Jewelry that features real, live plants is definitely a cool look for nature lovers. Whether you want to add a specific succulent to your style, or just want to feel like a frondescent goddess overflowing with the bounty of summer, the following simple steps will help you whip up your own horticultural cuff. Or buy premade pieces—shown on the next page—from someone whose green thumb may outshine your own.
Materials
Scissors
E6000 waterproof glue (the precision-nozzled tube, labeled “for beads and jewelry,” is extra helpful)
1″ blank bracelet cuff (available at craft or jewelry-making supplies stores, or at jansjewels.com; avoid copper, which can kill your plants)
Air plants (available at airplantsupplyco.com)
Small gemstones, crystals, or rocks
Instructions
1. Use scissors to trim any stray roots and dead leaves from your air plant(s).
2. Arrange your plant(s) and gems on the bracelet, testing out different placements until you find one you like.
3. Once you’ve decided on your design, it’s time to secure it. Put a dab of glue on the back of the plant or gem that will cover the largest amount of the bracelet’s surface area. Place it on the cuff and hold for about a minute. Repeat with the next biggest piece (whether you’re gluing it to the cuff, or directly on the piece you just secured). Continue this way until you’ve completed your design. (If you’re layering your design, you can also glue the smaller pieces to the biggest piece first, and then secure the whole shebang to the cuff.) Let dry for 24 hours.
4. To keep your air plants healthy, store your bracelet in a humid area with bright, indirect light. Mist them with a spray bottle in the morning at least twice a week, and up to once daily.
Nab these sustainable styles from indie designers
1. Keep it minimal with this chic, air-plant planter necklace. Live Succulent Plant Necklace, $38, uncommongoods.com
2. This indoor/outdoor statement necklace is bloomin’ perfection. Succulent City Necklace, $75, fizzandfleurs.etsy.com
3. Stay seasonal with fresh and flirty flower earrings. Fresh Flower Earrings, Sedum and Feather, $25, vaseswild.etsy.com
4. Look alive and keep your tresses in check with this succulent hair comb. Succulent Hair Comb (Green and Orange), $48, eucca.etsy.com
By Sarah C. Epstein
Photographed by Vanessa Rees
Model: Natasha Hester
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2018 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!
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