Kate Spade Inspired Balloon Bracelet

Fun fact about me: I have a tendency to start random hobbies. For example: one time, I decided I wanted to learn how to make balloon animals. I bought a beginner's kit that came with balloons, a pump, and a book on how to make animals. I practiced making a dog, along with a few other animals. I sat there for hours trying to perfect them. Was I training to become some sort of clown on the weekends?! Who knows... Anyway, I was never too good at making balloon animals despite my best efforts. After a few days of trying, the novelty wore off and the kit got pushed into a drawer with all my other forgotten hobbies. Balloon animals were apparently something I was meant to admire, but not create. So, when I saw Kate Spade's new Whimsies collection, I was hooked! They're an absolutely perfect way to display your secret love of balloons, unicorns, and dinosaurs. I think my favorites are the ring, brooch, and bangle. If you can afford to purchase something from the new Kate Spade collection, DO. IT. For the rest of us, here is my humble attempt at the phrase "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

You will need:

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

Metallic/Pearl paint
3/4 in Wooden Letters (here)
16 gauge aluminum wire (mine is from Michael's)
Jewelry pliers and tools (here)
E6000 glue (here)
Paintbrushes
Scissors (here)
String or ribbon

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

1. Paint your letters with the metallic paint. I lined up my colors and found the best pattern before painting. I didn't want too many similar colors next to each other. Be sure to paint the front and all the sides.

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

2. Cut a piece of wire for the bracelet. There are 2 methods for figuring how long to cut your wire. 
Method 1: Using your string, measure loosely around your wrist, adding a few extra cm's to roll your wire.

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

Method 2: Grab a bracelet that fits well and measure that against your string for a similar fit.

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

3. Once you've cut your string, line it up against your wire and cut at the mark using your wire cutters. Make the cut as straight as possible.

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

4. Using the narrow tip of your rounded pliers, roll over the cut ends of your wire so that you don't have any sharp edges.

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

5. To create a bracelet shape, use something cylindrical to gently wrap the wire around. I used a party cup, since it's tapered and allows you to adjust the width of your bracelet easily.

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

6. Once I had a round shape, I made it slightly oval so that it would slip on and off my wrist more easily. My wire was very malleable, so I didn't want it losing its shape too much!

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

7. Using your E6000, glue the letters onto the bracelet. I started near the center with the letter R, then added the others closely so they would fit together well. (I used a glue gun at first, but all the letters fell off! I don't recommend the glue gun method).

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

Woop! There it is. Now you have your own KS Whimsies collection lookalike bracelet. This one is definitely more fragile, so wear with care. But, as a plus, you can write whatever you want on the bracelet- your name, an inspiring word, a reminder to party more, etc. My suggestions: CAKE, because yum, LOVE, because the world needs more of it, and GLITTER, because sparkles make everything better!

Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.
Super affordable bracelet inspired by Kate Spade's Whimsies balloon collection! Click for the full tutorial.

PS- If you love balloon animals, you gotta check out this post!

These would be so fun to make all your friends to give out as friendship bracelets, or as part of a bachelorette party gift! What are you planning to put on your bracelet? Let me know in the comments!

The 10 Best Tutorials for a Sugar Sweet Party

April is a very special for me- it's my birthday month! I'll be turning 27 soon, so I decided I needed a super fun theme to celebrate this momentous occasion. What could be better than a Sugar Sweet party?! I've searched far and wide for inspirational images and ideas. Here's a list of the BEST tutorials for throwing a Sugar Sweet birthday party!

Looking for some great tutorials for your donut party, ice cream social, or sugar sweet party? You’ve got to check out this roundup of the top 10… I mean 12 best DIY projects! #icecreamsocial #donutbirthdayparty #partytheme

 

1. Ok, what could be cuter than sending out these invites for your party?! I love that they're 3-D.  If this doesn't get your guests excited, I don't know what will!

2. These little lemonade favors bring me so much nostalgia! They would look so cute set out on your party table or placed in a giant pitcher.

3. If you're good at sewing, a few of these pillows would be super fun to toss on your couch or give out as favors. You could probably even use fabric glue instead of sewing!

4. I would rock these sunglasses on an ordinary day! If you're having an indoor party, pop out the lenses before making them and you're good to go. Or, if you already have your own set of prescription spectacles, try this tutorial instead.

5. I love garlands, and this one is no exception. It seems super easy to create, and your guests will love it. Oh Happy Day also has an online shop where you can find all sorts of adorable party supplies as well!

6. Because who wouldn't want a whole STRING of donuts?! Plus they've got puffy sprinkles!

7. If you have kids, this would be a super fun project to do with them! If you don't have kids, grab your friends instead ;)

8. These cone hats are an adorable and cost-effective way to get everyone dolled up for the party.

9. These balloon weights couldn't be sweeter (Get it?!)

10. Cotton candy string lights would brighten up any party!  String them up on your party table or photo booth to make them a little sweeter.

Bonus time! here are two more must-haves for your Sugar Sweet Party.

11. This donut platter is easy to make, and costs less than $10!

12. For an affordable candy bar, check out this DIY. Can you believe these candy dishes are made from dollar store items?!

Thinking of throwing your own Sugar Sweet Party but need more inspiration?  Check out my Pinterest board!  

What's your favorite party theme?  Let me know in the comments!