Make a simple bracelet

Button bracelet

With an assortment of buttons or beads, some thread or elastic string and a little ribbon, you can rustle up some unique and pretty jewellery.

You'll find elasticated string as well as buttons in your local haberdashery or in larger stores such as John Lewis and Liberty, while specialist shop V V Rouleaux offers a wide variety of ribbons and other trimmings.

Arrange a selection of similar-sized buttons in the order of colour or shape in which you wish them to appear in the bracelet.

Take enough elasticated string to wrap twice around your wrist. Tie the two ends in a knot and start threading through each button. For a two-hole button, pass the string through the first hole and out through the second and onto the next button; for a four-hole one, thread the elastic diagonally through holes in opposite corners.

Once you've woven in and out of each one, leave enough string for a small loop to stretch over the button by the end knot and fasten the bracelet. Carefully trim any excess string.

Finally, add a thin, short piece of ribbon, tying it in a bow on the elastic if there are any gaps between the buttons, choosing a contrasting colour or black if your bracelet is already a bright shade.

Woollen bracelet

Wrapping yarn around an old wooden or plastic bangle is a thrifty way to give it a new lease of life and a great way to use up odd ends of wool.

Select a single colour or create a jaunty design with bands of different but complementary shades.

Begin by gluing an end of wool onto the inside of the bangle. Leave to dry for the recommended time and then carefully, but ensuring there are no gaps, wrap the yarn tightly around the bangle.

Once you are finished, check it over and eliminate any bare patches, then glue the end of the yarn in place on the inside of the bangle.

The same method can be applied to thin lengths of ribbon.

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