DIY braided leather bracelet

This project  is easy, quick and fun. You will be pleased with result since this bracelet is a great addition to almost any outfit. 

This tutorial was kindly offered to us by Katrin from Katrinshine. Please visit her shop at www.katrinshine.com  to see more of her pretty creations!

Now, the tutorial.

Tools and materials:

•        Straightedge

•        Leather knife

•        Pair of nippers

•        Piece of leather, 8 oz.

•        2 Ribbon ends

•        Lobster clasp closure

•        2 Jump rings 0.2” diameter

•        Adjustable chain

Cut out strip of leather of length than you want the bracelet to be. Carefully cut two inside slits with a leather knife and straightedge, leaving 1/2 inch uncut at the each end. Start to tight a braid.

I always start with the right side over the center, left, right. Now, before you continue, bring the bottom up and through the right loop. This will put everything in a twist for a moment. Do another set (left, right, left) Now bring the bottom up and through the left loop. This will straighten out the twists and on to the next set. So if you start on the right, the bottom goes through the right loop.

The leather braid should be tight at the beginning because the end will be loose.

Once you’re done braiding, your bracelet will look a little lumpy. Don’t worry. Just give it some time & it will break in nicely. You can put it under something heavy.

Once you’re finished braiding, attach the ribbon ends and a lobster clasp closure.

If you want to make it with a snap closure, cut out a strip of leather of length 1/2 inch longer than you want your bracelet to be.

 Your bracelet is ready!

Tutorial by Katrin (Katrinshine)

Interview with a Star - Katrin at Katrinshine

Hello! My name is Ekaterina and I run Katrinshine, an internet store on Etsy.

 I loved to make things since I was little, and my grandmother has taught me a lot: to embroider, knit and crochet. My mother taught me to sew and draw, and she says that she would give me paper and pencils and I would keep busy for a couple of hours just quietly drawing at my desk. Maybe this is why I love to make handmade items so much. To this day I love to draw.

I have graduated from an art school and it gave me a good knowledge base in composition, colors, an various drawing techniques. This is the design that I drew on our kitchen wall:

 And this is the arched doorway between the entrance hall and the living room:

About a year ago I got renewed interest in crocheting, learned to make crocheted balls, flowers and scarves. Maybe soon I will work up my courage for a large project, such as a crocheted dress for next summer.

Currently I work at a store, and often when it is not busy I crochet something small. When customers see it they give me positive comments on my creations. I created the whole series of earrings made of crocheted beads in many colors:

Given that the store I work for sells everything and anything made of or related to lavender, and its décor is all in lavender and white, I often find inspiration for lavender-colored jewelry. For example, this necklace, which consists not only from crocheted beads, but also beads made from fabric. I also added some small glass seed beads as an accent.

Take this ring, for example. It is composed of a crocheted rose with a bead in the center and a flower made of purple leather. These textures, even though so different, go very well with each other and make this ring unique.

I love long necklaces and have a huge collection of them at home. This is why I decided to make this long necklace, I also figured that I am not the only person who loves long necklaces. Black and white color scheme makes this necklace suitable for work, a company event, or just to wear every day with a gray sweater.

Please come and check out my Katrinshine store where you will find not only handmade jewelry, but also gifts for men and unique patchwork bags.