Kids' Camp Crafts #4: Rosette Bracelet

Who would guess this funky rosette bracelet is made from a recycled T-shirt? This fun, upcycled craft comes from Jen Goode, the creative force behind JGoode Designs, a Denver-based art and design studio.  Jen loves all kinds of color, multi-media, mixing textures and materials to create interesting pieces. 

Well for this project, Jen started out with a faded orange T-shirt, cut it up into narrow strips and overdyed the strips with Rit Fuchsia and Cherry Red. The colors mixed and blended together to create these unique shades of color. Whatever color T-shirt you start with, just remember the rules of color mixing apply! This is an easy, fun project that kids of all ages will enjoy!

Here's how you can make your own...

SUPPLIES:

• Rit Liquid Dye: Fuchsia and Cherry Red

• Crafter’s Pick Fabric Glue

• 100% Cotton T-Shirt (any color, new or recycled)

• Tan Felt, 1” x 10” for each bracelet

• Scissors

• Clear Duct Tape

• Paper

• Dyeing Supplies: Measuring spoons, microwave safe measuring cup, spoon, large glass mixing bowl, disposable rubber gloves, paper towels, plastic wrap, plastic table cover.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cover work surface with a plastic table cover.

2. If using a new T-shirt, launder it to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

3. Cut six ½” x 8” strips from the T-shirt. This will make rosettes about 1 ¼” in diameter. Increase or decrease the length to make rosettes larger or smaller.

Dyeing & Making Rosettes:

1. Wearing disposable rubber gloves, measure 1 teaspoon Fuchsia dye with 1 cup hot water; stir well. Pour mixture into mixing bowl. Note: If water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave for 2 minutes.

2. Immerse three of the fabric strips in the dye solution for 3 minutes. Squeeze excess liquid.

Wrap fabric strips in plastic wrap. Place in microwave for 2 minutes. Let cool. Remove from plastic wrap, rinse in cold water until water rinses clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent and lay on paper towel to air dry.

3. Dye remaining fabric strips in Cherry Red, following steps 1 – 2 above.

4. Set aside one strip of fabric to use later as a loop closure for the bracelet.

5. Make a loop of duct tape and place on a piece of paper. Twist one fabric strip and place one end in center of duct tape. Press to adhere.

6. To make rosette shape: Wrap fabric around itself in a circle while twisting and pressing to tape. Repeat until entire fabric piece is wound into circle. Make five rosettes for each bracelet.

7. Apply a coat of fabric glue to entire exposed side of each rosette. Let dry overnight.

8. Remove rosettes from duct tape.

To Make Rosette Bracelet:

1. Measure and cut a piece of felt 1” wide and 2” longer than wrist measurement.

2. Fold each end of felt about ¾” toward the middle of felt band and glue in place. Let dry.

3. With folded side of band facing up, glue five rosettes to felt band, beginning ½” from each end. Space rosettes so they cover the cut ends. Let dry.

4. Using scissors, make a ¼” slit on each end of felt. Using the extra fabric strip, pull it through one slit from back to front. Tie three knots on top of each other to create one large knot.

5. Pull fabric through second slit and repeat knot tying, leaving approximately 1” of fabric between the two knots. Trim remaining fabric.