Materials And Supplies

3 yards 1/8" craftstrip for top wrapper ;

1" x 6" metal band

3 yards 3/32" craftstrip for under wrapper ;

Scotch tape

3 yards 3/32" craftstrip same color as top wrapper

Tools

pair of scissors ; ruler ; metal file

THESE bracelets require a metal band or blank which will bend easily to conform to the wrist and still hold its shape. The bands may be of aluminum, steel, brass, or other non-rusting metal. The bands and craftstrip are available in hobby shops and department stores, the bands at about five cents each, and craftstrip at about two cents a yard. The instructions are for the twist pattern created by winding two wrappers of contrasting colors at the same time. It is illustrated by the larger center bracelet in the photograph. It was made in brown and silver colors.

Procedure

1. Prepare the band for use by filing off any rough edges especially at the corners. Paste ten strips of 3/32" lacing each nine inches long to a quarter inch strip of Scotch tape. The ten strips should extend a half an inch beyond the Scotch tape, and the Scotch tape should be a half an inch wider on each side than the ten strips. Tape the ten strips to the metal band on both ends as shown in the first diagram on the following page. With two pieces of Scotch tape, paste the wrappers to the band with the wider one on top as shown in the second figure. Wrap six times as illustrated in the third diagram. The upper wrapper should conceal the under wrapper at all times on both sides of the band for the first six wraps.

Figure 64. Craftstrip Form Bracelets.

2. ;At the front twist the wrappers three times to the right and bring them around the metal band to the front ready for the next twist. The narrow lace will appear across the back. On the next twist turn the wrappers to the left or in the opposite direction three times. This time the wider lace will show across the back. These two twisted rows, once to the right and once to the left, are repeated until you can finish off the bracelet with six plain wraps to match the beginning.

3. ;On the wrong side, insert the ends of the wrappers inconspicuously through three of the final six winds, and pull tightly. Tug at them gently until they are snug and will not slip off the right side of the band. Trim off the ends with the scissors close to the winding.

Figure 65. Working Detail of Craftstrip Form Bracelet.

Figure 66. Pearl Decorated Match Boxes.

4. Form the bracelet to fit the wrist. Be careful so that you do not get sharp points or angles in the band.