Make Your Own Beaded and Leather Bracelets

Have any of you spotted those great looking beaded and leather bracelet that seem to be on wrists these days just about every you look?

I think they’re so cool.

For a long time, I simply admired them because I thought they were a bit too pricey.

Well, I finally learned how to make them myself and that changed everything.

These bracelets can be made for a fraction of the high-end boutique cost.

When I first learned how to make these wonderful bracelets a few years ago, I went crazy making them in just about every color I could think.

I was a bit of a beading maniac which is kinda how I am about most  new hobbies.

I’ve made plenty for myself, friends, loved ones and for holiday gifting… and you can too.

Oh, by the way… all the loose threads you see in the middle of these are just un-clipped strands.

These are just a handful of the bracelets that I whipped up in almost no time.

Before I show you how to make these pretty bracelets, allow me to tell you about the watch they’re paired with.

I’ve been collecting distinct-looking watches for years and I have almost a dozen in my small but growing collection.

Given my affinity for interesting timepieces, I was happy to partner with JORD watches for this post.

Their watches feature a gorgeous and unexpected take on the traditional leather or metal strap with wood bands.

Regular readers know I have a penchant for lovely wood… mostly wood cutting boards  and these wood watches certainly appeal to the wood lover in me.

This dark sandlewood and mint  has subtle color variations in the grain that give the band a soft and slightly rustic appearance.  And mint face is a fun pop of color and contrast.

While it’s called mint, it’s actually more of an light emerald to me.  I find myself keeping it under guard because a certain teenage daughter has been eyeing it… along with my bracelets.

Sorry Sweetpea, the watch and bracelets are mine.

I’m a sucker for great packaging and this sturdy wood box that the watch comes in is as functional as it is good looking.

It features a hidden bottom drawer which is perfect for tucking away the beaded bracelets I wear with it.

Cute all around and a nice gift idea to boot.

OK, let’s get to that beaded and leather bracelet tutorial.

You can find all the supplies you’ll need at your local crafts stores, although you may find a higher quality beads and leather at a specialty bead store.

You’ll also need a beading needle which is long, thin and flexible.

Finally, you’ll need beading thread and a small button which I’ll talk more about further down in this post.

Determine how long you want the bracelet to be and whether you plan to wrap it once or twice around your wrist.

Double the length and fold the leather string in half.

Tie a small knot around one end of the leather. This needs to be a small loop, but large enough to squeeze a button through.

Thread the needle and place the first bead just under the loop knot.

Insert the needle into the bead making sure the thread is on UNDER of the right side of the leather.

Pull the needle through and bring the thread out over the TOP of the left side of the leather.

Reverse the needle by bringing the needle through the bead the same way but in the opposite direction making sure you take the needle UNDER the leather through the bead and then on TOP on the other side.

Insert another bead and repeat.

It may help to imagine you’re threading in a figure eight motion while threading the bead and wrapping the leather on each side.

Keep your eyes peeled for small buttons. I found some of these on old sweaters.

The most important thing is that the back of the button have a large enough shank (opening) that both ends of the leather bracelet can fit through.

Once you get to the end of your beading, secure the thread with several knots.

Slide the ends of the leather into the shank and use jewelry glue to adhere the leather to the shank.

You should also put a small dab on the openings of the last bead and the first bead in the bracelet for added security.

I think these beaded bracelets look their best when they’re stacked.

Make a few with similar or complimentary colors and then combine 2-4 of them for a great look.

I’ve worn as many as six at one time before and it’s a real attention grabber.

I thought you’d enjoy seeing a few more of the bracelets I’ve made for myself over the years.

Don’t you love the way they look, all lined up like this together.

Once you get the hang out of making these, you’ll quickly realize… you can’t have too many.

This three-row beaded bracelet is a little more fancy and while it is a little tricky, it’s still quite doable once you figure it out.

All you have to do is double the stand of leather and once you attach one set of beads down the center, attach smaller vertical beads with the leather running in the opposite direction.

Attach beads one side at a time and then bring the ends together in a knot at the end.

It is a little more time-consuming but worth the end result.

I’ll post a tutorial for this more intricate beaded bracelet another time.

I partnered with JORD Wood Watches on this post.  All opinions about their time pieces and how great they look with handcrafted, beaded and leather bracelets are my own.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

See you back here next time. ♥