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Make designer-inspired “straw” bangles

5 May 2011 23,206 views 11 Comments

by samantha

These spring bangles were inspired by a set that appeared in More magazine by R. J. Graziano and offer summery straw and raffia style with only a few supplies. Graziano's bangles are $25. The dollar store DIY will run you about 50 cents a bangle, cheap enough to stack a dozen up your arm if you are so inclined or to make as gifts.

Project Estimate:

1 package of 50-foot poly rope, $1 (makes 2 bangles)
fabric glue such as Fabri-Tac or hot glue, on hand

Total: 50 cents and up

Start with a package of poly rope in the color or colors of your choice.

Cut two 9-foot-long pieces per bangle. Burn the ends to prevent fraying.

Find the center of each piece of rope. Criss cross the ropes and begin tying a series of lanyard knots (otherwise known as crown knots.) For detailed instructions on how to tie the knot, see this tutorial at examiner.com.

Keep tying until you have a chain of knots that is long enough to go around your wrist.

One end of your bracelet will have four loose ropes. The other will have a finished end. One at a time, pull the loose rope ends through the finished end.

Try to weave them in so that it looks like a continuous chain.

Squeeze glue in where the loose ropes intersect the finished end and allow to dry completely before trimming the loose pieces.

Trim the ropes and apply a dab of glue to the cut end to prevent fraying.

Wear your bangles one at a time.

Or stack them up your arm.

Disclosure: this article may contain affiliate links or other forms of sponsored content. Opinions are 100% the author's. Full disclosure policy.

11 Comments »

Michelle L. said:

OMGEE, that is stunning!!! Incredible jewels from that ugly rope – I am so impressed!

# 5 May 2011 at 11:29 am

Dollar Store Crafts » Blog Archive » Crafting for Charity: Craft Hope Bracelet Drive + 9 Bracelet Tutorials said:

[...] Designer-inspired "straw" bangles [...]

# 7 May 2011 at 12:31 am

81Petals said:

Love them. Im heading to Dollar Tree.

# 10 May 2011 at 8:42 am

moomilicious said:

adoring these!!! fab makes from such an everyday item!! ma be tempted to try one for me.

# 11 May 2011 at 2:08 pm

Water Extraction said:

these are great and very nice looking

# 26 May 2011 at 11:29 am

Sarah said:

O.o That’s it! My hiatus from crafting is offically over! Drools…I am going to make so many of these my house is going to look like a bohemian jewelry store. Buhahaha. My husband is going to hate me…hahaha!

# 26 May 2011 at 3:07 pm

Graziano Inspired Straw Bangles | Copycat Crafts said:

[...] Dollar Store Crafts » Blog Archive » Make designer-inspired “straw” bangles. // Filed Under: [...]

# 21 October 2011 at 4:02 am

Amanda said:

We liked this so much over at Copycat Crafts that we have decided to feature it! You can view it here
http://www.copycatcrafts.com/graziano-inspired-straw-bangles/

We’d love it if you’d like to display a featured button! You can grab your button on the right hand side of your post. Thanks!

# 25 October 2011 at 11:47 am

Alissa said:

You can probably pull the poly rope apart so you have 2 small strands (instead of one large strand) and make smaller versions of this. :)

# 13 December 2011 at 6:13 pm

jujubean said:

Hi!
I loved that idea. It’s amazing… I am actually working my bangles right now. However I do not understand how you did to have clean finish. I would appreciate if you be able to explain a little more

# 23 November 2012 at 9:06 pm

Samantha said:

Hi JuJu Bean,

When you finish tying the knots, you will have four loose strands of rope. On the other end of the bracelet, your first knot will have created four “loops” of a sort.

I took one strand and pulled it through one of the loops. Second strand through second loop, etc. Then I pulled them all tight. I pulled them from the outside of the bracelet toward the inside. It looks like a big mess until you pull it all tight. Then you put a dab of glue on each strand and let it dry. Them trim off the excess. Hope this helps.

# 25 November 2012 at 9:35 am