Attaching the Leather Bead Tip

If you can perform the Crimp, you can fix a bead tip to a leather necklace, bracelet, or anklet. Our example uses a Thin Round Leather Strand and two different kinds of Sterling Silver Leather Bead Tips, but it doesn't really matter as long as the leather fits snugly into the opening of the bead tip. You will also need some chain nose pliers.



Attaching the Leather Bead Tip

In the first example below, the leather is inserted into the bead tip as far as it will go. Since the bead tip is round to begin with, all you need to do is perform a crimp to flatten it out. Use the midsection of the pliers teeth to get more leverage in crushing the metal around the leather.




In the second example, the bead tip is slightly more challenging to attach because it is neither round nor closed to begin with. Slide the leather into the slot of the bead tip, and hold it there with your free hand. Crimp the bead tip slightly with the nose of your pliers to hold it onto the leather, allowing you to remove your supporting hand. Then, when you've accomplished all that you can with the tip of the pliers, it's time to crimp the bead tip to the point where both sides of the opening close in to the centre. Do this slowly and in stages. When crimping from one angle is too difficult, switch to another side, and eventually what started as a square slot turns into something totally round. Finished!

How to Tie a Leather Knot End

Finishing a leather necklace or bracelet with a knotted end is quite simple, but it produces a rustic and natural aesthetic that can be just what your accessory calls for. Our example uses a Thin Round Leather Strand and a 5mm Soldered Ring.

Performing the Leather Knot End

Slide the leather strand through the ring, and then fold a length of it back with the rest of the leather. Don't be afraid to give yourself a generous amount of slack to work with, because you'll always be able to trim the excess. Now, making sure to keep the two side-by-side strands of leather close to each other, form a loop and slide the ring through it. Do not finish the knot immediately; take your time and edge the knot as close to the ring as possible. If you do this when the knot is still a little bit loose than you will still have room to make adjustments- once you finish the knot tightly it will be difficult to undo. Finally, when you're satisfied that the knot is neat and looks good, pull it taught to secure the ring. Finished!

Tutorials, Videos on Earring Making and Wire Wrap

Just wanted to say that Stones and Findings have some great videos on the simple techniques in jewellery making.

If you are interested, here are some examples of the Jewellery making techniques they have on their Youtube Channel!

Creating your Own Beading Hoop --



Making an Earring Hoop with Wire


Side Drilled Stone -- How to Wire Wrap



Link to More Videos!

http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/how-to-make-a-matching-necklace-and-earring-set