Apparently, I (Katie) am really into thrift store belts. Did you guys catch my DIY on how to upcycle a belt into a bracelet? Or this one on giving a 90s belt new life? Well, I have another idea to save a 90s belt from the thrift store graveyard. You all remember wearing those thin braided belts, right? When I picked this belt up, I wasn’t sure if it was a moment of nostalgia or DIY vision. Turns out, maybe a little of both.
Click ‘Read more..’ to see how I reworked a 90s braided belt into a fashion-forward bracelet!
This is it. Just the way you remembered your 90s braided belt, right?
Step 1: Measure the length you want your bracelet.
Step 2: I cut the belt to the length I measured in Step 1. You are working from the finished end of the belt (not the buckle end), as shown in the photos.
Step 3: I finished the loose end of my bracelet with some vintage bias tape I had lying around. You could glue ribbon or a small piece of fabric – anything to hold the braid together and give it a clean look.
Steps 4 & 5 (optional): I used a Crop-a-dile to punch a small hole in the end of the bracelet. If you don’t have a Crop-a-dile or leather punch, a hammer and nail will work to make a hole! I have a very specific use for this hole that I cover in Step 9, which is optional.
Step 6: I used hot glue to attach a paperclip (with the small end bent up) to the underside of my bracelet. There may be more elegant ways to attach a hidden clasp on this bracelet but this works and we all have paperclips!
Steps 7 & 8: I covered my paperclip to make it look a little prettier, even though I am the only one who will see it. This is your clasp – see how it slides right through the braided part? You can tighten/loosen it as you like.
Step 9: This is the best part! Decorate the front of your bracelet. I recommended punching a hole in Steps 4 & 5 because it is the perfect way to secure a button shank. I did not even use glue – it’s the perfect, snug fit for my Grandma’s vintage button! You could just glue any decorative item to the front, though.
What do you think? Have you passed up some 90s belts that need a makeover?
P.S. Do you want to know what I did with the rest of the belt? I turned it into another DIY project! Check it out here.
Wow, what a great idea! I think that even I may be able to manage this! Hmmm…now to find a belt! Thanks for the inspiration~ following you on FB now! :)
Brilliant! I must go belt hunting at my local thrift store now!
Do you have the complete collection of Bracelet Vintage? You can find it all here!
What about the shirt you are wearing, is it a DIY of yours?? Very cute!
I wish it was a DIY, Miia! That’s a good idea for a project…
Really interesting.I like this one.
What an awesome idea! My husband has a woven 90s belt that’s just been hanging in the closet for forever. I might have to make it mine!
you do that! especially since he’s not using it anyway. I just love repurposing other people’s stuff!
I love this project! What a great use for that belt!
It looks a million times better as a bracelet! I totally had a belt like that too. :)
We all had those belts, haha! I agree – I like it much better as a bracelet.
LOVE this! Always thought it could/should be done, but I’m not very handy! You make it looks so simple!
XOXO
-Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
http://psbananas.com
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What a smartie! I never thought of upcycling old belts. Now I know I’m going to be a thrift store belt frenzy!
You and me both! :)