Posted by Too Cute Beads on 11/2/2016 to Bead School
Combine large hole gemstones with 2mm natural leather to create a braided gemstone bracelet.
braided gemstone bracelet in picture jasperMaterials Needed
  • 24 8mm Large Hole Gemstones
  • 1 yard of 2mm round leather - natural
  • 1 magnetic clasp
Tools & Supplies Needed
  • Super New Glue
  • Nipper Tool
Skill Level
Beginner
Techniques Needed
  • Gluing
Share this Project

Creating a braided gemstone bracelet is a great project for beginninger, and makes a great looking piece for more advanced jewelry designers as well.. If you can braid and use a bottle of glue you already have all the skills required to create one of these bracelets. Large hole gemstones are available in a variety of colors, so customizing this easy to make leather bracelet is no problem. Lets get started!

Preperation

Gather all the supplies needed for this project.

Materials Needed

  • 24 8mm Large Hole Gemstones (1 strand)
  • 1 yard of 2mm round leather - natural
  • 1 magnetic clasp
Tools & Supplies Needed
  • Super New Glue
  • Nipper Tool
Cut your yard of leather into 3 equal sections.

Step 1

Put 2 to 3 drops of super new glue into one end of your magnetic clasp. Roll the glue around to make sure the sides and bottom are covered.

Step 2

Insert all 3 strands of leather into your clasp and hold in place for 30 seconds.

Step 3

Set your clasp down and allow it to dry for 5-10 minutes. The hold will need to be secure while braiding your leather.

Step 4

While your clasp is drying, use your nipper tool to angle cut the other ends of your leather.

Step 5

Having this angle cut will make it a little easier to load on your gemstones.

Step 6

Once you have let your glue dry you'll need to begin by creating 1 braid without any gemstones.

Step 7

Load 1 gemstone onto your left strand of leather.

Step 8

Take that strand of leather and place it on top of your middle strand.

Step 9

Holding your first gemstone leather in place, load a gemstone onto your right strand of leather, then place the strand over the middle strand again.

Step 10

At this point you'll keep repeating steps 7 thru 9 until you've used approximately 24 gemstones.

Step 11

Check the length of the bracelet around your wrist.

Step 12

Add or remove gemstones as needed to find the appropriate size.

Step 13

Once you're happy with the sizing, add 1 last braid without any gemstones.

Step 14

Hold the bracelet from the gemstone side and flush cut your leather.

Step 15

Whole holding your leather, add super new glue into the other side of the clasp.

Step 16

Insert your 3 strands of leather into your clasp.

Step 17

Let it dry and show it off!

Happy Beading,
John Woodson