How to include Leather Jewelry in your Life.
Because leather has a reputation for being an extremely durable and attractive material for jewelry, many people are finding ways to include it in their collections at home. Some are even interested in making their own leather jewelry, which requires some strength as well as specific leather-working tools. But the end result can be creative, fun and personalized jewelry.
Some of the materials required when making your own leather jewelry are: Leather strips or cord, Leather shears for cutting, a Leather punch or very sharp awl for making holes for laces and sewing, Snaps, Beads, charms, shells or other decorations and Leather conditioner to make the leather soft and pliable for both working with and wearing.
Some people prefer to create their own Leather Necklaces, Bracelets or Anklets. If you decide to do so, you can purchase your materials online or at a local crafts or leather supply store. By simply using your leather shears to cut a length of leather strip according to your neck, wrist or ankle size and then sing a leather punch or awl to punch holes in the leather strip for metal accessories, you can be well on your way to a new piece of jewelry to wear. You can also use a leather tool or paint to make designs on a leather strip. In order to craft your own braided leather jewelry, you can lay out 4, 6 or 8 pieces of leather cord of the same length. The cord should be at least 1 to 2 inches longer than your intended finished jewelry length because braiding takes some of the length. First, you should fold over one end of the leather cords to make a loop. Secure the loop by tying the loose ends of the cords into the braid or knotting them at the end. Then attach the looped end to a peg or tuck it under a heavy object, like a sofa leg or bookcase, to keep the cords from moving around. You can also use a safety pin to attach the looped end to your pants leg if you are able. Then, braid the leather strips or cord together, and periodically slide beads or other ornamentation onto the cords. You can find variations on the common three-piece braid online at crafts or hairstyle websites. Once you are done, knot the end of the braid and cut off the remaining edges with leather shears. You can also try using different widths or colors of cord to create a more dramatic look for your braided jewelry.
If you’re like most, you’ll find that jewelry making can be fun, but there is no substitute for shopping leather designs and beautiful works created by others available for affordable prices both online and in you local shops. In addition to finding some creative pieces, you can also get many bargains as the stores and shops replace some items with others. What was once old can be new again.
