Memorial Day Braided Bottle Cap Charm Bracelet

Memorial Day is the one day of the year that has been set aside for remembering those loved ones who have passed on, particularly those who fought wars of freedom. People may decorate a deceased family member's grave, attend a memorial service, watch a Memorial Day parade, or participate in some other gathering. One way to observe this special day is to make a Memorial Day braided bottle cap charm bracelet in honor of a deceased member of your family. This bracelet is easy and fun to make, and uses very little materials. It makes a great craft project to use at family picnics and barbecues.

Items needed for the charm bracelet:

-Red, white and blue craft thread
-Scissors
-Patriotic charms (any that display the national colors)
-Small photo of deceased family member or charm with the deceased family member's photo
-Metal bottle cap (not bent)
-Flat head pliers
-Metal spray paint (small can, any color)
-Glue
-Hot glue gun (optional)
-Small nail
-Hammer

Making the charm:

Since I do not have a small charm with my loved ones photo, I will need to make one using the bottle cap. To hide the rough edge of the bottle cap, I first fold the top edge of the bottle cap inward using the flat head pliers and then press the edge down along the inside wall. Next, I spray paint the bottle cap and let it dry thoroughly.

Using the hammer and nail, I make a small hole in the side of the bottle cap. If there is a rough edge around the hole, I will use my flat head pliers to smash/smooth it.

I then use the top of the bottle cap to measure a circle around the head of the deceased from the photo and cut it out with the scissors. I position the photo cutout so that the hole in the bottle cap is at the top and glue the photo inside. I have now made a small charm for my bracelet

Making the braided bracelet:

Follow the instruction for making a braided bracelet here or a single side knotted bracelet here. Either one will work. I am going to use the instructions for a single side knotted bracelet. I will first make five loops of red thread, then five of white, and finally five of blue. I then start over again with the red thread. After two complete thread sets of five loops of each color, I will slip on a red, white, and blue flag charm and secure it in place with the first loop of the next set of red thread. I will continue looping red, white, blue, red, white, and blue thread, until it is time for the next charm. I will put the bottle cap charm in the middle of the braided bracelet.

When I have come to my desired bracelet length, I will tie off and cut the string, leaving just enough string to tie the bracelet around my wrist.

Source: Personal Experience