Tape measure bracelet
September 15, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Bead Embroidery, Beading, Make Art Monday, Mixed Media, Technique Tuesday, Tutorials & Techniques, Wearable Art
Make Art Monday!
This is another bracelet made with a wrapped blank as the base. I’ve already shared instructions for making a similar bracelet. This one features a vintage measuring tape! So, think outside the ribbon box for a moment with me…what else could we use to wrap a bracelet?
i really like this unusual treatment. It’s really something different. It has an antigue quality.
Thanks, Corinne! The tape measure is a really old one, so that fits…I’ve been trying to think of what other older fabrics I could use to make one of these.
OK, I’m attempting to make some of these for christmas – because I think they are inspired! I’m just cutting out my metal bracelet blanks now. This bracelet seems a little different from the straight ribbon cuff bracelet. I hope I can cope – wish me luck! Suzannah
I’m totally sure you can do it, Suzannah! If you run into any difficulties at all, just drop me a message, right here in the comments!
Thanks, Cyndi. What a great resource you are! I do have a couple of questions, actually..
In the photo of the tape measure bracelet – as opposed to the cuff ribbon bracelet, it looks as though the actual tape measure is not stuck down (to the leather) with glue. It looks a lot more ‘puffy’. Is this the case?
When applying the base leather, can I glue it down while the metal is still straight, and then bend it into the bracelet shape, or will this crack the clue and ruin the bond?
I used only the slightest little bits of fabric glue to stick the tape measure down at the very beginning and the very end of the piece. It’s just my personal preference, but I just felt funny applying glue all over the antique tape measure
The stitching holds it in place, so even though it’s not glued down, it still doesn’t shift.
I always either bend my bracelet form first, or buy ones that are already bent. I don’t know whether or not the glue would crack…it you used a flexible glue it might not, since most ultra suede and leather has some give to it. Or you can use cotton quilt batting instead of leather, and it’s got a lot of give.
I’d love to see your bracelet when you finish it!
BTW, I think the main reason this one looks puffier is because the tape measure is a thicker and less drapey material than the ribbon…the ribbon is really thin fine silk.
the stitching holds it in place? err, which stitching is that? Are you talking about the beading stitching, or did you do a row of stitching at the top and bottom for security? I know what you mean about not wanting to glue the whole thing… When I have finished the bracelets I will send you a photo for sure! At the moment I am waiting for my tape measures to arrive from the States (ebay..) – They were harder to acquire than I thought! Thanks for your answers!
I just mean the beading around the edges…no extra stitches were needed, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to sneak a few in wherever they were necessary. Like if the tape insisted in gapping in certain spots or something.
Hi Cyndi. I’m still waiting for my tape measures to arrive in the mail. Most infuriating as I’m dying to see how they’ll look! I have another question: I’ve never sewn a bead in my life. Is there a specific stitch I should around the edges?
I like using brick stitch around the edging most of the time, but there are lots of different stitches which will cover the edges. You can see what brick stitch looks like in this tutorial I wrote:
http://www.beading-arts.com/2009/09/beaded-cabochon-pendants.html
There are some pretty good online tutorials that will show you how to do the stitches in glorious detail. Links are here:
http://www.blisstree.com/jewelryandbeading/basics-the-best-of-the-basics-online/
Thanks, Cyndi, that is exactly what I need!