Rainbow Ribbon Wrap

This instructable will show you how to make a hand "dyed" boho style ribbon wrap bracelet without the fuss of standard dyes and dyeing methods.

These wraps are fun and easy to make, fairly inexpensive (especially compared to what I've seen them charged for in stores and online), and very versatile. You can customize bracelets to go with any outfit or fit any theme.

I'm using primarily Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink products in this instructable because I already had some on hand, they are easy to find at craft stores (and often onsale/heavily discounted), and the color options are fantastic. I have no affiliation with Tim Holtz or Ranger Ink.

Crinkle ribbon (I'm using Tim Holtz's Crinkle Ribbon, I got it more than half off at Joann Fabrics)
Inks, dyes, markers (I'm using Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink products)

Stamps/stencils (optional)

Spray bottle w/water
Rubber gloves (to avoid stains on your skin)

Charms
Jewelry findings
Beads

Blow dryer/Heat set tool

Wax paper or plastic sheet (something to put under your work area to protect your furniture etc.)

Most ribbon wrap bracelets are made from strips of some kind of silk fabric that have been cut, the edges sewed, and then dyed. Some are made from straight ribbon. The Tim Holtz idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon comes pre-cut with edges sewed to avoid fraying. The ribbon is white and is basically a blank canvas. All you need are some inks, markers, and water to get you going and color coordinating your jewelry.

If you crinkle the ribbon while it is wet, you'll get that cool shaggy/crinkled look.

The crinkle ribbon comes in 10 yards (30 feet). Wrap one end around your wrist a few times to get an idea of how much ribbon you need/how many wraps you want and then cut. You might want to include a few extra inches to account for any knots your wrap will have. The ribbon also seems to shrink a little, so you want to take that into consideration as well.

Using something like Fray Stop after you dye your ribbon will prevent unraveling. You can also sew the cut edges if you like.

As previously mentioned, I'm using Tim Holtz/Ranger products for this Instructable because I already have some these products, they are inexpensive, easy to find, and versatile. These products are also non-toxic, are water-based dye inks, and are fade resistant---that said, they are also non-permanent. I don't recommend submerging your bracelet in water, going swimming, showering with it on---or really getting it wet at all. Better to be safe than sorry. Ranger has a line of Color Wash inks that are made specifically for fabrics/textiles, however it's been discontinued. You can find it on eBay, Amazon, and Etsy.

You may want to cut a couple small strips of ribbon to play with your colors and see what works best to achieve the look you want.

Because I want a tie-dye/rainbowy effect, I'm using Ranger's Adirondack Alcohol Inks in Wild Plum, Stream, and Butterscotch. These three colors, when somewhat carefully arranged make some nice greens, oranges, and purples in addition to the pink, green/blue, and yellow.

On a ink friendly surface, put a couple of drops of different colors and then mist with water. You can also squirt the ink onto the ribbon in different places and then mist. Take your ribbon, scrunch it up, and then dab it over the inks until you are satisfied with the amount of color.

I found that adding the plum and stream first, somewhat away from each other, and then adding the butterscotch yielded the best effects and had less muddled spots. If you decide to squirt your ink from the bottle, do so carefully and use small drops as the ink spreads.

While not required, there are a couple of good reasons to heat set your ribbon after dying. The biggest one is to prevent the colors from concentrating to one side, the other is to dry faster so you can continue working.

Before you start to dry your ribbon, remember to crinkle it up into a ball to get that messy (messy good, not messy bad) look.

After the ribbon is dry you can add something like Fray Stop on the cut edges.

When your ribbon is dry you can start adding embellishments and closures on it. Here I have a variety of handmade lampwork beads, spacer beads, gears, and a Tibetan Silver braided hoop closure.

Take one end of your ribbon and tie it to the closure (maybe add a little glue in between knots for security). Then add a knot a few inches away and slide on a bead (depending on how big the holes of your beads are, you might not need the knots). Keep doing this until you are satisfied with the look.

Another embellishment idea is to sew small beads on. I didn't do that this time, but it's a very easy addition. Beads make nice fringes when added thoughtfully.

When you're ready to wear your wrap, just start wrapping it around your wrist and then tie the untied end to the closure. There's really no right or wrong way to wrap and tie off these types of bracelets, but having an extra pair of hands is always nice.