Making a Replica PuraVida Bracelet

Why buy one for $6 when you can spend $26 (and several hours) and make it yourself? Sort of.

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My first experience seeing a Pura Vida bracelet in person was on one of our many visits to Catalina Island this summer in a shop called Catalina Gear (you're welcome for the plug). Of course, my family wanted to continue walking, but I never stopped thinking about the little Camper Van Charm Bracelet.

Catalina Gear is a pricey little shop, but worth stopping in. It is right on the main drag toward the north end of shops on Crescent Ave.

One night I decide to stop in to Joann Fabrics and pick up some of the special wax coated polyester thread to make my own (how hard can it be, right!?) annnnd.....nothing. I thought this would be way easier then it was. I was able to finally find one pack of black waxed nylon thread by Realeather, but it was sooo waxy and did not seem right. I bought it anyway and I hope I used a coupon since it sells for $6.49 for 25 yards, yikes!

MATH: Camper Van Charm Bracelet $10, thread $6.49. I'm doing good so far. I've saved $3.51, unless you count my gas of course. And my time. I went home with determination to make this work!

I am a visual person, so if you are like me please click my video here while following the instructions below.

Supplies needed:

Wax coated thread

Ruler

Scissors

Lighter - (for children, ask for an adults assistance, we don't need you burning down the place to make a bracelet!)

Optional charms

We are going to make their basic original version, so you could use 1 or up to 9 colors. With my first bracelet I just used black for obvious reasons (in case you haven't been following along, that was all I could find!) You are going to need to cut 9 pieces 5 1/2 in. long.

Next you will need to cut 2-10 in. strands for the ties. These strands will be folded in half and tied around the ends of the group of 9 strands. Be sure to tie them tightly, once toward the front and once toward the back, leaving about 1/4" of the grouping sticking out, so you can melt the ends. Be sure to melt it all the way up to the knot, being sure not to melt the knot. Be careful as it will be very hot! Once cooled you can begin twisting each of the two tie strands in the direction it is currently twisted. Once they are individually twisted join the two together and twist again to form one strand, finishing it off with a knot at the end. Trim the end down to 1/4 in. and melt again using the same process as above. This video will help you, but honestly you should just cut your loses now and go buy yourself an authentic Pura Vida Bracelet, you will thank yourself later :) And while you are there, use my code TAMICHASE20 for 20% off your order. Purchase $30 worth and get free shipping too! Happy shopping!