Washer Bracelet
I was watching my husband do some repairs one day when inspiration struck! Silly man, he actually thought his tools were safe from my crafty ventures. Power tools are fun, and in making this bracelet you get to drill through metal! It's the thing excitement is made of!
First, drill a hole close to the outside edge of two of the large washers. Apply super glue around the original middle hole of one of them and center a small washer over it, press down to secure in place, this is your "end washer." Keep in mind that with super glue a little goes a long way.
On the other large washer glue a small washer to both sides of the middle hole, making sure they are centered. Then put a bit of super glue around the head of the bolt and insert it in the hole through all three washers. Press down to glue it in place, this is your "finishing washer." Set these aside and let them dry thoroughly (fig. A).
Follow this process with the remaining seven washers:
Use your ink pad to press ink directly onto the face of the washer. Sprinkle with your chosen embossing powder. I used a pencil stuck through the hole of the washer to shake off the excess powder. Melt the embossing powder with the heat gun and while the powder is still hot sprinkle another layer on. Prepare your rubber stamp by getting it inked up. Using the heat gun melt the second layer of embossing powder. When it's finished carefully press the stamp onto the washer and hold it there until it cools. Pull the rubber stamp off. Use the x-acto knife to remove any powder that melted over the edges or in the center of the washer. Apply the diamond glaze according to the instructions and let it dry completely (fig. B).
Now take the end washer you prepared and place it with the small washer facing up. Apply ink to only the visible surface of the large washer. Sprinkle with the embossing powder and continue as above except do not use the rubber stamp. On the second application of the powder you will most likely end up with a layer over the small washer as well, that is okay. Apply the diamond glaze only to the large washer (fig. C).
Thread the embroidery floss through the drilled hole in the end washer pulling it up so that the thread is doubled with the washer in the middle. Thread one bead over both ends of floss. Separate the floss into two strands again and thread one over and one under the next washer. Tie the floss in a knot. Lay the floss with one strand over and one under the other half of the washer. Thread another bead over both strands of floss. Continue in the same manner until you come to the finishing washer. After the bead, thread both strands of floss through the drilled hole in the finishing washer. Finish it off with a knot and secure the knot with super glue.
To wear the bracelet fit the end washer over the bolt on the finishing washer and screw on the nut.
There are many other ways you could create a bracelet in this manner. Instead of using the embroidery floss you could pre-drill holes on two sides of each washer and connect them with jump rings. You could use a regular jewelry clasp instead of the nut and bolt finish. There are lots of ideas and things to play with. Our men's tools will never be safe again!