Tutorial: Leather Scrap Wrap Bracelet

Inspired by the bracelets worn by Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Step 1:

Collect all supplies needed for this project in order to begin creating the individual sections of the bracelet.

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Step 2:

Start by cutting your leather scraps into strips approximately 1/3" - 1" wide and about 8" - 9" long, tapering the ends to a tip that is about 1/4" wide. See image. Creating a tip at the ends of each strip of leather will allow the metal beads to fit over the leather.

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Step 3:

Fold the end over at about 1" away from the end of the strip and glue it in place, leaving a loop at the end for the jump ring to fit through. Either slip a metal bead over the end or use wire to wrap the end. See image. Repeat for the remaining 5 ends of your leather strips.

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Step 4:

Now it's time to prepare the other sections of the bracelet.

Place a crimp bead at the end of your beading wire and crimp in place, again leaving a loop with enough room for your jump ring to fit through the end. Add your choice of beads; I like wood, stone, or bone for more masculine bracelets and pearls or crystal for more feminine ones. The section of beads should only be about 2" - 3" long. Crimp a crimp bead at the other end of the wire to create a connection for your jump ring and to secure the beads in place. See image.

Use the craft wire and fabric glue to create a loop at the end of your leather cord and repeat on the other end. See image. This strip should be approximately 5" - 6" in length.

Select a chain that goes with the desired look of the bracelet and cut a piece of chain about 5" long.

The bracelet will tie together using two pieces of cotton cording. Cut 2 strips of cord about 5" long. Fold the end over and use the craft wire and fabric glue to create a loop at the only one end of each piece. As always, make sure the loop is big enough for your jump rings to fit through. See image.

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Step 5:

Using jump rings, connect all of the pieces together in this order:
1. cotton cord
2. wide leather strip
3. bead strand
4. leather cord
5. medium leather strip
6. chain
7. thin leather strip
8. cotton cord

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Step 6:

Here's how to wrap the bracelet comfortably around your wrist.

- Hold the cotton cord end of the thicker side of the bracelet with the thumb of the hand that will be wearing the bracelet (usually the right).
- Place a marker or thick pen against your wrist - this sounds weird, but it will keep you from wrapping the bracelet too tightly around your wrist.
- Now begin to tightly wrap the bracelet around your wrist, again starting with the thicker end of the bracelet.
- Tie the bracelet in place, tuck ends under bracelet, and remove the marker/pen.

This will most likely take a couple tries to get just right, but when you do, you're going to love it!