Last Minute Party Cuff

I saw a pretty little ribbon bracelet in a magazine at my neighbor’s house the other day.  Though it said it’s available at arisonthecoast.com for $250, I couldn’t find the exact one online to show you.  But it was very similar to these from that same website

I love how mid-century chic they are.  It also turns out that it’s about as easy to make a knock-off version of one of these as it is to get yourself dressed. 

Which makes it the perfect little last minute accessory to make for that holiday party that you’re going to, and just need a little something extra to pull your look together.  And as fun as the front buckle is, I really love the button closure on the other side.  A lot.

True, mine isn’t as upscale as the original, but it cost me $245 less and took about 30 minutes from start to finish to make, so I’m feeling pretty good about it. 

If you have $5, 30 minutes, and a desire to make yourself some cheap-O holiday bling, here’s how I made mine:

You’ll need:

-Length of ribbon, at least two inches wide.  (I wanted wider, but couldn’t’ find anything wider than this locally)
-Belt buckle, the kind without a pokey-friend.  You know, those you just thread the belt over and through?  That kind.
-Shank-back buttons
-Rhinestone-type gems (I bought self-stick, but ended up using a glue gun anyway)
-Elastic cording
-Hot glue gun
-needle and thread

Take your length of ribbon and measure it around your wrist.   You want it pretty tight, tighter than this is showing or the heavier buckle will move around to the back of your wrist as you wear it (guess how I know that).

Add 1 inch and cut

At one raw edge, fold over .25 inch

Then again

Stitch in place, remembering to backstitch

Repeat for both sides

Cut two one-inch strips of elastic cording

Fold in half and lay on the inside of one end of the ribbon, leaving a small loop overhanging.  Stitch in place.  Snip the loose ends of the cording

I have yet to figure out how to get my stitches to look neat whilst holding two tiny pieces of elastic cording in place.  Forgive me and my imperfections, please.

Get needle, thread and your fun shank buttons

 

Hand sew to the other end of the ribbon, on the outside

Now grab your classy rhinestones and buckle.  I painted my buckle silver first.  All I had in silver was acrylic paint, but since I just needed it to neutralize the background, I didn’t care  if it didn’t go on perfectly.

Secure rhinestones with a hot glue gun
Now thread your ribbon through the blinged buckle

And you’re all ready for some festive holiday cheer.

I think this look would be awesome as a belt, so stay tuned for that…

Linking to

and few of these parties.