Charm Watch Knockoff

I hope you are enjoying our little series of Handmade Accessories as gift ideas!

Isn’t there something special about a handmade gift? Even if it’s not amazing or expensive or the “latest” thing – you know that the person put their time and effort (and money) into making something for you.
I love it. I think when you make a handmade gift it’s like you’re giving a little bit of yourself.
Not literally. That’d be gross.

ok – I have another great gift idea for you. I fell in love with the original of this watch on Pinterest and just had to make it!!

Here’s my version:

And here’s the original:

It’s listed as a La Mer Watch at a site called shopbop.com. Retail price is $165!!!

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own (and where I found the materials):

1 Watch face (I found mine at Joann’s)
1 Skinny Belt (mine is Target clearance) – make sure the belt will fit through the bars on the watch
Rivets and tools (kit from Michael’s)
Hammer and 1/8 Punch (Mr. F.T. says the punch is available at any hardware store, this is a Craftsman)
assorted chains
jump rings and 2 lobster clasps
charms

Start by trimming off the end of your belt close to the last hole so the tip isn’t super long.
You don’t want to buckle the watch and have a piece of belt flapping around on your wrist.
If you need to, burn the ends of the belt just a bit to seal them.

Cut 2 - 14″ pieces of the belt, from each end. (You want the buckle end and the other end with the holes.)
This fits my 7″ wrist – if your wrist is larger or smaller you may want to adjust your measurements.

Slide the cut end of the buckle piece through the lower watch face bar and fold over the end. Measure where the rivet will go.

Use the punch and a hammer to make a hole in the belt. I found it easier to go from the front to the back.
Make sure you use a board or some other hard surface to protect your floor.
Punch divots in wood floors are not cool. I promise.

You’ll have  to punch two holes – one on the folded piece and one on the front.

Use rivets that fit the thickness of the folded belt (this is an assortment pack).
You’ll need a top and bottom piece, as well as the tools that should come with the kit.

Push the rivet through the holes and add the capped end. The kit shows you how to set it up with the tools.
Hammer the rivet into place.

Ooh – look! A cute little rivet!

Repeat the process on the other side, adding the other end of the belt to the top of the watch.

Cut 5 pieces of assorted chain 15″ long.

Loop them together on one end with a jump ring. Add a lobster clasp to the ring.
(The original watch has the chains linked on permanently.
My daughter had the brilliant idea to make them removable. I think it is a lot more versatile that way!)

Repeat for the other end. Add some charms to the right end of one of the chains.
I just linked them on with small jump rings
(That way they’ll show up when wrapped around your wrist)

Clip your chains to the side of the watch face and the buckle – and you’re all done!

The watch should wrap around your wrist three times and buckle in the back.

Isn’t it fun?? I am leaving this teal blue paired with gray right now -

And it looks pretty without the chains too!

I think it would be a fun Christmas gift to make up this year – I’ll definitely be on the hunt for more belts now! :)

This was originally posted as a guest post at Positively Splendid. :)

Donatella from Inspiration & Realisation also did a tutorial for a wrap around watch – You’ll want to check it out – it’s fabulous too!!
Great minds think alike!! :)

I’m linking to Sunday Scoop, Today’s Creative Blog, Met Monday, Skip to my Lou, Tutorials & Tips Tuesday, Funky Junk Interiors, and the other fabulous parties on the sidebar – make sure you check them out!