DIY Stone Cuff Bracelets

I’ve been just swamped lately, and when that happens, I turn to my most instant-gratification-ideas.  They’re nearly always jewelry because I want to spoil myself with something pretty, and they can always be done in ten minutes or less.  Today’s cuff bracelets fall heavily into the “or less” category, because they are a glue-and-go style project.  They suit my love of arm candy, and my earthy style with stone cabochons.  So while today’s project can scarcely qualify as a “tutorial” – I do have some tips and tricks to share with you for mixing and matching up a beautiful stone bangle bracelet.  Get your DIY on, and I’ll show you how to make stone bangle bracelets in quite literally ONE minute.

I found these bangles and cabochons at Goody Beads just a few days ago, and there are TONS of options for mixing up a style that suits you best.  I wanted a gold and silver tone bangle to give me the option, and I chose blue lapis for the gold bangle, and an African turquoise for the silver.  You can do some quick research on birthstones, and you may be able to find yours!  My daughter’s alternate birthstone is turquoise, so I find myself choosing it quite often.  If I were a more dedicated mother, I would have also picked up a cabochon in carnelian for my son, too, but I guess that means I’ll just have to order one more next time. ;) (Darn.)

There’s a certain irony that you could have made one of these beautiful bangles already if you’ve read this far.  So let’s cut to the chase, and I’ll show you my supplies.  The links below are affiliate links, which means if you’re smitten and must buy some for yourself, your purchase supports my craft addiction and free tutorials at no extra charge to you (and thank you, by the way).  I’ll link to the exact pieces I used, but there’s a whole collection of wire bracelet supplies with other options to check out.

Gold Bangle:

• 37mm gold plated wire form bracelet blank
• 25mm rectangular blue lapis cabochon

Silver Bangle:

• 48mm silver plated wire form bracelet blank
• 40mm oval African turquoise cabochon

Glue:

• Super New Glue

Add a few drops (you need 3, 4 tops) of glue to the blank on the front of the cuff.  I used Super New Glue because it’s an instant-bond type of glue with a good hold.  I haven’t worn these out yet (they’re actually brand-spankin-new to Goody Beads, where I do much of my jewelry supply shopping) but I will be sure to update this post if I have any difficulty with the hold.  I use Super New Glue for most of my glued jewelry projects, and I’ve had excellent success with it so far.

Because it’s an instant-hold type of glue, the only watch-out is to place your cabochon carefully.  Get it straight and level, and if it’s not, then fix it immediately.  You won’t be able to move it after the first couple seconds.  I still recommend letting the glue dry for at least an hour before wearing it out, but you’ll be able to set it aside to let it dry without having to worry about gravity making any changes after about 30 seconds.

And that’s all you need to make deliciously gorgeous stone bangle bracelets.  (Can you tell from the photos that I’m hopelessly in love with the turquoise one?   Yes?  Yes.)

Thanks for joining me for today’s anti-tutorial (since I’m sure you knew how to glue before dropping by) and I’ll see you again soon!