I like to add a little change to my wardrobe every once in a while. This latest addition of leather came when I found some great colored leather strips at the flea market.
I took my mother-on-law and stepson over to Webster’s Flea Market on Christmas Eve. This may be a new tradition.
Connie has a bead booth called Baubles-n-Bits (nothing online though) and I managed to pick up these great colored pearls (a vibrant yellow and a shiny penny brown).
Penny for your pearls. $1.50 each!
She also sold leather strips which I have not used before. I chose red, green, and brown leather strips at a quarter a piece. Each strip was 24 inches long.
I have had these beads sitting on my work station for a week.
Trying, trying, trying….
I could not get them to settle right into place on chain or bead wire. I was having beader’s block. As soon as I brought the leather home I knew the brown leather strip was the answer.
Amber glass on leather strip
The leather fit through the headpins I had already fit into place but I had to then figure out how to knot the leather. I did try sewing the leather but my needle would not pierce the leather. I did not want to use glue and I had none of those handy fabric crimps. I am trying to teach myself without the use of glue.
Thankfully I had some large hole spacing beads that covered the leather when tied off.
Tie one off.
With the use of a large oval wire bead, I connected the three headpins. I then ran the leather around from one end of the centerpiece to another.
Connecting the dots
I did not put a clasp on this necklace as it is long enough to slide over one’s head before settling at a respectable 24 inch length.
All together now
Overall I am pleased with the results. The amber colored glass, the random pieces used to bring it all together, and the use of a new resource (leather) all came together well.
I will find another use for the remaining leather strips. I may have to give in and buy some of those crimp things:)
I love the brown and tan colors, especially on the oblong embellished bead. I’ve tried leather cords before, but find that they leave color across the back of my neck. Would you recommend wearing these over a turtle-neck? Or was I just buying an inferior product? As always … beautiful.
I would never accuse you of buying an inferior item, however the dye may be what left color. I will remember that when I use the red and green strips I purchased. For this color, there is little risk of a dye leaking as I think this is a natural color. If in doubt, wear a necklace over your collar:)
Gorgeous!