Topshop DIY

I love jewellery and Topshop has always been one of the places that I loved to shop from to pick up new pieces. The only issue that I have with Topshop is that is sooo expensive for what it is! Last summer they were selling these really pretty flower bracelets made from twine/rope and fake flowers that I fell in love with. I brought one even though it was £8 (seriously? for some fake flowers and rope?) and then two days later it promptly fell apart and I had to exchange it. The second one that I brought also ended up breaking about a week later so I decided that I would have a go at making my own. 

They are really easy to do and so pretty for the summer :)

What you will need 

Twine (I got mine from a garden centre)

Scissors.

Fake flowers (Available from places like hobby craft or fabric stores)

Needle (Make sure the eye is fairly big)

To start with measure out a length of twine that will sit comfortably around your wrist (don't measure it tight to as you tie these on and will end up not leaving enough to fasten it) Add about another 5-7 inches of twine and cut it. (The extra length is so you can create the knot and the loop at either end)

Tip: If you are not sure how much to leave always measure a bit more as you can cut the excess off after if its too long

Measure the exact same length out another 5 times (so you have 6 individual strands) and then secure them tightly at the top by wrapping a separate piece of twine around all 6 pieces. Knot it securely otherwise it will unravel when you wear it. You will need to make quite a thick knot so that the loop won't slide off when you fasten it.

Separate the strands in to three separate strands of two and start plaiting 

When you get towards the bottom of the twine check that there is enough of the plaited section to sit around your wrist to form the bracelet.  Then take one section of your stand and make a loop at the bottom of the bracelet. Using the other two strands, wrap them tightly around the loop ( make sure you have left some twine at the bottom of your loop so that you can flatten it against the plaited section to secure it) and tie firmly in place. 

You should have something that looks like this. Try it on and test that the knot is thick enough to secure the loop otherwise it will slide off when you wear it. Its important that you tie the loop and knot as tight as you can otherwise they will unravel.

                                                                                                            

    

Choose what coloured flowers you want to use on your bracelet. You can either use small fabric flowers like these or paper ones.

If you choose the fabric flowers you will need to cut a piece of twine and unravel it so that you have very thin strand. Thread it through your needle and tie a knot in the other end.

Start sewing your flowers on to your bracelet :)

If you go for paper flowers these are easier to attach as you can simply weave them through your plaited section on your bracelet until they are securely in place and then cut off the end.

Voila! :)

love and kisses 

x x x x