3 Stylish Mosquito-Repelling Bracelets You Can Make

Keep annoying bloodsuckers at bay with DIY mosquito-repelling jewelry to suit even the pickiest jewelry-wearer in your crew. Keep reading to learn how to make cute beaded stretch bracelets, chic gold chain bracelets and handsome leather cord bracelets that are as stylish as they are functional.

For the Kids: Colorful Stretch Bracelets

Kids need protection from mosquitoes, too, and these bracelets are perfect for colorful and — most importantly — stretchy designs. Plus, they’re fun to make and little ones will enjoy helping.

Pinch off pieces of clay and roll into uniform-sized balls. Carefully thread rolled beads onto skewers and air-dry or bake per manufacturer’s instructions. Wait for beads to completely dry or cool after baking.

Measure a piece of elastic for a wrist, adding 4-6 inches. You will need enough extra to knot the bracelet off when you’re done threading beads.

Decide on a color scheme or pattern and thread beads onto elastic thread. Leave a few inches of elastic on both ends and knot bracelet off following manufacturer’s instructions. If there aren’t instructions available, use a modified surgeon’s knot: start by crossing over the two ends of elastic thread then, using your right hand, wrap it around two times. Pull the ends to tighten the beads on the bracelet. Hold the first knot in place and repeat the process three more times to be sure the bracelet is secure. Trim the ends when you’re done. Watch the video tutorial here.

Add a few drops of citronella and other oils to the beads to make bracelet mosquito-repellent (see our list of bug-busting oils above). Let dry before wearing.

Simple + Stylish Leather-Cord Bracelet

If your style leans toward the understated, then this bracelet is for you. It also makes a great gift for dad!

Cut a piece of leather cord about 20-24 inches long; you will need enough extra to knot a bead into place and to create a knot at one end and a loop at the other end. Follow the instructions above to create a single, large clay bead. We went with silver clay, but any muted hue will do.

Thread your bead onto the leather cord so it's centered, then tie a simple knot on either side of the bead to secure in place.

At one end of the cord, create a knot by folding over 8 inches of cord, keeping your left index finger in the small loop at the top. Wind the loose cord end around the other half of the cord 3 times, being careful to keep the wound loops flat against the cord. Take the cord end and carefully thread it under the wound loops toward the loop at the top where your finger is. Pull the end through, being careful to keep it in front of the loop you made with your finger. Pull tight, securing the knot as close to the end as possible. Trim excess leaving about 3/4” of cord at the end of the knot.

To create the loop that will hold the knot in place on your wrist, fold over the other end of cord and compare the opening to the knot you just tied. You want to make sure the knot will fit through it easily, but also still be secure enough to wear. Cut a piece of the gold or silver jewelry wire about 10 inches long and wrap the wire tightly around the loose cord at the bottom of the loop. Use 3-in-1 pliers to tuck wire end safely away and cut excess cord as close to the wire as you can.

Add a few drops of citronella and other oils to the bead and the leather to make bracelet mosquito-repellent. Let dry before wearing.

Chic Gold-Chain Bracelets

This dainty gold bracelet is a pretty, elegant piece of jewelry that not only repels mosquitoes but is dressy enough for everyday wear.

Follow the instructions from the stretchy bracelet DIY to make five small clay beads. We chose a color palette of gold, light pink and white.

Measure and cut gold chain to wrist length. Find the center point of the chain and cut in half using 3-in-1 pliers.

Thread eye pin, which looks like a straight pin with a closed loop on one end, through one end of the chain and thread on your beads.

Cut excess eye pin using 3-in-1 pliers, leaving enough to thread onto the other half of cut gold chain. Once the open end of the eye pin is threaded through the gold chain, use 3-in-1 pliers to carefully close end into a loop, securing it on the chain.

Cut any excess gold chain loops to even out both halves, then attach lobster clasp closure to ends of bracelet halves.

Add a few drops of citronella and other oils to the beads to make bracelet mosquito-repellent. Let dry before wearing.