Relay For Life Wish Bracelets an easy DIY fundraiser!

So I have a gem of an idea for you guys today!  If you have ever spent time over in the orient, you know about wish bracelets.  The legend says that you tie one on (over in Thailand they are actually red string) and make a wish- when it wears off, your wish comes true!  Now, over the years I had completely forgotten about those cute little bracelets, until I went through some old boxes while organizing and found one!  And, as usual I said...

Oh!  There's a fundraiser in that!

I really do say that out loud in case you are wondering.  True story.

So anyway, I went to work figuring out how to make these little do dads, and it turns out- SUPER easy, and SUPER cheap!  So hey- what kind of Relay friend would I be if I didn't tell you how you can do it to?

Here's what you need (but remember- be creative- if you have something similar in your craft pile or can get it donated- even better!)

- 4 by 6 Cardstock (I chose to order postcards from Overnight Prints - it ended up being cheaper and better quality than printing them at home)
-A hole punch
- 8mm round beads (I ordered purple cat's eye- fit the "Cancer Man" theme I was going for)
- 1mm cotton cord (the purple stuff above)
- .7 mm silver nylon beading cord
**note** if you are buying your stuff at a local craft store, hemp works well to,  You don't HAVE to have two cord colors, that is just what I went with!

Here is the usual disclaimer about my fingers.  I make tie dye for a living- seriously.  It's my full time job!  So, yes, my fingers look yuck.  Today I made Girl Scout shirts, so they look green.  If you want to see pretty manicured blogger fingers- you'll have to go somewhere else! HA!

OK, here we go.

This is so easy you are going to want to kiss me.

  Thread both strings through your bead. 

Tie a simple knot on the right side of the bead (make sure it is centered)

 It will look like this when you pull it tight.

 Then tie another simple knot on the left side of the bead.

 Punch holes to string the bracelet through on your card.

String the bracelet through the holes you just punched.

Tie left over string in a bow in the back.

Now flip it back over and admire your handy work.  Isn't that the easiest thing ever!?!?

Not only are these awesome to sell as an easy fundraiser, but they would make great survivor gifts for your events (I have seen a few titled "A Survivors Wish").  And, if you don't have the time to make them yourself, I have a bulk pack listed on Etsy that you can buy for super cheap!  Happy crafting loves!

UPDATE 6/09/14
Due to popular demand I have added DIY kits that include everything you need to make 50 bracelets!
Find the purple kit here!

 

 Find the multi-color kit here!

                      Find ready made purple bracelets here!

 Find ready made multi color bracelets here!