New Leather Bracelet Tutorial

I promised this tutorial a while back and kept pushing it back on my blog topics list. I figured it was past time to share it, but I just couldn't (COULDN'T) write it up with all of the writing that I have been doing lately.

As I reviewed the pictures I realized that they speak for themselves, so you know what? I am just going to post this tutorial with a few prompts. Click on each picture to enlarge.

I really love how these bracelets turned out. They are a great companion to my wrapped bracelets tutorial. I had a lot of the materials in my stash. I picked up the leather cord at my local JoAnn Fabrics store. The wire I used for the beads was 24-gauge, but 20 to 26-gauge will work just fine.

If you have questions on specifics, post 'em in the comments and I'll get back to you.

Materials. I used 2mm leather for the base and 1mm for the wraps.
Use whatever you like. It doesn't make much of a difference.

Cut about 4" or so for the wraps. About 12" for the main bracelet.

Make the wraps tight!

To close thread the end through the loop and tighten.

and tighten...

...until the loop pops under the wrap. Pull on both ends to finish tightening.

Let the glue dry and snip off the ends of the cord.

I used a knitting needle that was slightly larger than the cord
as a mandrel for the wire beads.

Twist ends to close.

Snip ends and tuck in twist.

They slide around on the cord.

Make a bunch.

Make a sliding adjustable knot.

Wrap the cord around twice.

Poke the end of the cord from the left and through the loops to the right.

Tighten.

Repeat with the second end of the cord in reverse.

Tighten.

Add a bead to each end and tie a knot to secure.

That's it!

Make a bunch and enjoy!

Hola! FREE Micro Torch Basics Class.

¡Buenos dias! I am back from my trip from Mexico and I can't wait to share what I learned. So many traditional Mexican jewelry-making techniques, designs and materials... My head is bursting.

More on all of that great stuff later on the blog. (I gotta TON of pics to download.) Right now I want to share something EXCITING that happened while I was away.

Looky...

My new class on Craftsy.com.

It's FREE!!! That's right! No charge and you can watch it again and again and again. All you need to do is sign up and become a member of Craftsy.com. In my class you'll learn how to use a butane micro torch PLUS how to make a couple of my favorite ring projects. I walk you through each step on using the torch, setting up a safe workspace and other tips and tricks so you won't be afraid to turn on that torch and get started.

The class is broken down into five separate lessons so the class is easy to navigate and presents techniques in easy to follow portions.

I am so super-proud of this class and so happy that students are enjoying it. Are you new to Craftsy? You can learn all about their online classes here. You can check out my activity and projects on the site by following my profile.

Things don't stop there, though! I have a second class coming up in the next couple of weeks... stay tuned, I think you are going to like it. 

Now go forth and fire it up!

A Giveaway Winner and Offline for a Few.

Congrats to Julie!!!
The threw her hat in the giveaway ring, since she said that she was feeling lucky...and she was lucky indeed.

Julie, you have won my latest prize package!

 Email me at kate at kate richbourg dot com to confirm your mailing address and I'll get this out to you ASAP.

Also, just another quick thanks to all who have send beads for my super secret project. They have begun to arrive and they are just perfect. Thanks!

And I am going to be off-line until after September 26th as I am doing a bit of travel and jewelry-scouting without internet access... I'll see you when I get back.