DIY Wrapped Charm Watch Bracelets

Last year I started noticing these gorgeous triple wrapped watch and charm bracelet combinations by La Mer, among others, out there in blog land. At over $100 a pop, they were way out of my budget but still drool worthy. See what I mean?

And then sweet, creative Donna at Flamingo Toes posted how to make this charming jewelry. I was hooked and knew I had to make some for Christmas gifts. Now that gifting is long gone I can finally post how I made them.

Here is Donna's link, her instructions are clear and easy to follow. She is one smart, creative gal!

http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/11/charm-watch-knockoff/

Here is my first attempt, and I included a wee dachshund shrinky dink charm. My daughter loved it!

And here's my second one with the wonderful teal and turquoise beads that go so well with the brown leather. My granddaughter loves hers!

Of course I started with watches from my jewelry box. I have lots more than I thought since I wear them as jewelry, like bracelets. I chose watch faces which would work with a skinny strap.

I ran into a glitch when I could not find skinny belts anywhere until I ran across the purses at the local thrift store. SCORE! Not just skinny leather straps but cool brass swivel headed hook up hardware, too.

Following Donna's instructions, I put each watch/bracelet together. I cut one strap in two to the measurement I needed and kept the hardware intact at each end, then folded the cut ends over each side of the watch face. Where I didn't have a rivet to attach the leather loops, I punched holes in the straps and hand sewed them with strong stitches in matching thread. A drop of super glue on the sewing keeps the thread from loosening.

Into my bead and jewelry stash for chain, lobster clasps, rings and more beads, plus a few dangly bits. This was fun!

And the charm bracelet can be worn separately!

A lobster clasp connects the ends of the charm bracelet to the watch.

And here's that cute doxie charm made from shrinky dink plastic. Add two lengths of satin ribbon to the ends and this charm bracelet makes a pretty necklace, too.

I still have lots of watches and a couple of thrift store purses with skinny straps, so I'll be making myself one of these for Valentine's Day. The girls loved their wrap charm watches and I see them wearing them all the time. THAT tells me they really DO like them!

I'll be linking up to the parties in my sidebar. Come visit and see the creativity that's out in blog land, you'll have a great time.