Colorful Q-Tip Bracelets!

Okie dokie!  Here's something fun and strange and cute.  Check out these bright multistrand bracelets:

Pretty, yes?  Would you have guessed they're made from upcycled Q-Tips?  Yep, I went there.

Now don't go all prissy on me - if this makes you squeamish, go ahead and use pristine, virgin Q-Tips if you need to.  But I am happy to harvest the awesome plastic centers before tossing those used cotton swabs.  They come in the prettiest colors and I just hate throwing them out.

A long time ago I showed you how I made some Q-Tip chandelier earrings:

I did indeed make more earrings this time around, but the bracelets are even simpler.

That's 'cause they're memory wire, the easiest bracelet build there is.  Here's all you do.

Snip up the bright plastic tubes of some cheap-o dollar store Q-Tips.  Instant bugle beads, people!

Cut a length of memory wire with several coils - as few or as many as you like.  Mine are about four coils.  Make a small loop on one end.

Play around with stringing patterns until you are happy with the look.  Then just get started stringing your pattern onto the memory wire.

Keep going until you fill up the coils.  Finish with another small loop.  That's it - you have a bracelet!

Optional: add bead dangles or tassels to the end loops.

Wouldn't this be fun as a group activity for older kids and teens?  Also, memory wire bracelets make great gifts because they fit anyone.

Important Tip: be sure to use heavy wire cutters for the memory wire.  It's very tough stuff and will damage delicate jewelry snippers.

Free beads plus upcycling plus kooky kolors plus simple to make - this is just my kinda project.  Hope you guys enjoyed it!