Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Review and Giveaway – Leather Jewelry: 30 Contemporary Projects

by

Lark Books publishes a wide variety of excellent Jewelry Books from the instructional (such as the book reviewed here) to the informative (such as 1000 Rings).

Today I have the pleasure to review Leather Jewelry: 30 Contemporary Projects by Nathalie Mornu.

This is a very impressive and fun book.  It includes not only step-by step instructions for a variety of projects ranging from stunning to funky and fun, but also a lengthly section on leather itself, the different types of finishes and textures, how to choose leather for projects, what tools you will need and even where to source it (including thrift stores, used samples from furniture stores, etc.).  Mornu also includes excellent illustrations of techniques that will be needed to complete the projects and many many photographs to give visual example to what she is describing.

Other than the excellent projects for you to try, Mornu has included miriad of examples of leather jewelry made by contemporary jewelers.  The works included will inspire and even amaze you. You will want to get working on these projects so that you can have them to wear and so that you can learn the skills that it takes to create imaginitive pieces of your very own.

If you are excited about this book, here is your chance!  Leave a comment below to be entered for a chance to win the review copy.  Leave a second, third, etc. comment letting me know that you have posted a link to this review on Twitter, Facebook, etc. – for additional chances to win.  The double bonus though is that Nathalie has included with the book, a variety of colors and textures of leather to get you going on the projects.  So the winner of this giveaway will be off to a roaring start.  Also, don’t forget, if this book inspires you to create, post photos on our Crafty Review Pool on Flickr so we can all see what you have made.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

(A winner will be chosen at random on May 2nd. US mailing addresses only please. )

Comments

  3. I’m extremely excited about this book! I have lots offcuts from a leather maker. This book would be so helpful! I will comment on twitter and FB!

  4. Looks like a fabulous book! I’ve been so taken with leather jewelry lately 🙂

  6. Wow! This is totally cool… I would love to win this book and try out a new craft. Thank you!

  7. This craft would be awesome to try… I love leather. Thanks for the chance! Crossing my fingers and toes……

  11. i would looooove to win this!
    in the past a started up making jewelry and then i went back to stitching again and moved on to sewing
    plus i have some lether that i would love to use for jewelry.
    so i would so so want to win this book
    thanks!

  14. I would love to have this book! I did some leather-working about 25 years ago or so – just small things – and would love to get back into it. Thanks for the opportunity!

  16. What a great giveaway! I have always wanted to get into leather crafting but just didn’t know where to begin. This would be an awsome win for anyone! Thanks for sharing.

  17. This is a great giveaway!!!!! I have always wanted to try leather and would love to win. Thanks for letting us in our a great book.

  23. I’ve beaded and done some leather crafting for 25 years…but other than an occasional earring or pin with leather fringe, never thought of combining the 2 mediums. Thanks for a SUPER idea.
    (PS. I’d love to win your book!)

  24. What a fabulous giveaway! I love leather and would love the opportunity to further my knowledge/skills with this book and samples. Thanks SO much

  25. This looks so neat! I have a bunch of small leather scraps, but no idea how to use them.

Have you read?

Beaded Halloween Skeleton Craft – A Spooky-Cute Bead Project For Halloween Decorating

If you like your Halloween crafts with a little bit of spooky charm and a whole lot of handmade personality, this Beaded Halloween Skeleton from CraftBits is a fun little project to add to your October crafting list.

This project uses simple supplies — white seed beads, black seed beads, 24-gauge wire or beading thread, scissors, and wire cutters — to create a small beaded skeleton that can be used for Halloween decorations, charms, party favors, or even spooky handmade jewelry. The original tutorial walks you through building the skeleton row by row, starting with a black bead at the top and working through the skull, body, arms, hands, legs, and feet.

What I like about this project is that it has that lovely “old-school craft book” feel. It is not overly complicated, but it does ask you to slow down and follow the bead pattern carefully. This is the sort of Halloween bead craft that is perfect for a quiet afternoon when you want something seasonal but not messy. No glue gun strings across the table, no glitter stuck to the dog, just beads, wire, and a little bit of patience.

The finished skeleton would be cute added to a Halloween keyring, made into a zipper pull, tied onto a treat bag, or hung from a mini Halloween tree. You could also make a batch of them for party decorations or classroom craft swaps. If you enjoy tiny seasonal makes, you might also like browsing the Halloween Crafts section on CraftBits for more spooky little projects to pair with it.

This is a good project for confident beginners who have used seed beads before. Younger crafters may need help with the wire ends and keeping the rows tight, but older kids, teens, and adults who enjoy bead crafts should find it very satisfying. I would suggest using a bead mat or a shallow tray, because seed beads have a special talent for rolling into the one place you cannot reach. Ask me how I know.

For supplies, small packs of black and white seed beads are easy to find, and Amazon is handy for basic beading wire, bead mats, and small jewelry pliers if you are building up a Halloween craft kit. If you prefer more unusual beads or want tiny skull charms to add alongside your skeleton, Etsy can also be a fun place to look for Halloween beading supplies.

This little skeleton is proof that Halloween crafting does not need to be huge or expensive to be fun. Sometimes the best seasonal projects are the small ones you can make in multiples, tuck into gift bags, or hang around the house for a bit of handmade Halloween mischief.

Best for: Halloween bead crafts, spooky handmade charms, beginner-friendly wire bead projects, Halloween party favors, and small seasonal decorations.