DIY Slap Bracelets

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Tampico. All opinions are my own.

Tampico is planning an exciting refresh to its brand later this spring, so in honor of its near 30-year history, we’re taking a look back with them on the past few decades and reliving our favorite moments. Join in with the nostalgia and fun and let us know what games, tv shows, foods and more you loved from your childhood in the comments!

Tight-rolled jeans, jean jackets, scrunchies, and slap bracelets are among the items I look back to fondly from the 90’s. I was a kid of the 80’s, but I became a teenager in the 90’s, so it’s mostly easier to remember that decade. Though there’s also parts of it that I would like to forget, like those tight-rolled jeans. Thankfully, I don’t think they’re on the way back. What I am glad to still see, however, are slap bracelets and we have a fun way to make DIY Slap Bracelets better than a blast from the past with Tampico!

My daughter has actually already embraced 90’s fashion without even knowing it. She’s been known to rock a scrunchie and has a couple jean jackets in her closet, too. But her wrists were missing something. To round out the look, I thought it would be fun to make DIY Slap Bracelets that are easily customized and designed with paint, stickers, you name it!

Since I knew we would be enjoying a glass of Tampico Juice while crafting our DIY Slap Bracelets, I thought it would especially fitting to use the flavors of Tampico as inspiration for some of our bracelets. Tampico is a fun throwback for me to share with my daughter, too, as it made its debut on grocery store shelves in 1989.

Bright and flavorful, like much of the 90’s I remember, we picked up gallon jugs of both Tropical Punch and Citrus Punch varieties of Tampico. Inspired by the fruit flavors they’re packed with, we made a red DIY Slap Bracelet with dots of white and black like watermelon. We also designed a bracelet after oranges and another inspired by lemons.

We also made Valentine’s Day DIY Slap Bracelets with heart stickers. These would be great to hand out to classmates! They’re so easy and are created by using items that many already have on hand.

For our DIY Slap Bracelets, you will need a 1 inch tape measure. You will also need scissors, duct tape, and glue sealer. Then customize with paint designs and stickers!

DIY Slap Bracelets

Supplies needed:

• 1” tape measure
• scissors
• duct tape in variety of colors
• glue sealer
• acrylic paint in variety of colors
• stickers and other decorations

First, cut the tape measure into strips. We cut ours in 6” strips this time, but would probably do 8” next time. Trim rounded edges on both ends of the tape measure strips. Then, roll back until it begins to form a circle. The more you work the tape measure, the more malleable and “slap-happy” it will become.

Once you have the shape, apply a strip of duct tape a few inches larger than the tape measure strip bracelet.

At this point, personalize with paint, apply stickers, glitter, however you want to decorate your slap bracelet. Let paint dry completely then apply a layer of glue sealer. 2 layers may be necessary. Let dry completely.

Simply wrap the edges of the duct tape around the tape measure strip. Cut another small strip of duct tape to adhere to the back. Trim a rounded edge.

It’s so fun to be able to remember a bit of my childhood with my own kids, and I love being able to share the experience over a glass of Tampico. Though I’m still happy to leave tight-rolled jeans a thing of the past. What was your favorite fashion trend of the 90’s?

Be sure to find more fun craft ideas at Our Kid Things!