How to Make Leather Crafts: Braided Bracelets

Leather braided bracelets are great because they are so easy to make and you can make as many as you like to go with any outfit. Here are some easy steps to make your braided leather bracelets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• long strips of leather
• scissors
• large beads
• two very large crimp beads that have hoops on the end
• 2 jump rings
• large claw clamp
• needle nose pliers
• tape measure

1. First measure your wrist where you will be wearing the bracelet. Leave a little extra on both sides of the bracelet to attach the clasp and for loss of length with the braiding. Now cut the leather cords to the desired length.

2. Before braiding, stack one end with the cords and attach the large crimp bead. Using your needle nose pliers, smash the crimp bead down. On the end of the crimp bead is the hoop and again using the needle nose pliers, open one of the jump rings and slide onto the hoop. Close the jump ring, by squeezing together with the needle nose pliers.

3. Now that one side has the part of the clasp attached, braid your leather cord together. Do not braid all the way to the bottom, because you will need to attach another crimp bead. Near the bottom, stack the leather cord again and attach the crimp bead in the same way.

4. Open the other jump ring and slide onto the crimp bead hoop and also slide on the claw clamp. Close the jump ring the same way as before. You are done with your braided, leather bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• Leather comes in many colors other than just brown or tan. Try different colors and patterns when making your braided leather bracelets.
• These can be made into anklets as well, by measuring your anklet and completing the same steps.

Resources

• FireMountainGems
• ShipwreckBeads

[askapeach]

on 10/31/2009 Sounds like a fun craft using leather. I'd like to see a picture of something you have made. Thanks