How to Make Bracelets for Dudes

You want to make a bracelet for that special guy in your life--be it your brother, best friend or boyfriend--but you know he'd balk at braided yarn or a beaded type. You can make bracelets for dudes when you create a leather cuff. These fashionable and masculine items will be a joy for you to give him and an equal joy for him to wear.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather piece
• Steel snap
• Snips
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Heavy duty glue
• Other adornments (optional)

1. Pick your leather. Opt for a thicker leather piece at least 9 to 10 inches long and at least 1 to 2 inches wide that will hold up well with daily wear and tear. Choose from leather selections available at fabric, craft or feed stores or go online (see Resources). Leather scraps work well as they offer unique cuts and varieties.

2. Gather your other supplies. Get a sturdy, silver snap at a jewelry supply or craft store and a heavy duty glue that will work to secure the metal snap in place on the leather cuff. Glue that holds leather can be found at jewelry supply, craft stores and hardware stores.

3. Prepare your leather. Use snips to cut your leather bracelet to size and remove any loose or hanging edges. Also snip rounded edges on either end of the leather strip. As mentioned, the leather strip should be between 9 and 10 inches long and about 1 to 2 inches thick. You can make it thicker if you wish and longer if the guy has an exceedingly wide wrist.

4. Add the snap. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to bore a hole at least 1/2 inch in from one of the ends. Insert the bottom of the snap into the hole and secure with glue. Allow to dry.

5. Add any adornments. Add any studs, beads or other novelties as desired. Trinkets, charms and small patches can be glued or stitched onto the outside of the cuff. Use the same glue as used for the snap. If sewing, use a needle that can penetrate leather and a heavy duty thread.

Resources

• Leather pieces and scraps