How to Make an African Beaded Leather Bracelet
The history of African beads can be traced back about 1,200 years to the Zulu tribes whose iconic designs contained stories of relationships between males and females. Zulu tribes used bright colored rocks, gems and stones in greens, blues, reds and yellows to adorn the bodies and homes of spiritually and materially wealthy people. Today, you can create your own simple version of the African beaded leather bracelet with a few basic supplies from a craft store.
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Things You'll Need
- A selection of beads in bright red, yellow, green and blue.
- Leather cord
- Barrel clasp
- Sewing scissors
- Measuring tape
Instructions
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1
Measure your wrist with a measuring tape. Add 1/2 inch to this measurement.
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2
Cut a piece of leather cord in the length you just calculated.
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3
Undo your barrel clasp. Thread one end of the leather cord through the ring on one of the barrel clasps, tie it in a knot and secure it tightly. Cut away the excess cord from the bracelet with your sewing scissors. Place the other end of the barrel clasp to one side.
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4
Separate your beads into color groups. Place your first colored bead onto the leather cord and push it to the far end of the bracelet, next to the clasp.
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5
Alternate placing your colored beads onto the leather cord until you are 1/4-inch from the end of the cord.
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6
Place the remaining leather cord through the ring on the other barrel clasp, tie it in a knot and secure it tightly. Cut the excess leather cord away from the bracelet with sewing scissors.
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7
Place the bracelet around your wrist and secure the barrel clasp.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
