrow strip of vintage fabric from the bed sheet, approximately ½” wide.
To “shabify” the raw edges, I tightly held the top end of the strip between my left thumb and forefinger, and pulled the strip in short bursts with my right hand.
Not only did it fray both edges at the same time, but it stretched out the vintage material a little. Perfect for my boho bracelets!
Next, I used my hot glue gun to attach one end of the strip to the inside of a plastic bracelet.
I purposefully used hot glue because I wanted a firm hold, but not a permanent one. This way, if I get bored with this makeover at some point, I can undo it pretty easily.
Then, I proceeded to tightly wrap the vintage fabric around the plastic bracelet with a lot of overlap. After 6 or 7 wraps, I added another bead of hot glue to the inside of the bracelet.
This ensured that the vintage fabric would stay in place and not slide around on my fabric bracelets.
When I had completely covered the plastic bracelet, I hot glued the end on of the vintage fabric on the inside of the bangle. And just like that, the first of my cloth bracelets was done!
Then, it was time to add some vintage rhinestones from the broken jewelry!
I experimented a little with bits from the choker, hot glued to the fabric (in other words, non-permanently) and that was it.
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure if I love the rhinestones on my fabric bracelets. What do you think?
But then again, just a hint of sparkle mixes things up! Either way, now I just needed to finish the others.
Fabric Bracelets from a Vintage Sheet
I wrapped the other plastic bracelets with strips from the same vintage fabric but stopped there. I love them just like that, no need for more salvaged rhinestones.
Either way, I LOVE the romantic feel of these fabric bracelets, and they cost a LOT LESS than the store that inspired them.
AND I can even refashion them another time, whenever inspiration strikes.
The best part is that everything came from the thrift store! And sparkles or no sparkles, it’s a definite improvement over the original plastic.
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for upcycling jewelry, then you may also adore these braided bracelets from vintage handkerchiefs!
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
what a wonderful bangle trio! i love the bling of the one with the choker but also the simplicity of the ones with just the sheet fabric! great way to make them your style!
Thank you so much!
I think I really like the unadorned (as in no jewels) ones best. That vintage fabric is pretty enough all by itself, at least for me. Very nice!
I think so, too! Thank you! 🙂
Hi! Stopping by from the Your Turn to Shine Link Party. These are super cute! Thanks for sharing!
Love these bangles! I’ve made a few myself but they were wider . . . . I really like the narrower ones, though, and those rhinestones are just perfect! The fabric is very “vintage-y” and shabby – great job! Thanks for sharing, Nina @ Vintage Mama’s Cottage
Thank goodness for thrift stores! They leave us with much inspiration. Love these little bangles!
Ok these are so cute and I love the sparkle! Rock it! I have to say I love your humor! You are so my kind of girl. Thanks for the laugh and the ideas!
Thank you so much for visiting and for the awesome comment!! Happy weekend! 😀
What a fun find! It is always so awesome to find a thrift store treasure and know immediately how you want to personalize it. Thank you for sharing with Idea Box link party! Can’t wait to see what you share next. Have a great weekend!
Love these bangles. Very nice!
Girl, you are so clever! How sweet for a Spring braclet! Have a great day 🙂
Thank you, Karen!
Eeek!!! Those are SO cute! I love them as a trio, with just one “bedazzled”! Thanks so much for taking the time to link up at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again this Friday! Feel free to bring a friend 🙂
We loved these so much we featured this post this week at the #HomeMattersParty – the door is open! We’d love to have you come by and check it out! http://theroadtodomestication.com/2015/03/27/home-matters-linky-party-30/
I so have some bangles that need a make over! What an awesome idea! I really appreciate you sharing your latest creation at Making Memories Mondays!
Cathy
So cute and clever! Can’t decide which I like best.
I’ve made a warp bracelet with sari silk but using vintage fabric is such a cute idea.
Thank you so much!
Love these, they turned out so cute and I say both!!!!
Thanks, Gilly!
Those are adorable! You are so creative!
Thank you, Lisa!
These are so beautiful!!
Thank you!!
Fun idea for refurbishing a bracelet into a fab fashion statement! Thanks for sharing this post at the #PureblogLove Link party! The party begins againThursday night at 8 p.m. We hope you plan to link up again. We’d love to see more of your fantastic ideas!
Looks easy and fun…thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Love this idea! It would be great for using up pretty scraps you don’t want to discard too. Thanks for sharing it at the party @DearCreatives hope to see you again this week. Pinned & shared.
My favorite is the one with the bling! So irresistible…I want one! Don’t have a rhinestone choker that chokes — or even one who doesn’t. Sigh. Guess I’d better head out to the thrift store. Thanks so much for sharing at Grandma Ideas Sharing Time link up.
Lovely idea,thanks for linking on Inspiration Thursday.
Would love to see more ideas.
Thank you!
Hey Sarah,
What a cute idea! You are quite creative. I don’t think I would have ever thought to do this project, but you pulled it off well!
I found your post today on Grandma Ideas.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
I love your shabby chic bangles!
Thank you, Virginia!!
Love this idea! I would enjoy making different themed sets..like red, white and blue or Christmas ones. 🙂
Thanks, Abigail- and definitely, themed ones would be adorable!!
Such a CUTE idea!! 🙂
I would love for you to share this with my AMAZING Facebook Group with over 300 Members to share easy craft projects and recipes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
this is so adorable! great for girls night get together craft time! thank you for sharing. Once we make them I’m sure to share!
Love the rhinestones….I’m all for Bling!