How to Customize Leather Bracelets

Personalized leather bracelets make wonderful gifts. You can add names, designs and small images to to a bracelets by stamping the leather. Leather craft is a traditional activity that is used to create many useful items. It is easy to learn and even beginners can achieve very good results. Leather and leather-crafting tools and supplies are available online and at many craft stores.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Leather bracelet
• Wet sponge
• Letter leather stamps
• Mallet

Instructions

1. Trace the bracelet on a piece of paper. Measure the bracelet and mark the center. Measure the stamps you plan to use and mark the placement of the letters on the bracelet pattern. Be sure the letters will all fit and that they are evenly placed.

2. Moisten a sponge and rub the rough or side and then the smooth side of the bracelet until it is thoroughly saturated. Allow the leather to dry for several minutes until it returns to its original color.

3. Place the leather on a hard surface such as granite or marble. Beginning with the center character, place head of the stamp on the center of the bracelet. Be sure it is centered in both directions and is right side up. If the stamp has a removable handle insert it into the stamp at this point. Hold the handle with the stamp firmly against the leather. Pound the stamp several time with the mallet until it sinks into the leather. Remove the stamp.

4. Follow the paper pattern you made earlier and add stamped letters until you finish the bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• You may stain the the leather or apply leather finish after the leather is stamped. If your bracelet comes with a separate snap, attach it after the leather is stamped and finished.

• Protect your work surface from stain and scratches. Hold the handle of the stamp firmly so it does not bounce. If the stamp bounces off the leather you may get two images.

References

• Tandy Leather Factory: Leathercraft ABC'S