Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Faux Leather and Recycled Glass Beads Wrap Bracelet How To

I received these beads in exchange for my honest opinions. 

I know, I'm a little late in the wrap bracelet trend, but here I am hopping on the bandwagon!

The beads are recycled glass beads from Happy Mango Beads.  (I'm not sure if that link is exactly the same bead, but it's close.)  Here's Catherine photo-bombing my picture of Happy Mango Beads goodies. I can't believe this photo is over a year old!  (By the way, if you like beautiful pictures and beads in your Facebook newsfeed, you should like Happy Mango Beads.)


I had received these beads about a year ago and with hubby getting a new job, a 500 mile move, a severe morning sickness filled pregnancy, the birth of my son, etc., etc., I am only now getting caught up on my crafting!  Of course, as soon as I got my goodies from Happy Mango Beads I took a break from packing and did make this pretty memory wire bracelet.


Back to today's bracelet, the (faux) leather cord was a gift, but I'm pretty sure it came from Joann's.  I used heavy duty all purpose thread from my stash.  I also dabbed some E-6000 glue on all of my knots -- probably overkill, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that everything is super secure.  I also used one button.

Here's another picture of my beautiful girl, this one is from today. She's getting so big!  She loves to model my crafts for me.


I pretty much just winged it while making this bracelet, but I am really happy how it turned out!  If you'd like a little direction, here's what I did:
  • Cut leather cord to desired length.  For mine, I doubled the leather and then wrapped it around my wrist and added a couple inched before cutting.  
  • Make a loop by tying a knot at the halfway point.  This loop will be your "button hole", so make sure your button will fit!
  • Tie your needle and thread to one side of the leather.  
  • Start adding beads.  I went through the bead, around the leather, back through the bead, around the leather, and then through the next bead . . .
  • At the end, knot the thread, leaving a long tail.  Knot the leather and the thread together.
  • Add the button.
  • Put a drop of E-6000 glue on all of the knots.

A couple of tips for while you're working:
  • Secure your work somehow.  A clipboard would be perfect.  I used a paperclip and a cardboard box.
  • The first few beads are difficult.  I didn't think mine were lining up well at all, but somehow after about a half-dozen beads everything looked great.
  • This method will work for all sizes of beads, but keep in mind you will need a very thin needle for smaller beads, because you have to go through the bead twice.

The beads are on the heavier side, so this bracelet does have a bit of weight to it.  Because of the weight I decided that this bracelet should only wrap around my wrist twice.  The beads are very high quality.  I love how each one is unique.  They get my seal of approval.

I think the combination of the leather and the recycled beads has a slightly rustic feel, perfect for fall!  What do you think?


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Like I said above, I received these beads in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions. 

4 comments:

  1. I like this bracelet. Thanks for sharing your tutorial. I am very new to bracelet making and will be trying this in the future for gifts and for myself. Thanks again! I will be looking forward to more of your bracelets and crochet tutorials also.

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  2. Beautiful bracelet! On my list of things to try.

    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.blogspot.com

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  3. Hi Rachel!!!! I haven't seen you for a long time at the Fine Craft Guild. How are you? Love your girl and her bracelet. Really adorable!

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  4. I love the beads and the bracelet. Thank you for sharing with us.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I love reading each and every one!