Make bracelets using thread and buttons

The sun is finally shining, and I think it's time for all of us to exercise our right to bare arms.

That said, bare arms can be a little boring without interesting accouterments. And the economy is not such that I can just buy new jewelry to go with every outfit.

So, what's a girl to do? Whip up some style of her own.

Thankfully, a look through my workroom turned up some low-cost materials: buttons and embroidery thread. And a few minutes later I had a few loops ready to adorn my wrists.

Here's how to get your own:

The first and most important decision is color. Pick out some thread and buttons that go together and give you the splash of color you desire.

It's good to mix up button size, but I always use dress-shirt-size buttons at the beginning and end of each bracelet. It's also wise to use odd numbers of buttons (3, 5, or 7 work best) as this look is more pleasing to the eye and fits better around the wrist.

Once you've picked out your thread color and buttons, it's time to work on your pattern. I like to have a centerpiece button and work away from the middle with smaller buttons. It's a nice, even look that trails off. And don't forget to leave some tails on both ends.

The next pattern to think about is your threading pattern. For my first bracelet I used three buttons and one length of embroidery thread. My threading pattern was a basic "in and out of every hole."

Since then I've gotten more complex with my designs, adding additional lengths of embroidery thread and switching up my lacing a bit.

The more time and creativity you have, the more complex you can make your lacing. Just be sure to lay the design across your wrist every once in a while as you thread to make sure your buttons will lay nicely.

Once you've laced through all your buttons and have your general pattern in place, secure any loose buttons with knots on the front and back. This will keep your buttons spaced nicely and your design even. Or you could skip this step and let them wiggle.

The final step is to finish your ends. The easiest way to do this is to make a loop at the base of your final buttons on each end of your thread (or threads) and secure it under the button. Then, to wear, all you'll need to do is slip the loop from each end over the final button on the other end.

Now that everything is in place, all that's left to do is pick your favorite creation and put it on your wrist.

Bare arms never looked so good.

Vanessa Cook is a former copy editor for the Southeast Missourian who dabbles in decorating.