Did you ever make Popsicle Stick Bracelets as a child? These are not my invention, by any means, but I loved making them and I was stunned to learn that most people do not know about them! They are fun to make and fairly easy too.

DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelet Kids Craft
I remember making these popsicle stick bracelets in middle school. We tricked them out and thought they were the coolest.  Today I’m going to show you how to make your own, as well as a sweet little box to hold them in.

DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelet Kids Craft

Warning: This does take some prep time!  Mama can get everything ready before inviting the kiddies in to help decorate, though older children may enjoy the whole process.

POPSICLE STICK BRACELET SUPPLIES:

Jumbo Craft (Popsicle) Sticks
Small Cup
Rubber Band
Embellishments to decorate as desired.

INSTRUCTIONS:

DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelet Kids Craft
Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil.
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelet Kids Craft
Step 2: Add in the jumbo popsicle sticks.  Chances are you will break at least one during this process, so put in a few more than you need. Let soak for 15 minutes.
 
Step 3: While sticks are boiling locate a small cup or other object that is about the size of a wrist.  Also grab some elastic bands if desired.
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelet Kids Craft
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelet Kids Craft DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelet Kids Craft

Step 4: Remove sticks one at a time and slowly bend them and work them into the inside of the glass. You can also wrap them around the cup and secure with an elastic band, though I prefer working them into the glass).  Make sure to work carefully so you don’t break them.  Set these aside to dry for 24 hours.

DIY Popsicle Stick Box Tutorial

While those are drying, grab some regular sized craft sticks and a hot glue gun so we can build a little box to keep the bracelets in!


How to make a popsicle stick box

POPSICLE STICK BOX SUPPLIES:

Regular sized Craft Sticks
Hot Glue
Embellishments – paint, rhinestones, etc

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Create the base by lining up 11 craft sticks side by side.

DIY Popsicle Stick Box Tutorial

Step 2: Using hot glue, adhere a stick along the top edge of the 11 sticks.  Do the same for the bottom.

DIY Popsicle Stick Box Tutorial
DIY Popsicle Stick Box Tutorial

Step 3: Add a bead of glue on the left hand ends of the stick and place a stick on top, alternating sides and direction (see photos – it’s like your making a bridge between each stick).

DIY Popsicle Stick Box Tutorial

Step 4: Once you have your box high enough to fit your bracelet, you are going to create your top.  Again line up 11 sticks and this time, glue a stick on the top and the bottom, at least one stick width in from the edge.

DIY Popsicle Stick Box Tutorial

Step 5: Decorate the top as desired.  I used a Fleur de Lis stencil and glued on a marble accent to act as a handle.  Place the lid on and ta-da!  Your simple gift box is complete!


BACK TO THE BRACELETS:

DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelets Tutorial

Now that the popsicle stick bracelets are completely dry , remove them from the glass. Gather any supplies you want to use to decorate them.  I used Mod Podge, paint, glitter dots, rub-on-sayings and hot glue.  I also printed off some designs I created on the computer and some scrapbook paper.

Step 5: Use a jumbo craft stick and a pencil to trace the shape onto some scrapbook paper and then cut it out.
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelets Tutorial
Step 6: Slather Mod Podge onto your bracelet. Lay the design onto the bracelet and press it down flat, making sure to work out any air bubbles.  Set aside to dry.
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelets Tutorial
Or if you prefer, you can paint your bracelet with craft paint (I enlisted a helper) and set aside to dry.
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelets Tutorial
Step 7:  Using 150 fine grit sand paper, sand the edges of the bracelet and paper to get rid of any overhang and to create smooth edges.
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelets Tutorial
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelets Tutorial

Step 8: Add embellishments as desired.

That’s it! Your popsicle stick bracelet and box are finished!

DIY Popsicle Stick Crafts Tutorial

Wouldn’t these make a fun gift idea? Check how cute it looks all packaged into a sweet little gift presentation: 

DIY Popsicle Stick Box

DIY Popsicle Stick Gift Box - Great Kid Craft for Mother's Day!
 And in case this post didn’t have enough images, here are a few more!

 
 
DIY Popsicle Stick Bracelets Kid Craft Tutorial