Beaded DiamonDuo Licorice Leather Bracelet with Tutorial
Featured in GoodyBeads July 2016 Trends, we are still loving the versatility of DiamonDuos especially when we pair them with licorice leather. Along with a FREE beaded loop tutorial, we will show you how to create DiamonDuo beaded loops and incorporate them in your licorice leather bracelets.
DiamonDuo Beaded Loop Tutorial
Download our DiamonDuo Beaded Loops pattern tutorial to get started. Create different color combinations with DiamonDuos, Czech O-beads and size 8/0 Miyuki round beads. Here are some examples of how we used these DiamonDuo Beaded Loops.
From our July 2016 trend, we featured this stunning bracelet with cork licorice leather. We made three loops with Matte Copper DiamonDuos and 2 with Matte Gold DiamonDuos. After cutting the cork licorice leather to your wrist size, slide on your beaded loops in alternating colors towards the center. We added a black rubber o-ring on both sides of the five loops to keep them in place. Glue on a clasp and let it dry for 24 hours before you wear. Crazy-neat, eh?
Using different colors can create a different look to your licorice leather. We created our DiamonDuo beaded loops using hues of metallic golds and white.
After we made five beaded loops, we cut our licorice leather to size. With some Super-lon Bead Cord (A012987), we wrapped the center section of our licorice leather with gold cord. Glue as needed on back side. Slide on a rubber ring, the 5 beaded loops and another rubber ring. ALL centered on the wrapped gold cord. Glue on a clasp and you have this flashy bracelet.
DiamonDuo™ Pineapple Paradise with FREE Pattern Tutorial
Nothing says summer like some sweet pineapple. Stitched with DiamonDuo, SuperDuo and Pip beads, these pineapples are the ultimate way to showcase how excited we are about summer! Check out our FREE tutorial on how to make these pineapple beads and use them as earring dangles or as the focal point on a tassel necklace.
We are loving this galactic red and white pineapple necklace. Donned with a red tassel and Swarovski® crystals, get ready to fall in love with summer all over again!
Make your next jewelry POP with some lampwork beads. Our selection of these glass beads are quality handmade, which makes each bead uniquely one-of-a-kind. Check out our three simple designs that utilizes these stunning, focal beads.
Glass Menagerie Bracelet
Designed by Tory Vezina
Mix up different glass lampwork and Bali style beads for this sandy and colorful bracelet.
What you will need:
(1) A013548 – 20mm Spiral with Spots Glass Disc Beads
Slide on your crimp tube and beads. Refer to image to slide on the bead sequence. End with a crimp tube. (Click on image for a larger view)
Crimp both sides to the toggle clasp loops. Cut excess wire with flex wire cutters.
Place a crimp cover over the crimped tube. Use a flat-nose plier or serrated pliers to gently close the cover over the crimped tube. And you are done.
Coastal Ripples Bracelet
Designed by Tory Vezina
Sail away with beautiful thoughts of the ocean wearing our Coastal Ripples Bracelet. Our ocean waves disc bead is dressed with sparkling Swarovski® crystals and elongated with Bali style tube beads.
Compile your beads and tools. (List of components below.)
Slide a blue bicone crystal on headpin and make a simple loop. Make 4 bead dangles.
Slide a darker blue bicone crystal on headpin and make a simple loop. Make 4 bead dangles.
Slide a pearl on headpin and make a simple loop. Make 4 bead dangles.
Cut chain link to have 5 links.
Open eyepin and slip on chain link.
Attach two different bead dangles to each link and eyepin loop.
Slide these beads onto the eyepin and make a wrapped loop: pearl, bead cap, lampwork bead, bead cap, pearl.
Open earring loop and slide on eyepin dangle.
Repeat to other earring.
Christmas in July: Easy DIY Necklaces
Here in GoodyBeads land, we can’t wait for Christmas. We love everything from the decorated trees, freshly fallen snowflakes, holiday music to the aroma of peppermint candy canes. Get your gift shopping done early by making some easy DIY necklaces. Fulfill all of your gifts and still have time to enjoy the holidays, even if it is six months away.
Chain
Choose your chain from larger links or dainty links, silver-plated or gold-plated, beaded chain or bar chain. One of the easiest necklace to wear is an extra-long style, like a 30” length is easy to slip over your bead or double for a different look. Though a shorter necklace length is doable, by adding your own clasp findings with jump rings. Check out our image below to determine your necklace preference.
Pendants
An stunning focal piece you can use to make an easy necklace are slice pendants or gemstone pendants. We are loving this quartz pendant as it comes with a bail that you can slip a chain through for easy making and wearing.
Another easy addition to a necklace are charms and links. Choose a favorite charm or link and attach it to your necklace with a jump ring. Check out our bar connectors for a trendy boho look, alphabetcharms for a personalized touch, or quirky TierraCast® or metal charm for a quirky personality.
Step One: Cut 22-gauge wire and make a wire wrapped loop. Make sure to make a loop small enough so seed beads can not pass through.
Step Two: Knot a bead to the end of the thread. Feed the thread through wire loop.
Step Three: String on your preferred amount of seed beads. (Here we are using size 11 Miyuki seed beads.)
Step Four: Skip the last bead and thread the needle back though the beads.
Step Five: Thread through the wire loop.
Step Six: String on beads and thread back through the beads while skipping the last bead. Then go back through the wire loop.
Step Seven: Repeat until you’ve reached a desired thickness. This thickness is according to how full you want your tassel to look within the bead cap or end that is being used. Tie off the ends and cut excess. You can add fast-drying glue to secure the knots.
Step Eight: Add your bead cap or bead end and make a wire wrapped loop. You’ve completed your beaded tassel.
Guinevere Beaded Tassel Lariat Necklace
Designed by Tory Vezina
If Queen Guinevere wore a tassel necklace, this would be the necklace. With pearl seed beads and spiral rope chain, this necklace is perfect for common folk to feel like a queen!
The tassel was made with size 11 pearl seed beads and gold end caps. Make two beaded tassels. Cut some rope chain at 3-4 feet and attach each end with a brass jump ring and beaded tassel. Wear this lariat necklace loose while wrapped around once or twice. Or tie a knot 2-4 inches away from your beaded tassel.
Memorial Day is a special day to honor those who have died while serving in the United States of America armed forces. We have a few DIY jewelry projects to commemorate this day and all American holidays.
Red, White and Blue Flat Leather Bracelet
Designed by So Vang
Here’s a clean and sleek bracelet made from 5mm flat leather and rivets. First, measure four strands of leather at your wrist size plus two more inches for the loops. You can learn how to rivet leather loops by reading our previous blog. Make sure to loop your ends through the bar end before you hammer your rivets. Add a clasp and you are ready to rock to the beat of an American song.
We made this bracelet easy to wear, make, and adjust. Take a strand of red, white and blue 2mm leather cord and line them up at one end. Take a silver clamp and clamp the three ends with serrated chain nose pliers. Hold your strands together and evenly straighten your strands. Make a flush cut at the other end and use another silver clamp to clamp those ends. Add your clasp and a simple USA charm. What’s versatile about this bracelet is that you can add knots in between your leather cords if you find the bracelet to be a bit loose. Plus, we think the added knots are a neat feature to the bracelet. Wrap 4 or 5 times around your wrist for a fire cracking weekend.
To make the pin, you will make Czech dagger rings by threading on Czech daggers and making a knot with the thread ends. Cut off excess thread. You will need to make three rings with 10 red Czech dagger beads, 9 red Czech dagger beads and 7 black Czech dagger beads.
Next, slide on your headpin the 8mm black round crystal, black dagger ring, red dagger smaller ring, red dagger larger ring and 8mm red bicone crystal. Make a simple loop. Open the headpin dangle loop and attach to the loop on the bow pin.
For this ring, you will need to make two rings with 10 red dagger beads and 7 red dagger beads. Use a fast-drying glue, like Super New Glue to add to the base of your ring. Lay the larger red ring on top and press down with your finger. This will help the ring to lay flat. This should only take a few seconds to dry. Add some glue on the inner part of the red dagger ring and add your smaller red dagger ring. Hold it in place with your finger for a few seconds. Add some glue to that layer and place the jet round crystal on top.
Jump Rings
Jump rings are an essential product to have when making jewelry. Jump rings are used to make connections to clasps, chain links, charms, and many more. We will show how jump rings have been used in various jewelry projects, and also teach you how to open a jump ring correctly.
Step One: Hold one side of your jump ring with one of your pliers, clamping at the middle of the pliers.
Step Two: Take your second pair of pliers and grasp the other side of the jump ring almost perpendicular to your left pliers.
Step Three: Keeping the left pliers steady, rotate your right pliers towards you to open the jump ring.
Step Four: To close the jump ring, rotate your right pliers away from you until the two ends meet.
Note: Jump rings should never be opened by pulling the sides of your jump rings apart.
Jump Ring Video Tutorial
Check out our video tutorial on how to open and close jump rings with Alisun and Kristal Wick.
Sample Uses of Jump Rings
In our April 2016 Trend, we featured stampable charms and connectors. Here we used jump rings to connect to other connector links, as well as chain link. When using a similar size of jump rings, you won’t even notice that jump rings were used to connect these pieces together.
Adding charms to an expandable bracelet? Jump rings work great. Just make sure to use a large enough size to attach the charm to the bracelet like the example above.
Chain maille is a popular jewelry art. The combination of different sizes and colors of jump rings can make an intricate design that looks like a piece of art.
Even in our previous blog on How to Rivet, after we riveted a leather loop we used jump rings to connect the leather strands to a watch face or magnetic clasp. The brass jump rings were selected to match the color of the watch face and clasp, making the overall piece cohesive.
How to Use Silk Ribbon in Jewelry
To encompass the trend of boho, we have pulled our wonderful stock of silk ribbon and ribbon mixes to show you how to use silk ribbon in jewelry. We will show you how to make an easy wrap memory wire bracelet with silk ribbon and silk ribbon tassel earrings.
Boho Silk Memory Wire Bracelet
Designed by So Vang
This bracelet is perfect to wear on a beautiful summer day. We used the Hand Dyed Ribbon Mix, which has eight 2 yards of ribbon, yarn and fabric mix. When wrapped around memory wire, the colors and various fibers has a boho charm. You can finish off your bracelet with a tassel attached at the memory wire loop end or add charms scattered around the bracelet with jump rings. This memory wire ribbon wrap bracelet is easy to make and to pair with your everyday outfit. Just follow our easy instructions or DOWNLOAD our pdf tutorial.
Step 1: Cut memory wire for 2-3 wraps. Make a simple loop at each end.
Step 2: Gather your strands of ribbon mix to one end. Hold about 3 inches of the ribbon strands with the memory wire. Start wrapping your ribbon around a few times close to the loop.
Step 3: Tightly coil the ribbon strands around the memory wire. Make sure to keep your strands flat and not twisted when coiling the strands. Take your time.
Step 4: At the end, glue to secure. Wrap strands back towards the beginning of memory wire to create a fuller looking bracelet. Once you run out of strands, dab a small amount of glue to hold ends down.
Step 5: Wrap 26 Gauge wire around ribbon strands to secure the strands.
Step 6: Embellish with charms, bead dangles, tassel, or wear as is. Your boho fiber bracelet is complete!
Use silk ribbon to make a trendy pair of tassel earrings. Make some fun pair of earrings like what we have made here. OR create a longer tassel to use in a statement necklace.
Step 1: Cut silk ribbon in half. Take one half and fold in half. Fold again and again for a total of three half folds.
Step 2: Cut 4 inches of 22 Gauge wire. Insert under last ribbon fold a third of the way and cross the wire strands.
Step 3: Twist the two wire strands. Cut excess length of the shorter wire strand.
Step 4: Insert cone on wire and use flat nose pliers to pull tassel snuggly inside cone.
Step 5: Add a small bead and make a simple loop.
Step 6: Cut the ribbon loops.
Step 7: Attach ear wire and repeat for the other tassel earring.
Center a porcelain pendant to these mix ribbon and make knots on both sides. Then make another knot next to those knots and added seashell and starfish charms with copper jump rings in between each knots. This necklace takes you to the beach without even being there!
How to Use Ricks Bead Loom, PLUS Two Ways to Clasp Loom Bracelets
From traditional Native American Indian-loomed wampum belts to popular and modern Julie Rofman wrap bracelets, bead looming has transcended through changes in time, culture and fashion. A bead loom can help you make elaborate, beautiful necklaces to simplistic bracelets.
If you are new to using the bead loom or have been wanting to use a bead loom, believe us when we say that using the Ricks Bead Loom is super easy and simple. Here are some tips and tricks to using Ricks Bead Loom, as well as some inspirational loom bracelets to get you started. We also provide two different ways to clasp loom bracelets.
Ricks Bead Loom
When you purchase a Ricks Bead Loom, you receive the bead loom and its components, as well as a detailed, visual instructions of how to set up and use the bead loom. You can also check out Ricks video tutorial on his webpage on how to use his bead loom.
The basic method of bead looming is weaving a thread back and forth through rows of seed beads that are sandwiched in between vertical strands or “warp strands”. The difference between a traditional bead loom and Ricks Bead Loom is the amount of warp strands you are using. A traditional loom will have multiple warp strands going up and down along the loom, while a Ricks Bead Loom will have only one strand that wraps back and forth, up and around between the two rods. This continuous wrapping of the strands between rods will leave you with two threads at the end.
Like the instructions you will receive, first you insert your metals rods. These rods are where your vertical warp strands will lay. Adjust the wood piece/tailstock to your preferred bracelet length and start making your warp strands. The amount of warps you have is according to the amount of beads you have in a row, PLUS ONE. If you see the image below, you will see that we have eight seed beads per row and thus we need nine warp strands.
Next, lay your card separator in between the warp strands. It is optional to use the card separator. You can use the warp separator card that comes with the kit. Here, we cut a ½ inch piece of cardstock paper to get us started.
Hook your thread end to your peg and insert it into one of the holes in the front.
You are ready to start your rows. The basic motion of weaving each row is by weaving behind the warp strands with your beads and string. You will then weave back into the same row of beads, but when you feed your needle through, you are gracing the top side of the warp strands.
TIP: When bringing your needle back, use the backside of your needle. Using the backside of the needle will give you a smoother glide through the beads. Be careful not to prick yourself with the sharp end when using this method. Makes you wish you had a thimble on hand, huh? I did.
The first two rows will be tricky but after that you get those two on, it will be easier.
After your two rows are done, slide off the separator and pull your two rows down so it is flushed against the metal rod. Twist the peg that attaches to your thread to keep loose thread tight.
And you are ready to continue with your rows until you’ve reached the end.
TIP: When bringing your needle back through the row of beads, press up on the beads so that they protrude upward. Then, when you sew back through the beads, you will go over the vertical warp strands.
When you have finished your piece, unhook your threads from the pegs and sew the end threads through the rows and knot them. Cut excess thread. Slide your loomed piece off the metal bars and spread out your bead rows evenly outwards towards the ends to hide the loops of the warp strands. Then you are ready to add your clasp ends. Here are two types of loomed bracelets with instructions for adding a Miyuki Tube Finding and sewing on a bead loop to add your clasp.
For this bracelet, we used Miyuki Tube Findings, which are used particularly with Miyuki Delica Size 11 seed beads. GoodyBeads has four available sizes at 15mm, 20mm, 35mm, and 60mm, which will accommodate a certain amount of seed bead per row.
You can make a design like our Delica seed bead bracelet or you can use a Miyuki seed bead mix like our bracelet here. For our clasp for this bracelet, we made a loop using seed beads.
Step 1: Tie your thread end and insert your needle halfway through your row of beads.
Step 2: Add two seed beads. Skip one seed bead in your row and insert needle through the rest of your row. Make a knot.
3. After you make a knot, go back through the seed beads you threaded through. Make a knot on the other end.
Step 4: Then, feed your needle and run through your entire bead row and make a knot. Cut excess thread.
Step 5: Your end result.
Step 6: Insert jump ring in the loop you’ve made and add your choice of clasp. You are finished.
Make a Multi-Strand Necklace with Swarovski® Tahitian Pearls
by Kristal Wick
One of the easiest “go-to” designs I have found is a multi-strand necklace or bracelet. WHAT? You say these look soooooooo difficult? Not true! Once you master the multi-strand, you’ll be hooked! I like to start by making piles of my fave components; for example, sitting in my studio on a chilly (16 degrees below zero) January day in Minnesota, I CRAVED a splash of beach so I grabbed some TierraCast® dolphins and seashells, beautiful blue Swarovski Tahitian pearls and crystals and frosted seed beads to give the piece a sea glass effect. Use three different colors of beading wire with one exposed to add an additional dimension to the necklace. It’s trendy these days to mix metals so I threw in copper components to reflect the shades of glistening sand and a bit of silver to represent the crest of the waves breaking up on shore. Whether you’re physically on a beach or visiting one in your mind, I hope this seashore delight will help you get through this long winter! Use three colors of beading wire – one color exposed – to add an additional dimension to the necklace.
Cut five 16 inch pieces of beading wire (various colors).
Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop.
String the following onto strand #1:
Three Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads
Seven Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame
Indicolite Round Mini Bead
Series: 20 Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame
Indicolite Round Mini Bead
Repeat the series four more times and add the following:
Seven Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
Three Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads
Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
Add Copper Oval Jump Rings to the four dolphin charms
Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #2:
Slide the following series onto the beading wire:
Series: Crimp tube
3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
12mm Tahitian Swarovski Pearl
4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
Crimp tube
Lay this strand down next to Strand # 1 and space the pearl series in the center of the first 20 Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Bead series and crimp on either side of the pearl series.
Gently squeeze the crimp covers over the crimps.
Add the series again and crimp about an inch down the beading wire. Repeat steps 8–10 for the remaining three pearl series.
NOTE: Before doing the final crimp on each strand, make sure they all end up the same length. Adjust the number of beads on each strand to ensure this.
Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #3:
Three Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
Series: Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X
Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
Antique Silver Small Spindle Shell Charm
Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X
Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
Antique Copper Small Shell Bead
Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
Repeat the series seven more times alternating the Dolphin charms and Spindle Shell charms, then add two Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads.
Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #4:
Two Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Series: Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast
Swarovski® Crystal 14mm Aquamarine Emerald Cut Bead
4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast
Repeat the series four more times then add the following:
Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
Two Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop as in Step #2.
Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #5:
Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
Series: 8mm Baby Blue Czech Faceted Rondelle Glass Bead
Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Bead
Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Bead
Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
Repeat this series 17 more times. Add a Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead and then crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
Open eyepin, insert one end loop of all five strands and close the eye pin. Repeat for the other necklace end.
Slide on Antique Silver Spiral Cone Bead Cap, Swarovski® 6mm Indicolite Round Mini Bead, Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap and make a simple loop on the end. Repeat for the other necklace end.
Add desired chain length (the sample shown uses 2-¼”) to simple loop.
Using a jump ring, add the toggle to the other end of the chain. Repeat steps 20-21 for the other necklace end.
How to Make Leather Wrap Bracelets with Illustrated Tutorial
Leather wrap bracelets is a trending favorite to spice up a boho outfit or rock out to a head-banging concert or add to a casual outing with your girlfriends. Wrap bracelets are a must-have for 2016. We will show you how to make wrap bracelets with illustrated tutorial that you can download.
They may look difficult to make, but after a few attempts, they are honestly easy to make. We will show you a tutorial on how to make these bracelets using one-hole beads and super duo beads, as well as a few tips and tricks to help you make these wrap bracelets.
The basic components you need for these bracelets are:
Button findings: which will act as your clasp. Button Ends will work well, also.
Leather or cotton round cord: these could range from 1mm to 2mm or larger, depending your preference and on the size of beads you are going to use. The length of cord needed for your bracelet will be determined below.
Thread: you can match the thread to your leather cord to hide the look or to add color. Check out some Beading Thread options but keep in mind that you will need a thin enough thread to go through the hole of your beads twice.
Beading Needle: size will be according to your thread and bead’s hole size.
Adhesive: Hypo-Cement with precision tip, is a good choice to glue thread ends or any fast-drying glue will do.
Beads: use your preference of beads or seed beads. Have enough if you plan to have a multi-wrap bracelet.
Determine leather length needed for a wrap bracelet
Use this method to determine the leather cord length you may need for a multi-wrap bracelet.
Take your wrist length and double the length. Multiply that by the number of wraps you want and then add 12”. That will give you an approximate cord length you will need to start your bracelet. (The extra 12” factors in the button knot, end knot(s) and bead size.)
Example:
2 wraps for an 8.5” bracelet: (8.5” x2) x 2 wraps = 34 + 12 = 46” needed.
Or
4 wraps for a 7.5” bracelet: (7.5” x2) x 4 wraps = 60 + 12 = 72” needed.
Keep in mind, these total numbers are approximate. You will want to test the wrap length while you’re making your bracelet. Having extra length is better than being short on your wrapped length goal.
Basic Leather Wrap Bracelet Tutorial
The basic weaving of the thread will be going under the leather cords and then coming over leather cords.
With Czech SuperDuo seed beads, you will be layering the bead holes to create a layer sequence. Below is a tutorial on how to make this SuperDuo wrap around bracelet.
This is a simple one-wrap bracelet. Think about using a different thread color than your leather cord color for a mix of colors.
Use more than one bead on each layer for more embellishment options.
Make a bracelet with multiple combinations of beads to create a fun layered look.
These SuperDuo beads look like tiny stone pebbles, don’t you think? Try a SuperDuo mix set for a colorful bracelet or create a zigzag pattern. What will you try?
Other Tips
How to add on additional thread: Tie thread to closest leather cord and glue with Hypo Cement or fast-drying glue. Cut off excess. Tie new thread to leather cord, glue knot and continue.
How to hold leather strands: An alternative to holding the leather strands, for stability when adding beads, is to clamp the button to a clipboard.
How to straighten leather cords: While you are stringing on beads, adjust previous beads with fingers to straighten out leather cords. Or when you have reached your desired bracelet length, lay the bracelet down and run your hand across your bracelet. This will help to smoothen and straighten your leather cords.
How to tighten threads/bead layers: If you find that your thread does not keep your bead(s) sandwiched in place or the bead sits loosely, sew up and under the cords and through the bead again. Over and down through the bead. Sewing through the bead twice on the leather cords will give your beads a tighter hold.
Tighten leather knots: If your leather cord knots are loosening, add a small dab of fast-drying glue or Hypo-Cement to knot(s) for tighter holds.
How to make an adjustable bracelet: Make additional knotted ends for an adjustable bracelet.
Happy January Birthdays! Being the first birthstone of the year, January’s garnet, also know as the “Gem of Faith,” derived its name from the Latin word Granatum or pomegranate, because it resembles a dark red fruit. While garnet is a rich red hue, it “signifies power, victory, truth, purity, faith, and protection,” (BirthstoneZodiac) as well as life, happiness and strength.
Swarovski® defines January birthstones with garnet and siam crystals. We have four simple jewelry projects to start your new year! Wear garnet or siam this year whether it is for showcasing your birthstone color or to showcase this vibrant red color.
January Crystal Earrings
Designed by So Vang
This pair of earrings is made with TierraCast® bezel charm that uses Swarovski® crystals. Simply open up your sterling silver ear wire loop and slip these glimmering charms on. Because these charms are 18mm, they are the perfect statement earrings for January 2016!
January Bangle Bracelet
Designed by So Vang
The fun thing about these expandable bracelets is that you can add any of your favorite charms. Add your garnet crystal charm and your favorite charms for this easy to do and wear popular expandable bracelet.
Red Golden Dagger Necklace
Designed by So Vang
For this necklace, we paired sharp red dagger Czech beads with copper/gold-tone beads. Take some 22 gauge artistic wire and make a full loop. Before you finish it with a coiled wrap, insert your gold chain. Finish your loop with a wrapped coil. Insert your beads alternating between the dagger beads and copper/gold beads. Make another wrap loop at the other end while adding another piece of your gold chain. Bend your beaded wire piece to create a slight curve. Add your lobster clasp to one end of your chain and a jump ring to the other.
2-in-1 Necklace and Bracelet
Designed by So Vang
We used Chinese crystal beads, brass bali beads, seed beads and Czech O beads to create this simple elastic-strung jewelry piece that doubles as a wrap around bracelet or necklace. Create this fun sequential design as long as you want for an everlasting jewelry piece you can wear year round.
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.
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.
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.
Your rivet is complete.
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)
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.
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
Designed by So Vang
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
Designed by So Vang
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.
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
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
Designed by Tory Vezina
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
Designed by Tory Vezina
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.
