Last week Craft Hope, an organization that works to help those less fortunate by sharing handmade crafts, announced it's latest project, bracelets for Ethiopia. I have worked on several Craft Hope projects in the past, bibs, aprons and bags, it's such a wonderful organization. For this project Craft Hope is working with Partners With Ethiopia to make bracelets to spread goodwill among the orphaned and vulnerable children in Ethiopia.
Partners With Ethiopia "works to support their indigenous partners in southern Ethiopia who are running sponsorship programs, economic development, and food security programs. They are working hard to educate and empower children, and widows to break the cycle of poverty, and offer hope and independence for their future."
Today, in the US, is Martin Luther King Day which historically is considered a day of service. While that is often intended as a day of service within our communities I don't think we necessarily need to feel limited to just that. Making bracelets for those, near or far, less fortunate sounds like a pretty great way to spend a cold winter day!
I've put together 5 super simple bracelets that you can make today...Make them with your kids even!
Yarn wrapped bracelets:
Buy some inexpensive plastic bracelets, the kind that you see in the party section, tie a knot around the bracelet with some yarn, wrap tightly around the entire bracelet and finish with another knot tied as a bow.
Fabric wrapped bracelets:
Use those same inexpensive plastic party bracelets and wrap thin strips of fabric scraps around them. Tie a knot around the bracelet to begin, then wrap tightly around the entire bracelet, finish either by knotting or gluing the end.
Stitched Felt bracelets:
Use a scrap of felt cut into a long thin strip to make this bracelet. I fastened mine at the end simply with a snap and then use a bit of embroidery floss to stitch decorative stitches along the felt strip.
Tube Knit bracelet:
Make yourself a quick french knitter using craft sticks and a toilet paper roll (here's how) and then knit up a few rows (instructions here) to make this soft and comfy bracelet, finish with a double knotted bow.
Braided knit bracelet:
Use a rectangular scrap of knit fabric to make this bracelet. Cut rectangle into three strips, but do not cut all the way up through the top, leave about 2" at the top, leaving the three strips connected. Braid strips, tie the ends a knot. Snip a very small hole into the top bit that you left uncut and slip the knot through the hole.
And, before you know it...
you've got a pile of pretty bracelets made...
I've rounded up several other bracelet tutorials as well:
http://buzzmills.typepad.com/blog/2015/09/family-rope-bracelets-1.html
http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/01/14/braided-friendship-bracelets-for-valentines-day/
http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/06/01/mollys-sketchbook-breezy-friendship-bracelets/
http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2013/07/melted-perler-bead-braided-bracelet.html
http://helloglow.co/diy-braided-t-shirt-bracelets/
http://www.lbg-studio.com/2012/11/diy-fabric-bracelets.html
http://www.michaelannmade.com/2011/07/woven-friendship-bracelet-tutorial.html
http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2011/03/v-and-co-how-to-jersey-knit-bracelet.html
http://www.makermama.com/2013/03/perler-bead-bangles_7.html
Learn more about Craft Hope and bracelets for Ethiopia.
Take some time out to do something for others, take the time to make them together...
Enjoy!
