In this weeks The Leather Element Chuck has some cool information on the history of leathercraft. Did you know leathercraft is the oldest human craft? Pretty awesome to think we’re still practicing this craft and tanning leather in the same fashion!
Making a Women’s Leather Bracelet
Today we will be making a simple ring-in-center leather bracelet that would be the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or any special occasion! We used a Brandy ¾ oz. chrome tanned leather for its exceptional softness and feel. Keep in mind that the bracelet will lay nicer when using a softer leather. If you prefer veg tanned leather, we suggest a lightweight 2/3 oz. that will get softer and more supple with every wear.
Items you will need:
Leather Piece at least 13” long
Ring
Button Stud
Tools:
Rotary Punch
Knife
Ruler
Measure your wrist using a soft tape measure or lace and then multiply that x 2 and add ½”. This will give you enough room to overlap where the bracelet fastens. My wrist measured 6.5” so my bracelet length is 13.5”.
Cut your leather into a 1” wide x the length you measured (13.5” for mine) strap.
Find the center of your strap and mark it, making sure find the center width wise also. Punch a hole using your rotary or hand punch. Next punch a hole ¼” from the end of one side of the strap.
Now, you are ready to cut the center slit for the first side of the bracelet. Measure one half inch down from the center hole and mark the center line down to within 1” from the hole at the end of the strap. Use your straight edge or ruler and your knife and cut the center slit. Do the same for the other side. Punch a hole ¼” from the end of the other side of the bracelet and cut a slit ½” down from the center hole and 1” from the end hole.
On one end of the strap, cut a small slit about 3/8” from the hole; this will allow the strap to slide over the button stud easier when closing the bracelet.
Use a round end punch or a round spool of thread and round the corners on both ends of the bracelet.
Wrap the end of the bracelet without the slit around the ring and attach the button stud, as shown in the picture.
Your bracelet is done and should look something like this:
To wear the bracelet follow the instructions below:
The Leather Element: Creativity with Leather End Punches
Did you know you can use your English point and round end punches for things other than punching strap ends? Watch the video to see some examples, from scalloped edges to filigree cuts!
The Leather Element: Keeping Antique Off the Back of Your Project
Keeping antique finish off of the back of your leather projects such as arm guards or bracelets is important so you don’t get rub-off and it gives your projects a professional look. Watch as Chuck shows an easy trick to keep the back of your projects looking clean and professional.
The Leather Element: Storing Your Patterns and Templates
Chuck shares an easy tip on how to store your patterns and templates for easy access. Plus, this allows you to keep all of your similar patterns in one place.
Shop pattern paper.