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An easy diy leather necklace for the fashionista in you!
I’ve done many projects using leather wristlets but I've never deconstructed one until now. This tutorial is based on a lovely necklace I discovered via a Goggle search. Check it out here: http://www.stylehive.com/tag/fashion+necklace. Here’s my version with a twist or two.

Materials:
(4) Leather Wristlet 1 ¼” or wider (schoolspecialty, eleathersupply or tandyleathersupply) or alternatively, use an existing thin leather belt and cut it up
Pencil
Ruler (optional)
Permanent Markers
Mod Podge – I like the glossy finish
Aluminum foil – Pour Modge Podge on this
Rubber mallet
Awl or fine tipped nail
Old magazine that you plan to discard
Decorative faux gem brads (via Oriental Trading or Michaels)
Metal chain link (your choice of style. I purchased mine at Michael’s)
2 – metal jump rings (larger than your normal size to accommodate the leather links)
Needle nosed pliers

Posted by Doris B. from Huntington, West Virginia, United States • Published 4th September 2010 • See Doris B.'s 16 projects »

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Key West Witch added Leather Link Necklace And Ring to Jewelry 30 Jun 04:20
Crystal M. favorited Leather Link Necklace And Ring 08 Aug 13:17

Step 1
1)Because I used existing leather wristlets, I cut off the snaps and then cut the leather into ¼” strips. I got 4 strips per wristlet. I then trimmed the strips into lengths of approximately 4” each.
Step 2
2)I wanted my links to be black on the outside, so I colored them with a black sharpie marker and coated each link (both sides) with a coat of glossy finish Mod Podge. When leather is completely dry, bend one link at a time into a loop. Overlap the leather ends slightly and determine where the holes need to be made to hold the circular link together. Lay the leather link flat again and tap two holes, one at each end into the leather strip. Use a mallet and an awl or small nail to do this while the leather sits on top of the magazine and protects your table top.
Step 3
3)Connect the overlapped leather ends together (with holes matching up) and push a faux gem brad through the overlapping holes and bend the tiny “wings” open on the inside of the loop. Repeat these steps for each loop, making sure to connect the leather loops together as you go before closing each loop with a faux gem stone. I used a variety of colors for the faux gems. I wanted this necklace to be wearable with many outfits. The length of the leather loop section of my necklace is 15 loops. Make the necklace as long or short as you like. Once the leather loop portion is completed, it’s time to add a jump ring to each end of the leather links. I used a needle nosed pliers to twist open the jump rings slightly before connecting the leather loops and jump rings together. You’ll also need the needle nosed pliers to open a single link on the necklace chain to shorten the length. I just took the single link off and connected the remaining ends onto the jump rings.
Step 4
4)I happened to have a few extra leather strips left over. I measured a loop around my ring finger, made two holes, added a single faux gem brad and I had a matching ring. Who knows, maybe earrings are next?
Step 5
Here I am modeling my new leather linked necklace!