If you have a sweet tooth, you can turn your Starburst wrappers into jewelry. Starburst wrapper bracelets are fun and easy to make, and they're the ultimate way to repurpose those colorful wrappers. This new take on the bubble gum wrapper bracelet is easy for anyone to make, even someone new to crafts.
Making a Bracelet Out of Starburst Wrappers
A basic woven rectangle bracelet is the easiest and most common type of Starburst wrapper bracelet you can make. This is a great starting point, and you can get funky later with beads and other embellishments. It takes about half an hour to fold a bracelet out of Starburst wrappers.
Things You'll Need
To get started making your bracelet, you have the difficult task of eating 36 Starburst candies. It's completely acceptable to get help from friends. You may not need 36 wrappers if you're making the bracelet for someone with a small wrist, but it's a good starting point. Be careful not to tear the wrappers as you're unwrapping the candy. You'll also need a safety pin fastener or two jump rings and a clasp.
How to Fold the Bracelet
- Place a candy wrapper on the table with the label face down, and smooth out the creases. Fold the wrapper in half and crease it to make a center line. Then unfold it.
- Fold one side in so that the edge lines up with the crease you made in the middle. Fold the other side in the same way. You now have a long rectangle. This is also known as a "hot dog fold" because the two sides of the paper meet like a hot dog bun.
- Grasp one long side of the wrapper and fold the entire wrapper in half lengthwise so the edges of the wrapper are completely folded inside.
- Make another lengthwise fold so that you have a long, very thin rectangle.
- Fold the wrapper in half the other way (top to bottom). Crease the fold and then unfold. The crease from this fold is the folding guide for the next step.
- Make a small fold from the top to meet halfway at the crease. Fold the bottom end of the wrapper to meet at the crease.
- Fold the wrapper in half again at the crease. You should now have a folded V shape.
- Repeat this pattern on each wrapper. Once all wrappers are folded into individual V shapes, it is time to start connecting the wrappers.
- Tuck the end of the first wrapper into the open folds of the second wrapper to interlock the V shapes.
- Insert a third wrapper into the folds of the second wrapper in the same manner. Continue this pattern until all the wrappers are connected.
How to End Your Starburst Wrapper Bracelet
There are several ways to finish a Starburst bracelet. Choose the one that best fits your situation:
- Safety pin - Fasten the two ends of the bracelet together with a safety pin for a simple closure.
- Jump rings and clasp - If you want your bracelet to be a little fancier, find jump rings and clasps at jewelry supply stores or craft stores. Attach a jump ring to each end of the bracelet and a jewelry clasp to one jump ring.
- Ribbon - Use narrow ribbon to add ties to the ends of your bracelet. Then you can tie it with a bow to hold it in place.
Sweet Variations on the Basic Starburst Wrapper Bracelet
Once you understand the basic design, there are lots of ways to get creative with your Starburst bracelet. Try one of these fun ideas.
Add Clear or Colored Beads
Instead of linking the V-folds together, use beading thread or cord to connect the links. Between each link, add beads in pretty candy colors. You can also use sparkling clear beads to make the bracelet extra fancy. End the bracelet with a clasp like you would use for making beaded jewelry.
Use Embroidery Floss for a Funky Friendship Bracelet
You can make a Starburst wrapper friendship bracelet by adding the candy wrapper links to a regular design for an embroidery floss bracelet. Simply make a basic friendship bracelet and stop every inch or so to add Starburst wrapper links to the pattern. You'll have a unique bracelet to give to a friend or keep for yourself.
Incorporate Other Candy and Gum
There's no rule that says your bracelet can only be made out of Starburst wrappers. You can make a gum wrapper chain and add the Starburst wrappers every few links. Or you can use other candies like Now and Later, mini Tootsie Rolls, and more. The bracelet will look less uniform because the sizes may be slightly different, but if you stick to a pattern, it will look purposeful and artistic.
Add a Candy Wrapper Flower
Another candy wrapper craft is making a paper flower from rectangular wrappers. Once you make the flower, attach it with wire to your Starburst bracelet. It will be a beautiful centerpiece for your design, kind of like a wrist corsage.
Keep Folding to Make a Necklace
You don't have to stop at a bracelet. You can create a jewelry set for yourself or just a necklace. To make a Starburst wrapper necklace, just keep folding. You can make the necklace any length, but a choker looks especially funky and cool.
Repurpose Your Wrappers
