Note: I've revised these instructions to cut the strips 4.25" by 1.9". It won't make much of a difference with the bracelets, but I think it will solve my problem fitting the pieces together to make the purses!
Supplies:
Magazine Ads
Packing Tape (cheap storebrand tape actually works best)
Scissors or a paper cutter
Making the strips
The strips need to be 4.25" by 1.9" (or the width of the packing tape). I usually can get 6-8 strips out of one magazine ad (it depends on how cleanly you rip the page from the magazine). I prefer to use the paper cutter because it is faster but scissors work just fine.
My steps to tape and cut strips:
1. Apply 3-4 pieces of tape vertically to magazine ad.
2. Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut the paper into two pieces 4.25" wide.
3. Cut between the tape to make the strips.
Now you have 6-8 strips that are 1.9" x 4.25". Most of the bracelets I have been making are 20-24 strips. It depends on the size of the wearers wrist.
Folding the paper and making the chain
There are already great instructions for this elsewhere so I am not going to reinvent the wheel. Start at step 3 of these instructions and make the chain using an even number of strips. http://www.gumwrapper.com/build.htm
Finishing the Chain
Once you have your chain made, you will have to finish it to make a bracelet. It's hard to explain so I'll post pictures soon. Mylinda did a great job explaining it in her purse tutorial. http://www.candywrapperpurse.blogspot.com/
Good luck!
