Shabby Denim Bracelet Upcycle

Courage. We all need it, many of us don't think we have enough of it. Sometimes we just need a little reminder.

Inspirational bracelet

This bracelet began life as a pair of discarded jeans. I tore the legs into long strips, about an inch wide and pulled the loose strands of cotton threads out. Although tearing the denim is not as easy as, say a sheet, it does make for an impressive fray.

Inspirational bracelet

I took three strips of denim, pinned the ends of one side together, and braided the whole thing. It took me two tries because I like a nice even braid and the first one turned out kind of wonky. I sewed the braid onto itself in the diameter I wanted. This was similar to sewing together a braided rug if you have ever done that. I put a strip of denim on an itty bitty embroidery hoop and used a slip stitch and wrote out
C O U R A G E in red.

Inspirational bracelet  

I chose red because the color is associated with courage, life and vitality. 

Here is the back view. I love the blue and shabby contrast. 

Inspirational bracelet

Inspirational bracelet