How to make tape measure and button bracelets inspired by the book 1000 Jewelry Inspirations (Mini)

So I just got my copy of 1000 Jewelry Inspirations (mini): Beads, Baubles, Dangles, and Chains and I made it 1, yes 1, page before I was hit with a bit of inspiration as the title states. I made a whole arm full of recycled tape measure and button bangle bracelets.

This was the first page of 1000 Jewelry Inspirations (mini): Beads, Baubles, Dangles, and Chains that held a collage of the pieces from different sections of the book. Can you tell which one was my inspiration? I think so. They look nothing alike but that is what inspiration is all about. It just takes one little spark.

Here is how to make recycled tape measure and button bracelets.

Open up your tape measure.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!CAUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It will "sproing" out at you so be very very careful!!!!

Cut your tape measure into sections. I used tin snips and for myself I cut 8 inch lengths but 8 1/4 is the size it seemed most of my bangles were. I have pretty narrow hands and wrists so I went a bit smaller.  Cut to fit what you like.

First I hammered a starter dent with an awl and then drilled 2 little holes on each end of the cut piece of tape measure. The ends are going to overlap so make sure they are the same distance apart.

I used my Dremel to grind the holes smooth and round the cut ends soft. I wore eye protection!!! Sparks will fly.

Then I cut a piece of 20 gauge wire about 3 inches long. I folded it in half and slipped a button (sometimes 2) onto the wire.

Then VERY CAREFULLY!!!! I curled the tape measure into a circle and overlapped the pair of holes on each end. It is still very "sproingy" so hold on tight and insert the wire through the two holes. Fold it over and then curl the wire flat.

I wasn't planning on wearing more than one but I loved how a whole bunch looked. I used red, black, white and metal buttons so there is a nice mix of size and color.

So if you like designing your own jewelry and love inspiration, here is a little book filled with 1000 ideas!

1000 Jewelry Inspirations (mini)

Beads, Baubles, Dangles, and Chains

By

Sandra Salamony

A visual catalog for jewelry, bead artists and crafters who will relish the opportunity to have so many ideas at their fingertips to inspire their own projects!

 
A showcase of stunning jewelry bits and pieces, "bling" and embellishments, this collection is made to feed the creative appetites of crafters and jewelry makers everywhere. The book offers color, sparkle, texture, dimension, and clever, creative use of materials. One piece of jewelry might have several points of interest to be highlighted: an antique clasp, textured lampwork beads, and intricate knots.

An author of various books on art techniques, home decor, and crafts, Sandra Salamony  (Traverse City, MI) makes a living as an art director, designer, and artist in northern Michigan. Her projects and designs have been featured in magazines, books, and on television.

 

Comments

[Janel]

I love the bangles! What a great idea to re-purpose something I have never thought of making into jewelry.

[Suella]

I would be interested in the multi-media materials and examples in this book.

I'm off to find out more.

[Eileen]

The tape measure bracelets are darling. Thanks for the how-to.

[CFDs]

These are indeed great inspirations to start with. We can make good looking jewelry from our conventional materials found at home. I am indeed inspired because with the availability of materials, we can market it and earn much. Thanks a lot on the tip.

[Louis Vuitton Bags]

Any one who conducts an argument by appealing to authourity is not using his intelligence; he is just using his memory. (Da Vinci, Italian painter)

[Walter Knauf]

Tape Measure and button bracelets, huh? I guess this pretty much proves that you can use anything you like when you want to make bracelets. It also seems like this bracelet is intended to be only used by men, but that's just my opinion.

[marketing bureau]

I never thought that this tape measure could be made into a bracelet. Being resourceful is one way which could help the environment and also useful to yourself.

[Lori Anderson]

So creative! And I just got the inspiration book for Christmas from my hubby!