Project Sheet

DIY Acrylic Pour Bracelet

Difficulty Level: Beginner
Completion Time: 2-3 Days (with dry time)

Watch a video overview:

It’s that time of the year again! Time to reflect on just how much our mothers do for us and realize, love is truly eternal. Whether your special woman is a step-mom, mother-in-law, a techie, trickster or life-of-the-party mom, this DIY gift is meant to show how grateful you are! Not only is acrylic pouring fun, but it’s also beginner friendly which makes it easy for younger ages to give Mom something made with l♡ve, -the one thing Amazon can’t do! Our inspiration came from the huge trend you’ve been seeing online lately, acrylic pouring, and it’s just as fun as it looks. Use this DIY for any special occasion coming up in your life, like baby showers for the mommy-to-be or as a unique way to thank a hardworking hostess. So grab your favorite acrylic paint colors, and let's get pouring!

What You'll Need

acrylic-pour-bracelet-supplies

Metal Jewelry Findings by Pebeo | Square Bracelet - Pendants and Earrings available
Pouring Medium by Liquitex
Your Choice of Acrylic Paints and Colors
Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments by Jacquard (Optional)
Dina Wakley Cell Creator 2 Oz. (Optional)
Scissors
Paint Brush (Similar to Size 2, Filbert Shape)
Craft Sticks
Cups
Glass Palette
Safety Scraper
Plastic Eye Dropper (Optional)
Heat Gun (Optional)

1. Mixing Colors

acrylic-pour-bracelet3 Consistency is key! Allow yourself some wiggle room to experiment as the type of paint and choice of mediums affects the mixture. A general starting point is 1/3 acrylic paint to 2/3 pouring medium. Add some water if needed based on the original paint consistency - heavier paints will require a little to adjust until the fluid runs similar to syrup.

Think about your preferred color scheme and basic color mixing properties. Remember, complementary colors create browns.

Optional: Add a drop of Cell Creator to aid in forming isolated variations of color, commonly known as "cells". Only one drop is needed for larger amounts of paint, so use sparingly.

2. Color Transfer

acrylic-pour-bracelet4 Transfer the individual colors to a clean cup. You can add them in any order and/or in a patterned sequence such as blue, green, white, blue, green, white.

ARTISTIC TIP: We recommend using a flat, level surface throughout this project. As you progress, a flat surface ensures even drying for both the acrylic mixture and pouring medium.

3. Dirty Flip Cup

For this acrylic “dirty flip cup” pouring style, you’ll use a glass palette or a solid, non-stick surface such as a plastic lid for your base. The objective is to flip the cup over onto the glass and slowly lift up to release the paint for a spontaneous flow of colors that expands freely.

You can either take "the turn-it-over-quickly" approach or use the glass palette upside down on top of the cup like a temporary lid. Then rotate the two at the same time to flip them over so that the cup ends up on top of the palette upside down.

As you lift the cup, the paint mixture pours out and begins to spread. Pick up the base and slowly tilt it to each side to evenly disperse your mesmerizing mixture. This continues to thin out the paint layer while manipulating the colors. acrylic-pour-bracelet7

Allow plenty of drying time, approximately 12 hours. Drying time will vary based on thickness, paint mixture ratios, environment, etc.

4. Peel the Acrylic Skin

acrylic-pour-bracelet8 Use a glass scraper or craft knife to begin lifting the edge of the acrylic skin. Once you find your starting point, use your hands to slowly peel the rest of the skin off the non-stick surface.

ARTISTIC TIP: Use wax paper between acrylic skins for storage, as they will stick together if not separated properly.

5. Measure & Cut the Acrylic Skin

acrylic-pour-bracelet9 Use the interior dimensions of the bracelet to create a template for cutting out colorful squares. A viewfinder can help to identify interesting sections of the acrylic skin and form a guide for tracing and cutting. The interior of our bracelet measures 13/16 inch. To create a viewfinder, measure a 13/16 inch square onto an index card and cut it out with scissors. Select interesting compositions and use the viewfinder as a template for cutting them out. You’ll need 6 acrylic skins that will fit cozily inside each of the squares of the bracelet.

acrylic-pour-bracelet10 While the skins are easy to cut with scissors, adults may choose to alternatively cut larger pieces, press them into the square interior, and trim them with a craft knife directly from the metal square.

ARTISTIC TIP: Here is an easy and short tutorial on how to make ViewFinders from All About Drawings

6. Pouring Medium as Adhesive

acrylic-pour-bracelet11 Using a brush, paint a thin layer of pouring medium over the metal squares. Add a second layer of pouring medium to ensure the edges are covered, then press the acrylic skins into the bracelet squares.

ARTISTIC TIP: We recommend attaching all of the bracelet squares PRIOR to beginning step 6. This way, you can easily pick up the bracelet to press the acrylic skins in properly and you won’t have to worry about the top layer of pouring medium leaking over the edge of the bracelet.

7. Use the Pouring Medium as a Sealer

acrylic-pour-bracelet12 After adhering the acrylic skins into each of the 6 squares, slowly drip the pouring medium on top to fill in each square, allowing it to create a small dome. Initially, it will look cloudy, but the pouring medium will become clear when it is completely dry. If needed, you can add additional layers of pouring medium on top of the dry layer to make sure the squares are full and level.

Allow at least 2 days of drying time to fully cure before wearing.

ARTISTIC TIP: We chose to use the Liquitex Pouring Medium because it will preserve the acrylic skin and won’t yellow over time.

acrylic-pour-bracelet13 If you’re already an acrylic pouring fanatic with your own expertise and set of tricks, we hope this DIY provides an option for putting any runoff or leftover paint towards another creative use. A large sheet of glass or hard plastic under your pouring area could capture those drips for acrylic skins.