4 DIY Jewelry Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

By Sarah Christine Davis on October 2, 2015

Our constantly busy day-to-day lives of work, school, internships, extracurriculars, and a social life are exhausting. We multi-tasking millennials often forget to take a step back and breathe for a few moments.

There are several ways to incorporate relaxation techniques into your everyday life. Whether it’s taking a 20 minute yoga class, sitting outside and reading a book, or otherwise, quick breaks are important to retaining your sanity. One way to do this is through crafting DIY jewelry.

DIY jewelry isn’t only a way to reduce stress; it’s also a way to save money and have a unique accessory that no one else has.

Image via http://funnyjunk.com/

I’m not ignorant; I know that DIY jewelry is often expensive, complicated, and frustrating to make. They also often require random tools that you know are just going to sit in your craft drawer unused after you make the bracelet. That’s why I’ve generated a list of several DIY jewelry ideas that are simple, stylish, and low-cost!

In fact, none of these bracelets will cost you over $10. Check them out below.

1) Beaded Bracelets

Image via http://honestlywtf.com/

These are fantastic stacking bracelets and can be worn every day with almost any outfit, whether you’re at your internship or at the bar with some friends.

You only need four things to make this chic accessory: waxed linen cord (no more than $2), size 8/o seed beads (average $3), a single two-hole button, and scissors.

This seems a little complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it (and perhaps look at this picture-by-picture tutorial), it’s simple. All you have to do is cut the linen cord into a 26” piece that you will fold in half and a 19” piece that you will align with the longer strand into parallel loops.

After tying a knot about a half inch down, cut the strands into equal lengths. Then, braid the strands down for an inch before threading the beads in and braiding them in as well.

Continue doing this until you are an inch away from the end of the bracelet, at which point you will finish with another section of just braided cord. Finish it off with the button, which will be used to secure the bracelet on your wrist.

For a more in-depth picture-by-picture tutorial, click here.

2) T-Shirt to Treasure

Image via http://www.brit.co/

Repurpose your old and unworn t-shirts with this sneaky style tip! T-shirts can be easily repurposed into necklaces, earrings, bracelets – whatever your heart desires. Brit + Co. has laid out a ton of DIY pieces, which vary in complicatedness and the different materials required.

One of the most easy and fashionable styles is the deco dangly earring, which only requires a t-shirt, a chain, earring hooks and two brass rings that you can find at your local craft store, and a pair of pliers that you most likely already have in your toolbox.

Cut the t-shirt into a few strands approximately six inches in length. Using the pliers, also cut the chain into six inch pieces. Loop the t-shirt strands and chains through the brass rings and use the pliers again to attach earring hooks. And voila! You’ve got some deco dangly earrings.

For a picture-by-picture tutorial on how to create these earrings, click here.

3) Fairy Dust Mini Bottle Necklace

Image via http://www.paperandpin.com/

This is an adorable and ridiculously simple way to maturely channel your inner child. You’ll need a mini glass bottle with a cork, waxed cotton cord, a little bit of glue, scissors, and, of course, glitter.

Simply pour the glitter into the glass bottle (a funnel is probably a good idea) and secure it with the cork, using a little bit of glue to ensure that the glitter doesn’t fall out while you’re wearing the necklace. Then, cut two pieces of waxed cotton to your desired length and tie a knot a little bit off the middle of them.

Split the strands on the side with the most cotton cord and place the bottle against the knot. Then, tie a knot on each side of the cord around the neck of the bottle to secure it in place. Finish it off by tying a knot at the end of the cord.

Now you have a little bit of fairy dust to help you get through your day! For more details on how to make this and similar necklaces, click here.

4) Heart-Shaped Embroidered Bracelet

Image via http://honestlywtf.com/

It seems that everyone had a stage in their lives when they obsessed over creating colored embroidery floss bracelets in various patterns. However, these accessories don’t have to be banished to the past! Simple, classic, and the perfect mindless activity to relieve you from studying, embroidered bracelets should not be forgotten.

This particular style is the heart bracelet, making it a good gift, friendship bracelet, or simple reminder to love yourself.

All you’ll need are two different colors of embroidery floss, scissors, and tape or a clipboard to secure your bracelet while you’re making it.

If you understand the classic chevron method for embroidered bracelets, you shouldn’t have any trouble with this technique. Even if you don’t, once you get the hang of this, it’ll be a breeze.

Click here for explicitly-outlined instructions on how to create this bracelet.

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