Popsicle Stick Bracelets you say?? How's that?

Well wood can be bent with steam ...so why not Popsicle sticks??
I started experimenting and it worked! Now I collect tongue depressors as they are longer and wider...thereby making better bangles!

This is great as gifts for teens or preteens...personalize it with their names ! :-)
It's also great as a glass decorator and party favor...simply paint the theme of the festival or party on to the bracelets and slip them over a glass with a sprig to give a freshness.....and won't your guest just love it when they are told they can take it home?? :-)

want to do this this holiday??? well read on :-)

Step 1: Materials and How To

Tongue Depressors /Popsicle sticks / Craft Sticks
Paint
Mod Podge / Vanish
Glass - oven or microwave safe.
Rubber bands or string

Some might say it's not necessary to soak over night...well ...not if you want to use 100% of your sticks!
Soak your sticks over night to soften the wood...you will notice that the wood will curve slightly..that is good..so when you bend...bend in that direction.
Once you have soaked it overnight...boil for 30 minutes......get all your glasses lined up and a glove...you don't want to burn you fingers!:-)
Take one stick at a time and gently bend them and slip them into the glass...it's okay if the glass is smaller than your hands...when you paint it might get wider.
I would not recommend switching off the fire... as when it's let to cool while you do your stick....your last few sticks might break...learned that with my last stick! but no problem...you can simply sand it...you will notice it came out okay from my pictures...so yeah 100% success!
Now stick your glasses in the microwave for 1 minute or so...once the water is absorbed you can just slip your bangle out!
Now paint!
While painting ...you would notice that some of the bangles will be getting wider again...well no fear...for this you could either drill 2 holes at either end and tie with a string...or you could place it in the glass again...then (in both ways) microwave it for 1 minute ...
Done!
Varnish if you like :-)

Step 2: Glass Decorators!

Oh...what's your theme? Almost all festivals irrespective of religion has love , care, share in them :-)
Paint those letters on the bangle and punch out some decorative leaves... cut more so you can sprinkle them on the table.
Now Paste them on the bangles and varnish.
Slip the bangles over your glass and decorate with a sprig for freshness!
Isn't it sweet?

Please if you like it vote for it in the Reuse and Holiday Gift contest!
Thank you!