Morse Code Blue Jean Bangles

Need a gift idea for a casual type?  Consider this little number:

A Morse code jean bracelet!  Ain't it cool?

There are lots of Morse code jewels out there, but mostly they use patterns of short-and-long beads.  I decided to paint mine instead!

Here's the code; see if you can read them.

I could tell you how I made them...but then I might have to kill you.

Oh, well, if you're willing to risk it, read on for the Top Secret DIY!  



What you'll need:
old pair o' jeans
two ribbon crimps (the 1/2" size)
jump rings and a clasp
bright craft paints
fabric pen or Sharpie
a small charm or bead dangle

Tools: scissors and a small pair of pliers

Ready?  Let's begin!   Trim the inseam from a pair of used-up jeans.  Then snip into sections an inch shorter than your final desired length.

Now you need two ribbon crimps.  (Find 'em at craft stores, bead shops or online.)

These little darlings come in a 1/2" size - the perfect fit for a jean seam, wahoooooo!!!  (Sorry to sound overexcited, but it's little things like that that make me happy.)

To attach, simply squoosh the crimps tight with pliers.  Tight, people, I mean it!

Next, grab a few jump rings, a pretty clasp and a little bead dangle or charm.  Open all the jump rings in advance, it saves time:

Use one jump ring to attach the clasp on one end.

On the other end, link the rest of the jump rings to make a little chain.  (Yay - an adjustable-length bracelet!)  Finish with the dangle or charm.

Voila, you now have the basic bangle bracelet.

And oh my goodness, it is darn cute just as it is!

Now to paint in Morse.  A tiny brush and any good-quality craft or fabric paint, and you are good to code.

Lay out your letters on paper first, then tape the bracelet down so it will stay put.

Add your color with a tiny brush.  Two alternating colors is a fun way to separate the letters, but if you have room, you could use one color and a larger space between each letter. 

Notice how light it is on the first coat.  The fabric will absorb most of the paint.  Let that dry a few minutes, then go back for a second coat - the colors will suddenly pop!    

Finally, outline in a black fabric paint pen.  A Sharpie works, too.

To protect the code, two choices.  1. Apply a light coat of clear sealer (such as a spray-on poly or fabric Mod Podge).  2. Use an iron to heat-set the paint.  With this method, be sure to place a piece of fabric between the iron and the bracelet.

 And there you have it, your Morse Code bracelet is complete!

By the way, this jean seam idea is basically a new version of my most popular project ever, the Blue Jean Seam Wrap Bracelet.  Anyone been here long enough to remember that one?

 


Hope you enjoyed this Morse code project!   There's a beautiful tabula rasa just waiting for you, in the inseam of someone's jeans...

Now, do tell!  What would you write on yours?