Using Cold Connection in Jewelry: How to Rivet Leather

Cold connection is a unique metal technique that connects metal components without the use of heat. While you can connect metal pieces by glue or other adhesive, we will demonstrate some basic steps on how to use rivets with leather.

You will find many cold connection and riveting techniques in steampunk jewelry and metalworking. Once you have the basic tools and components for metal working and rivets, you will find how easy this versatile skill can be used for jewelry making.

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: How to Rivet - Leather Bracelet Rivet — Designed by So Vang

Rivet Leather (Part One)

For this project, we are using TierraCast® Rivets to show how to rivet on leather. When riveting on leather, use a two-part compression rivet, which will have a bottom and cap piece. Two-part compression rivets are best for leather, as they will create a tighter hold if you are adding embellishments with the rivets.

Tools Needed for Leather Riveting:
Steel Hammer, Bench Block, Leather Hole Punch Pliers, and TierraCast® Rivet Setter.

Punch leather through the backside using the Leather Hole Punch. Make sure to punch a hole that is large enough for the rivet to sit it, but not too big. If the hole is too big the rivet may not catch the leather, and may fall out. Tip: Punch with the smallest setting first. Increase hole size if the rivet does not go through.

Insert bottom rivet piece through the backside of the leather and put cap piece on top.

Press the two pieces together until it stops. Place on Bench Block.

Use the Rivet Setter that complies with the size of the rivets. i.e. 4mm rivets will need the 4mm TierraCast® rivet setter tool, while 6mm rivets will use the 6mm TierraCast® rivet setter. Use steel hammer to hit the rivet setter with 2-3 good strikes.

You can sandwich in TierraCast® Components for added embellishments. Or for our bracelet, we used TierraCast® Breathe Link. Use Bending Pliers to curve the link. Line up the leather behind the link and mark the holes of where the rivets will go. Punch the holes where you marked them and rivet the link to sandwich the leather and link together. Glue your clasp and you are done.

Rivet Leather (Part Two)

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: How to Rivet - Watch Rivet — Designed by So Vang

Make leather loop for jump rings, clasps, or joining components together. Create this wrap-around leather watch by using these two part compression rivets. Cut two 12” 5mm flat leather. Make leather loops on all four ends. Attach your clasps and watch face for a fun wrap-around leather watch.

Measure an inch distance between the holes. Punch with Leather hole punch pliers.

Fold and insert your top and cap pieces.

Hammer the rivets with your rivet setter and you are done.

Make loops to add jump rings and clasp as shown in this watch bracelet example.

Leather Bracelet

(1) TC02030 – Breathe Link
(1) Z003952 – Brass Magnetic Clasp
(7) CH00259 – 10mm Burnt Orange Flat Leather
(1) TC01450 – 4mm Brass Rivet
A015821 – Super New Glue

Wrap-Around Leather Watch

(1) Z001647 – Gold Watch Face
(4) TC01450 – 4mm Brass Rivet
(1) A019947 – Antique Brass Magnetic Clasp
(2) Z011513 – 5mm Brass Jump Ring
(24) CH00043 – 5mm Tan/Black Flat Leather

Resolution Bracelet – Metal Stamping

As the clock starts ticking down the hours, minutes and seconds to finish off 2015 and chime into 2016, did you make any last minute New Year’s resolution? Making New Year’s resolutions are easy but the hardest part is the commitment. Resolution bracelets are the perfect accessory companions to help you stick to your 2016 plans. Here are some inspiring resolution bracelets that we’ve made showcasing metal stamping. Check out our previous blog post on how to get started with metal stamping, to learn how to make this popular personalized jewelry.

Quoted Stamped Bangle

Quotes are words of encouragement. We have quoted Ghandi on this bangle with, “The future depends on what you do today.” What is your favorite quote?

To make this bangle, start out with a Z005837 copper stamping blank. Take some Sanding Sponges like TL00154 and sand down the edges and corners of the stamping blank. Once you have smoothed them down, lightly pencil your quote on the stamping blank, keep in mind the size of the letter stamps you intend to use. Space words evenly to fit the whole quote. Stamp your quote. Use a black permanent market or Stamp Enamel to fill in your letters. Wipe and shine your stamping blank with a polishing cloth. This will also help rub off the light pencil marks. Use a Bending Bar to curve your bangle and Bending Pliers to help shape the bangle.

Items Used:

(1) Z005837 – 1/4×6 Inch Rectangle Copper Stamping Blank
A010615 – Lower Case Jeanie Metal Letters Stamping Set

Picture Jasper Charm Bracelet

Picture Jasper is about peace and relaxation. It’s why we included some Picture Jasper dangle charms in this bracelet to help calm your mind and soul for 2016. We’ve also added a few Chinese crystal dangle charms for added sparkle. We’ve used metal blanks and stamped words to help encourage the mind and soul to “take chances” and “be patient,” as wells as to just “breathe,” “heal” and to “laugh more” in the New Year.

Items used:

(1) Z001016 – 10mm Silver Cable Chain
(5) A008547 – 8mm Black Diamond Rondelle Chinese Crystal
(7) GS00406 – 4mm Round Picture Jasper
(12) A001493 – 2 Inch Silver Headpins
(5) A019452 – ¾ Inch Pewter Stamping Blank
(6) A001529 – 6mm Silver Jump Ring
(1) Z005822 – 16mm Swivel Lobster Clasp
TL00191 – 3mm Upper Case Bridgette Metal Letters

Focus Wrapped Bracelet

We love the versatility of this wrapped bracelet. We cut a piece of our Lycra cord in half and pulled/stretched it until it curled sideways, providing a soft yet strong, stretchy bracelet base. Thread the lycra cord through both sides of the metal blank we have stamped “Focus” on. Tie it according to the example we have below and wrap around your bracelet three times for a versatile look.

This bracelet is perfect to wrap around your wrist for a morning jog to “focus” on a healthy goal. Or wear this bracelet while studying your next school exam, so you can “focus” on getting that A+! Focus on the goal and you shall succeed!

Items Used:

(1) A021495 – 1.375 Inch Oval Pewter Stamping Blank
(1) A017779 – 30mm Yellowish Paisley Italian Lycra Cord
TL00191 – 3mm Upper Case Bridgette Metal Letters

New Year’s Eve Swarovski® Earrings, PLUS How to Wire Wrap Briolette Beads

Who doesn’t love ringing in the New Year? You may find yourself at a rooftop party, celebrating New Year’s Eve with cheerful faces, sparkling fireworks, glittering streamers, plastic party hats, bubbly beverages, and midnight kisses! Whether you are dancing the night away or making a toast, we have the perfect earrings, made with Swarovski® crystals, to help ring in the New Year! PLUS, learn how to wire wrap Briolette Beads!

Pendulum Posh

GoodyBeads.com Blog |New Years Eve Swarovski® Earrings: Pendulum Earrings — Designed by Tory Vezina

Make these fun statement earrings with GoodyBeads.com NEW stock of Swarovski® pendulum beads. Take an eyepin and thread on the 10mm and 8mm crystal beads and make a simple loop. Attach the TierraCast® bar link to each loop. Connect the two bar links with the 6mm jump ring. Add your favorite choice of ear wires. Can’t you see yourself at a FABULOUS party wearing these FABULOUS earrings?!

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

You can’t have enough sparkle when it comes to dressing up for New Year’s. You have to sparkle as much as the flashy New Year’s ball!

GoodyBeads.com Blog |New Years Eve Swarovski® Earrings: Swarovski® Rhinestone Earrings — Designed by So Vang

We’ve given these Swarovski® an extra boost of bling with rhinestone rondelles. We made these earrings with an eyepin, 8mm round Swarovski® bead, 6mm rhinestone rondelle bead and a 4mm bicone Swarovski® crystal. Thread on beads and make a simple loop. Open the eyepin loop closest to the 4mm crystal and attach 1 inch of CH00412 – 5mm Filigree Leaves Chain. Open the other loop and attach 1 inch of CH00533 – 2.5mm Soldered Cable Chain. Attach the other end of CH00533 chain to your choice of ear wire. You are ready to rock the night away when the ball drops for 2016!

Wrapped Crystal Drop Earrings

GoodyBeads.com Blog |New Years Eve Swarovski® Earrings: Crystal Drop Earrings — Designed by So Vang

We love these pear-shaped Swarovski® earrings with patina sparkle that add a glittery shine. Paired with gold earring hooks and gold artistic wire, heads will turn to ask, “Where’d you get those?” Check out our tutorial below on how to wire wrap a briolette or top-drilled bead.

Tools Needed: Round Nose Pliers, Flat Nose Pliers, and Side Cutter.

STEP 1: Start with 6 inches of 22 gauge artistic wire.

STEP 2: Feed an inch of wire through the briolette bead hole and bend both ends upwards and cross. Cut the shorter end where both wires cross.

STEP 3: Take round nose pliers and grip the longer wire where the wires touch. Wrap wire back towards bead into a full round loop.

STEP 4: Use flat nose pliers to clamp onto loop. Wrap/coil the wire down and over the tip of the bead.

STEP 5: Next, hold the bead in one hand and the wire in the other. Twist the bead to coil the wire back up to the loop. It’s alright if your coils are not even, this creates a handmade look.

STEP 6: Cut excess wire with a side cutter and use flat nose pliers to tuck ends within coils.

STEP 7: For earrings, hook crystal loop to ear wires and you are done!

Jewelry Components List

Pendulum Posh

(1 pair) A012827 – Sterling Silver Filled French Wire Earrings
(4) TC01295 – Rhodium Bar Link
(1) A001529 – 6mm Jump Ring
(2) A019612 – 2 Inch Eyepins
(2) SW01205 – 10x7mm Silver Night Pendulum Bead
(4) SW01204 – 8×5.5mm Silver Night Pendulum Bead

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

(1 pair) A012827 – Sterling Silver Filled French Wire Earrings
(2) A019612 – 2 Inch Eyepins
(2) SW00039 – 8mm Round Light Colorado Topaz
(2) SW00204 – 4mm Bicone Light Colorado Topaz
(2) A004469 – 6mm Clear Rhinestone Rondelle
(1) CH00412 – 5mm Filigree Leaves Chain
(1) CH00533 – 2.5mm Cable Chain

Crystal Drop Earrings

(2) SW01029 – 16mm White Patina Pear Shaped Pendant
(1 pair) Z001082 – Gold Filled Ear Wire
AW00028 – 22 Gauge Natural Artistic Wire

Easy DIY Leather for the Holidays

The holiday season is here and it’s the time of reconnecting with loved ones and gift giving. Looking for a quick holiday gift? We have some inspirational easy leather DIY projects. Jump on the trend of fashionable leather bracelets or try out an alternative use of flat leather for an easy DIY key chain.

Winter White Splendor Leather Bracelet

Simplify gift-giving with a stunning bracelet using 2mm leather cord. Cut the 2mm round cord at 8 inches. Fold the cord in half and slide the TierraCast® barrel bead (TC01538) through the cord ends to create a loop. Glue the cord ends to a hooked curved clasp (A019043) and you are done! You may want to make a few of these because you’ll want to keep one for yourself.

Licorice Leather Bracelet

Licorice leather bracelets are the perfect statement jewelry. Cut the licorice leather to the preferred wrist length. Add a combination of beads and spacers to add color and use O-rings to keep beads and spacers in place. Lastly, glue your choice of licorice clasp.

Leather Key Chain

Think outside the box of bracelets and you have an alternative way to use flat leather. Make a leather key chain with 10mm flat leather and licorice beads, spacers, and O-rings.

Start out with 6 inches of 10mm flat leather.
Fold the leather in half with the key ring in the loop Glue your leather pieces together.
Slide on licorice spacers/beads and a 12mm rubber O-ring.
Cut your leather ends in a criss-cross angle.

These customizable leather key chains are great stocking stuffers, don’t you think?

Check out our other blog posts for more easy DIY leather projects:

Memory Wire Leather Wrap Bracelets

Watercolor Flat Leather Bracelets

5mm Flat Leather with Slider Charm Bracelets

Easy Leather Bracelets – Summer Style

Need more inspiration? Be inspired with GoodyBeads.com’s past monthly Trends We Love featuring leather. Here are a few leather trends we LOVE!

Clasp It: Unique Clasps Make Stunning Bracelets

2mm Round Leather: Easy Leather Bracelets are Great for the Holidays

Leather Wrap Bracelets: Get Wrapped Up In Stylish Leather and Cork Bracelets

Spell It Out: Make a Personalized Phrase Bracelet!

Statement Bracelets: Big and Bold Leather Bracelets