Alright my children of the 80s friends, have we all come to terms that 80s is now a theme for parties, events, and dress up days at school? It's taken me a little bit of time, but I think I'm ready to embrace it, except for the 80 hair - that didn't work for me in the 80s so it's definitely not working for me now!
A couple of summer's ago my daughter wanted to have a glow in the dark party and somehow that morphed a bit into 80s theme as well. One of the things I wanted to make with the party goers were glitter bracelets but we just ran out of time, and I ran out of energy (and interest) in rounding up all the girls to make them do stuff. As a result I had a bunch of materials hanging around in my craft supply cabinet so I thought it was time to get crafting and make some bracelets.
In case you need a refresher on what Glitter Bracelets were/are, the internet has provided this picture of the popular 80s fashion item.
To make your own though you just need to make a trip to the dollar store and the hardware store.
At the dollar store:
- glitter
- glue sticks for your glue gun
At the hardware store:
- two different sizes of PVC clear tubing. One size (smaller) is for the bracelet, a larger side is the connector piece so make sure it is just big enough for the smaller tube to fit inside. You will also only need small amount of this larger size. To decide what size for the smaller tubing, use your wrist to measure it - the smaller tube needs to circle your wrist. note: pay close attention to the type of tubing you buy. Mine says "not for use in ice makers printed on it (hahaha)
Other Supplies
- scissors
- glue gun
- funnel, or piece of paper
- container to collect loose glitter
Let's get started!
The first thing I recommend is going outside, and covering your work surface with a table cloth or other covering. Why outside? Well, because of the glitter. It's going to get everywhere.
Measure the smaller PVS tubing (using your wrist as the guide) and cut. Using your hot glue pipe hot glue into one end. Set aside and let that harden up. While you are waiting you can cut the larger PVC into small pieces (about 5cm should be enough).
Once the glue plug has hardened, add the glitter. We used a small piece of paper folded in half as a funnel type apparatus to get the glitter into the small PVS tube. If you have a tiny funnel you can use that, or if you really don't care where the glitter goes, use a spoon to fill up the tube.
You want the glitter move around in your bracelet, so don't pack it too full. Real 80s glitter bracelets had water them. You can try and add water if you want. We didn't and the glitter still moves around in the bracelet.
Next pipe hot glue into the open end and let that dry and harden. Once it is hardened use the larger PVC to connect the bracelet and create a loop.
Finally - show off your awesome 80s fashion flair!
Want to check out what some other bloggers are doing to use up their craft stash? Take a look at these:
These are SO cool! My daughter would love to make a set of these bracelets!
Posted by: Martha | 04/25/2017 at 06:09 AM
This is so fun! :D
Posted by: Mary | 04/25/2017 at 10:48 AM