How to Make an Indian Feather Bracelet

Make an Indian feather bracelet based upon ancient tradition or modern style.

Feathers are sacred and symbolic items in Indian jewelry. Make an Indian feather bracelet using materials according to their spiritual meaning based upon Indian folklore or simply for the color and beauty. Use leather, suede or hemp cord for a balanced natural look. Today American Indian artisans continue to make handmade jewelry using traditional techniques and modern materials like glass beads and metalwork. The intricate craft designs provide inspiration for fashion accessories and home décor. The U.S. Department of Interior Indian Arts and Crafts Act prohibits the distribution of imposter American Indian Jewelry and American Indian crafts as genuine.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Leather cord
• Scissors
• Crimp end tubes with loop
• Feather
• Bead
• Epoxy
• Jump rings
• Clasp
• Chain-nose pliers

Instructions

Prepare the Feather

1. Trim the quill of the feather to the length of the crimp end tube.

2. Dab the quill with the epoxy.

3. Slide the crimp end tube over the quill.

4. Crimp the crimp end tube using the chain-nose pliers.

5. Let the epoxy dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

6. Slide the bead over the crimp end tube.

7. Open a jump ring.

8. Slide the jump ring through the loop in the crimp end tube. Close the jump ring.

Make the Bracelet and Attach the Feather

1. Measure your wrist with the measuring tape.

2. Cut a piece of leather cord according to the measurement.

3. Slide the jump ring with feather onto the leather cord.

4. Dab the end of the leather cord with the epoxy. Insert it into the crimp end tube.

5. Crimp the crimp end tube with the chain-nose pliers. Let the epoxy dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 on the opposite end of the leather cord.

7. Open a jump ring with the chain-nose pliers.

8. Slide the open jump ring onto the loop of one side of the clasp.

9. Slide the open jump ring with clasp onto the loop of the crimp end tube on one end of the leather cord. Close the jump ring.

10. Repeat Steps 7 through 9 to attach the other side of the clasp to the leather cord.

References

• Fire Mountain Gems and Beads: Using Crimp Ends with Cording
• Fire Mountain Gems and Beads: How to Use Cord Coils

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• United States Senator for Arizona, John Kyl; The Indian Arts and Crafts Act