DIY Braided Glitter Bracelet

Okay so I hope you’re not getting tired of the glitter bracelets made from plastic tubing, because I have one more idea and set of components for you today.  Maybe this just gets your wheels turning (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) but I have one more way you can use plastic tubing to make a fun DIY glitter bracelet.  You can incorporate multiple colors by using multiple strands – and make up a fun piece like this this braided glitter bracelet.

I had a lot of fun making and sharing these different styles of bracelets made with the same components this week.  If you missed it, be sure to check out the other two styles I shared: the Beaded Glitter Wrap Bracelet and the Gold Glitter Looped Bracelet.   It was a challenge for me to find the right supplies to make these designs work, but now that I’ve located them, I’ll sahre links below where you can find your supplies (in case you see this idea, and start obsessing the way I did, haha.)  These links are affiliate links, which means if you do decide to jump in and make a purchase, then it does support my blog at no extra cost to you (and thank you, by the way!)

Pictured above are the components I used for a few different projects, but here’s what you’ll need to make today’s braided glitter bracelet from plastic tubing:

• 3/16″ OD Clear plastic tubing with a 1/32″ wall (sold in 10-foot lengths)
• Extra fine glitter
• Large-hole beads (anything with at least a 5mm hole will work, I used decorative rings)
• Glue-on bar clasp set
• Scissors
• Jewelry glue – I used Super New Glue for this project, though any heavy duty adhesive recommended for bonding metal and plastic would work
• Funnel – you can use a tiny craft funnel, or just do what I did and roll up a scrap of paper and tape it shut

I put a few glues to the test when making up these bracelet styles.  I thought that Super New Glue worked well for this project because of the snug fit of the tubing inside the clasp.  I also used Gutermann glue for some of the other styles, and while I thought it also was a good choice, you can get away with the less expensive (and easier to find) glue for this project.

Cut three lengths of tubing 7 inches long, and glue one end cap onto all 3 tubes.  It will take a minute or two to dry enough to stay put, so that you can continue with your design.  I had to buy a 10-foot length of this tubing, but it was only $7.  You’ll be able to make several bracelets from it – so it ends up being a pretty inexpensive component.

Next, fill the tubes carefully with glitter through the funnel (my funnel was just scrap paper rolled up and taped shut with washi tape – hey, it works).

I added a bit of tape to the ends of each tube as I filled them, so that I didn’t spill glitter all over while working.

I also took a minute now to add some decorative rings.  Any large hole bead would look nice – or, just stick to the glitter tubes themselves!

Finally, braid all the strands loosely.  Remove the tape, try not to spill any glitter, and glue on the other end cap.  Allow your piece to dry for at least 30 minutes before wearing it, but that’s all it takes!

Have you enjoyed these glittery ideas?  I could keep going (after all, I do have tubing left) but I don’t want it to get old.  I did enjoy this little mini-series this week, though!  I have other ideas that would be fun to add to this tubing, like beads, or sprinkles – and I’m definitely planning out an idea using beach sand!

Hope you all have a great day ~