I’ve spotted a lot of buggy jewelry lately and have come to the conclusion that it must be a trend. Not being a huge fan of bugs, it’s somewhat hard to get excited about wearing them. But bees are one of the cuter insects, right? Those and maybe ladybugs are okay in my book. I found the perfect simple cuff and decided to wear it backwards with a bit of bee embellishment. Here’s how to make your own – and tips on working with enamel because that stuff is trickier than it looks!
Supplies need:
- Plain brass cuff (here or here
- 2 Martha Stewart bee enamel blanks
- 2 tiny stick on rhinestones
- Yellow & white jewelry enamel
- Jewelry enamel activator
- Tooth pick
- Silicone work mat and tip brush (optional)
After getting samples of Martha Stewart’s new jewelry enamel products a few months ago we tried painting a few charms with less than stellar results. This time, with a relatively flat surface to paint on (the bee charm), it was much easier!
The enamel kit provides thorough instructions and for best results should be followed carefully. On your enamel mat, mix 2 parts activator to 1 part color. There are 2 different techniques that you can use to apply the enamel. If you use your enamel straight away after mixing, it’s looser and will look more transparent after drying.
But if you wait 3 hours after mixing the enamel, it will thicken up a bit. The extra thickness makes it easier to apply – and also helps keep the enamel in place. One of our biggest challenges was having the enamel run off the charm surface before it could dry! That’s why you might start working on a flat piece before trying one with curves.
When your jewelry enamel is mixed and ready it’s time to apply to the charm. Wipe the charm with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or cloth. Use a toothpick or silicone enamel tool and carefully paint in the desired areas with the enamel. Once the enamel is in place, wait between 24-72 hours to dry completely.
After is has dried, then glue on the tiny rhinestone bead to cover the jewelry loop and hot glue the charms onto the cuff.
What do you think? Are you a fan of wearing insects?
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This diy bracelet is so gorgeous. Looks like a little difficult for me. But i will try to make it for my mom. Thanks for posting.
wow what a great way to creat a simple cuff to bee cuff amazing I love that
Lovely! I like how you recycle some old stuff into a new one :)
Great!
Love insects and this project. I saw it on Craft before I realized it was yours.
this is so unique! love the bees :)
I’m loving the whole insect trend – bees are definitely the cutest!
Very Cute. We carry brass cuffs as well in our Etsy shop. Don’t currently have that size but can get it in stock at a very good price
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BareNakedFindings
I love this, can I order one? :)
Love it, Stephanie! Bees are so fun, makes a really cute bracelet xx
Good idea! I may make one using buttons but not insects. I might use some gears for Steampink or other items related to other hobbies.
I love the bug trend and have a bee necklace that needs a bracelet to go with it. :)
Brett
this is probably my favorite project I’ve seen with this enamel line! Really loved the cuff look flipped with the charms on the end!
Bee-utiful!
Really cute idea….!
Oh, how cute! Martha Stewart’s products never stop amazing me!
-Becca
Ladyface Blog
this is absolutely amazing! Love this idea! xx
Martyna | NEON MIZZLE
I love this! Hopefully I find a similar cuff and bug!
We carry cuffs in our Etsy shop. We haven’t carried this size but can get them in stock at a very good price:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BareNakedFindings
Thanks for letting us know Lisa!
Oh my goodness, I love this!! Buggy jewelry is always in style for me :-)
I don’t know Stephanie. That looks too technical for me but I do love bees. Not sure about other insects though. Another beautiful piece.
Anne xx