How to craft a metallic cuff bracelet with paper mache

Metallic accessories and jewelry are very popular styles in fashion. One of the most stylish items for this season is the cuff bracelet. These chunky bracelets are fun to wear. However, a full metal bracelet might be uncomfortably heavy on your wrist. To solve this dilemma, you might consider crafting a metallic cuff bracelet with paper mache.

Materials Needed

In order to craft a metallic cuff bracelet from paper mache, you only need a few materials. To make the paper mache, you need newspaper, white craft glue, and water. You also need white acrylic paint, sandpaper, and metallic paints in your choice of silver tone, gold tone, bronze, or copper. To form the cuff bracelet you will need a rectangle, or your desired shape, or card stock. To let it dry, you should us a large soup can that is slightly squashed into an oval shape.

Craft the Cuff Bracelet

The paper mache cuff bracelet will be crafted over a cardboard frame. The first step is to cut the cardboard or heavy card stock into your desired shape and size. Make sure the cuff bracelet will fit easily on and off your wrist. And remember that the end result will be slightly larger than the cardboard base.

After you have your basic cardboard bracelet shape, begin to layer the paper mache onto all sides of it. Paper mache can be made simply with small strips of newspaper and watered down white craft glue. Be sure to thoroughly saturate the newspaper, but do not make the entire bracelet soggy.

Once you have the appropriate thickness of paper mache for your cuff bracelet, you should carefully sit it on the squashed can to dry. Putting a piece of plastic wrap or cling film around the can first is a great idea. Allow the cuff bracelet to dry completely. After it is dry, sand it smooth.

Metallic Painting Techniques

After the paper mache cuff bracelet is completely dry, you should paint it with a layer of white acrylic primer paint. Make sure this layer covers the entire bracelet and seals the paper mache. After that is dry, you can get creative with your metallic paints.

There are several options for metallic paints at the craft store. You can find basic acrylic or enamel paints in metallic colors. You can also find leafing paint that gives a very smooth, true-to-life metallic look. You can also find gold and bronze leaf papers. These have metallic leafing on one side that you rub onto your item. This is most effective in small spots, rather than on a complete bracelet, however.

Using paper mache to craft a metallic cuff bracelet is a wonderful alternative to more traditional metal jewelry. Easy to complete and design, this craft will provide you with a highly fashionable cuff bracelet that is truly unique. With the simplest steps, your metallic jewelry will be ready to wear in a very short period of time.