Leather Jewelry Ideas For All Leatherworkers

Thanks to the trend in the runways from the previous years, leather jewelry items are now a hit to everyone around the world. Leatherworkers have the advantage since they can make these on their own. Leather gives off that weather, rustic charm that reminds everyone of the wild outdoors. Imagine your Sedona backdrop while wearing these amazing accessories. Talk about ingenuity and creativity, mixing your passion and fashions into one.

What types of jewelry ideas can we make from leather? You can make accessories ranging from easy cuffs, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces with easier instructions down to projects such as macrame and leather bracelets, pearl and leather necklaces, and metal and leather cuffs with complicated steps.

In this article, we have listed several ideas for leather jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, cuffs, and other statement pieces. These have different ranges of difficulty, from easy ones with no sewing required to more complicated ones that require additional skills such as weaving, braiding, and jewelry making. We will also discuss some useful tips and tricks on leather jewelry making in general.

Some Useful Tips And Tricks In Leather Jewelry Making

Before we dig into these exciting ideas, here are some general tips and tricks that are useful when doing leather jewelry projects.

Turn Your Scraps Into Something Fab

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Do not throw the scrap leather pieces after every project. You can turn these small scrap pieces into something even more remarkable, such as small earrings or bracelets, depending on how big the scrap pieces are. It can save you money since we all know how expensive leather is.

The pieces, shapes, and colors of the scraps can spark our imagination into something creative and fashionable. Do not worry about the irregular cuts of some pieces because those grooves and cuts can give your pieces the extra dose of quirkiness.

Do Not Be Afraid To Combine Different Materials In Any Project

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There is no rule that you should only use leather all throughout when making leather jewelry. You can mix other materials with leather such as fabric, metal, wood, plastic, shells, and anything else in between. Combining any of these materials with the leather’s rustic appeal makes your pieces much more creative and aesthetically appealing. Leather already lends a feel of rustic sophistication so adding this into your jewelry projects would amp the overall feel of the project.

Start With Something Simple At First

Image Source: “Black upcycled crocodile leather earrings, Toronto” by Happy Sleepy is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

It is okay to be ambitious but you have to start simple so that you will not be overwhelmed in doing leather jewelry projects. Starting with something small such as a pair of stud earrings would help you enhance your leatherworking skills. Once you are confident with the skills you have, you can do projects with increasing levels of difficulty, requiring you to have additional skills you need to learn. Treat these projects as your training ground for your skills to be honed even better.

Stunning Leather Wrapped Bracelet For A Queen

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Rock This Stunning Leather Wrapped Bracelet

This is an easy do-it-yourself project that is also not time-consuming, so if you do leatherworking for a hobby, this project will not cost you lots of time. This one might require you to have some weaving skills but once you get the hang of it, you will find this one easy.

Measure your wrist properly so that it will not come out too loose or too tight. You can use scrap leather with this but you will not use a lot of leather anyway, so there is no need to buy a lot.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will be needing the following: some soft metal wiring, leather strips (any color would do), a pair of pliers for your metal wiring, a pair of scissors, and a tape measure to measure your wrist.

Other Relevant Facts About This Project

This one might take you a few hours if you are doing this the first time, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to make a couple of bracelets for 2 hours minimum. You have to be careful with the wire because it should not cut the wearer at any point. You can use different colors or a single color depending on your taste and aesthetic.

This project gives off a rustic, kind of a tribal feel to it, and it can be worn when you feel like hanging out with friends after work as a statement piece.

Funky DIY Leather Triangle Earrings

Image Source: “Faux Leather Earrings” by daniboi1977 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 

Embrace Your Inner Edgy Attitude

Geometric shapes are in trend and will always be, because of their simplicity and versatility to be worn on any fashion aesthetic. You can use scrap leather for this project as this does not require lots of leather to begin with.

You can use different colors to show your personality but using different gradients of leather shades can also give that piece that understated casual approach to it. This is an easy project perfect for those who have simple jewelry making backgrounds but total newbies can still enjoy doing this.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: scrap leather pieces (any color or style), an X-acto knife, some paint (optional), leather glue, an earring post (1 pair), an earring wire (1 pair), and some jump rings.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This project will take you about two hours to create five to six pairs of earrings, since you have to let the leather dry after painting. If you did not paint it, that is okay because the time will be shortened to an hour for five to six pairs. It is suggested that you put two layers of coat when painting the triangles.

Do not drench the leather pieces on the paint or it will be too soggy and lose its form. This project is perfect for when you want to add a subtle hint of quirkiness into your daily outfit.

Chic And Dainty Leather Bow Hair Tie

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Accessorize With Style And Aesthetic Combined

This leather jewelry idea complements your simple fashion aesthetic with this one piece. This one is easy to create and replicate, even for beginners. You can use vegan leather but any leather is okay. Scrap leather also works well on this since it is a small item.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: scrap leather (any color is okay, at least 6 ½” x 2”), a pen or a pencil, a pair of sharp scissors, a hair tie, and a printable pattern for the bow.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

Any color would do but it is recommended to use pastel colors for this project. This project takes about an hour to create six to seven pieces of the leather bow tie hair tie. You can use the scrap leather lying around for this project. This goes well with your ponytail for that clean, polished look.

Fashion Forward Fringe Bar Necklace

Image Source: “L8 – GALAXY NECKLACE” by InExtremiss is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Be Adventurous With This Amazing Statement Piece

Statement pieces can be intimidating at first but once you get the feel of using it, you will be turning this into a trademark staple on your wardrobe. Scrap leather can be used in this project but bigger pieces since this one calls for chunky cuts. You can do any patterns you want as long as it represents your style. This one is an easy leather jewelry project for anyone with jewelry making experience.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: some leather pieces for the necklace, 20 inches leather cording or a chain and jump rings, a hammer, an X-acto knife, a hole punch, some embroidery floss, a pair of scissors, glue, the desired pattern for the design, and some tape.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

Color-blocking is a major fashion craze all around the world. Color-blocking is here to last so it is the best to have statement pieces like this to complete your looks. This project takes at least an hour or two for one necklace since you have to let the glue dry. This is perfect for a dazzling piece on your simple wardrobe.

Quirky Leather Scallop Necklace

Image Source: “Leather Triangles Mosaic Necklace” by GlueGunGlory is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

A Piece That Can Give You Quite A Statement

This project calls for scrap leather since this requires a small amount of leather to be used. Scallops are the recommended pattern although you can use any pattern you like, so long as it calls for your personality. This project is simply a bar necklace with some scallops or any patterns as a detail. Faux leather is the best choice for this one but you can also use any leather you have as long as it is not too flimsy.

Tools And Materials For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: some faux leather (preferably in gold, but we can paint it if you want), ⅛” brass tubing, a mini tubing cutter, a jewelry chain, some jump rings and a clasp, a pair of jewelry pliers, some gold wire, eye pins. freezer paper, a scallop stencil (or any pattern you want), a pair of scissors, some iron, E6000 or any strong adhesive, Mod podge, and gold spray paint, nail polish, or any coloring medium of choice.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This takes an hour or two hours the most per necklace as you have to let the paint dry in case you are painting your leather pieces. You can paint it into a metallic color if you do not have any gold or metallic colored leather pieces. Do not overpaint the leather pieces especially if they are not strong enough. This one is perfect for a white shirt and skinny jeans for a night out with friends.

Simple Yet Stunning Leather Bow Bracelet

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Perfect Complementary Accessory To Your Leather Bow Hair Tie

This one goes well with the leather bow tie you have previously tried in the earlier parts. Scrap leather goes well for this project so if you have bags lying around or jackets not fitting you anymore, you can go ahead and use this. The type of leather for this one should be soft since you have to wrap it around your wrist. Any color will do as long as you prefer that.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: a leather piece (approximately 22cm x 10cm), a pair of scissors, some leather glue or super glue, some thread, and a snap button.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This project can be for an hour if you have mastered the skills already. Scrap leather is the recommended one for this project. Some leather workers have used broken bags they are not using anymore and it worked well. Earth colored leather pieces are preferred for this project since it should at least match your skintone.

A Lovely Leather And Feather Necklace

Image Source: “KissPat handmade BOHO Chic Adjustable Pure Wild Feather Necklace” by Kisspat Feather is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Be Wild And Stylish With This Wonderful Statement Piece

Leather and feathers are two unlikely materials to be used in most projects but this project uses them both. The marriage of sturdy leather and soft feathers give out an interesting combination of colors, shapes, and textures. Scrap leather is okay to be used on this one. This project does not require sewing so it is perfect for newbies who are still trying to be comfortable with needles and thread in leatherworking.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: a hot glue gun, a pair of scissors, some leather pieces, a chain or rope for your necklace, and some feathers.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This project takes two hours to finish since feathers can be very tricky to work with. You can buy feathers in any craft store or fabrics store. However, there is no need to buy expensive ostrich feathers as any feathers will do. If you have peacock feather earrings, this one is a good fit.

Posh And Proper Pearl Lariat Necklaces

Image Source: “L1 – WATERFALL PEARL NECKLACE” by InExtremiss is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Combining Class And Craftsmanship With This Necklace

Pearl is usually seen with metal chains, so using leather strips for this necklace is an interesting choice. You do not need to buy really expensive pearls as you can use synthetic or cultured ones if you have some, maybe from a torn necklace. Suede and leather works best for this project. Also, knotting is a skill needed for this project but you do not have to worry too much if you do not know how to knot your strips.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

This project only needs two materials: some suede or leather cord, and beads with 2.5mm (or larger) openings.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This style is called lariat with sliding knot techniques. One is with two beads trailing down from the knot and another with beads above and below it. It only takes an hour or two depending on your knot skills. These go well as perfect gifts for Mother’s Day with how stylish and sophisticated this looks. Your mom will absolutely fall in love with these elegant pieces.

Creative DIY Cutout Leather Bracelet

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Tap That Inner Geometric Fashionista With This Edgy Necklace

Cutting leather into fancy shapes is fun to do. The irregular shapes make it uniquely you and one of a kind, with that level of exclusivity saying “This is made by me and for me”. It is better to use shapes that will not get in your way when typing or doing something using your hands. Any irregular shape would do for this jewelry project.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: some leather (can be vinyl or felt), chain, jump rings, and fasteners, an X-acto knife, a pair of pliers, some tape, a pair of scissors, and a hole punch.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This project takes about an hour to two hours, depending on how you navigate towards jewelry making. Magnetic fasteners work best on this one especially if you do not have any jewelry making background. Small scrap leather will do for this one (as it is with most of the projects here). Fancy and modern-looking, this one will never go out of style.

Terrific And Trendy Leather Tassel Necklace And Earrings Set

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Two Birds In One Stone: A Necklace And Earrings!

Channel your inner rustic charmer with this one-of-a-kind piece. Tassels are common with leather so this one will not be especially hard for leatherworkers. Made of suede, these tassels scream stylish and sleek without putting too much effort on it. Something about handmade jewelry makes it feel special and unique to you and only you.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

This project calls for the following: small pieces or scraps of suede or leather, several earring hooks, some large cord ends, a hot glue gun, a pair of needle nose pliers, and a pair of scissors.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

Any color of leather or suede will do as long as you see it fit. It takes up to two to three hours in making since tassels can be tricky to newbies. You will be making two items in one so you have matching accessories you can use to mix and match your styles. These are perfect statement pieces for a night out with friends in the club.

Gorgeous Gold And Bolo Leather Necklace

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Leather + Metal = Something Spectacular

Another collaboration between leather and metal, this one is a creative spin on the bolo tie. Blending the sturdy resilience of leather and timeless elegance of metal, be it gold or silver, this project is an absolute hit. If you have spare necklaces in need of bedazzling, this one’s for you as this is simple and easy to make.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

You will need the following for this project: a gold chain (11”-18”), a leather strip, 8” x .5”, 20 gauge gold wire, four jump rings, some closures, a pair of scissors, a pair of jewelry pliers, some liquid gold or gold foil, and a junk brush.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This project takes up to thirty minutes maximum because of the painting for the leather. Metallic colors go well with this project but you can paint it if you want. You can also use felt instead of faux leather since it will look better over time. This piece is perfect for last-minute gift-giving or accessorizing for the holidays.

Cool DIY Leather Collar Necklaces

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Turn Formal Into Something Fabulous With This Collar Necklace

This leather jewelry project is a perfectly creative twist into the simple and boring collar design. It adds a splash of color and character into your style. It is an easy do-it-yourself project everyone will surely enjoy, and another marriage between metal and leather.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: a foot of gold chain, some metallic faux leather, an awl, a lobster clasp and four jump rings, a small round plate, a small needle, some gold-colored thread, a pencil, and a paper file folder.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

It takes about an hour per piece, but if you are a master in jewelry making, this takes even less time. This one is perfect for your casual office outfits, match it with a loose cardigan and a pair of fitted jeans. This project might look intimidating but this is perfectly easy, as not much sewing required.

Classy Leather Diffuser Earrings

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Take Your Favorite Scents With You

This project serves two purposes: one is to serve as cool accessories and the other is for taking your favorite scents on the go since these are called essential oil diffuser jewelry. Scrap leather works the best in this project, like most of the projects on the list. You will not be able to stop making these earrings for you and your friends, and get this: it does not require much sewing!

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: some leather teardrops (can be bought on Etsy or cut your own), a pair of leather scissors, some earring hooks, jump rings, a leather punch with a small hole, a leather awl, some large sewing needles, a hammer or a mallet, and a pair of needle nose pliers.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

Add a drop of your favorite essential oil on the back of the earrings to turn these into diffuser jewelry. No need to spend lots on perfume when you can have your own scents with you in style. This is absolutely perfect for gifts to your mother or stylish friends, as you can be done doing this in thirty minutes maximum.

Adorable Painted Leather Bracelets

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Complement Your Simple Style With These Leather Bracelets

Geometric shapes will never go out of style, and painting on leather is a timeless trend too. Scrap leather works the best here, particularly the strong and sturdy kind. This one is also perfect for gift ideas, and it does not require a lot of sewing.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

You will be needing the following for this project: some leather strips (1”-2” longer than your wrist size), some paint (any color of your choice), snap hardware, a hammer, and a hole punch tool.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

These take thirty minutes to make since this is a particularly simple project. It is relatively easy to make, and this can be a family activity too. You can also use high quality faux leather or vinyl for a more vegan option. Just a reminder: make sure you will have space to wriggle in when you wear your bracelets, should not be too tight nor too loose it will fall off.

Simply Fashionable Leather Mirror Tile Necklace

Own That Gorgeous Statement Piece

No need to look any further for the perfect statement piece, as this necklace adds a bit of sparkle to your get up in a fashionable way. Glitzy accessories add a bit of polish and star quality to our everyday fashions. This statement piece is going for that disco ball style reminiscent of the discos of the seventies.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

You will need: two sizes of mosaic mirror tiles, any color of faux leather, a gunmetal chain, two 10mm jump rings, an S clasp, a hot glue gun, two pairs of needle nose jewelry pliers, a tape measure, and a pen.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

Be careful in working with mirrors since they are potentially dangerous if handled wrongly. Retro styles are coming back so this piece is a perfect statement piece to your otherwise unassuming clothing choices. This adds some fun in your overall style, and it is perfect to pair in with your white T-shirt, blazer, and pants.

Buttoned Leather Wrap-up Bracelets

Image Source: “Beaded Leather Wrap Bracelet Bohemian Style” by Bent Tree Crafts is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 

Time-Friendly Version For The Newbies

This one is a less tedious and time consuming version of weaving beads in and out with bead cord between and around two leather strings. Braiding skills are important here to execute the expected look. If you have some basket weaving background, this one would be easier for you. This project has a moderate level of difficulty thanks to the braids.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

You will be needing the following: a 2m leather cord, size 2mm (depends on how many times you want to wrap the bracelet around your wrist), a 1.5m leather cord, size 1mm, 6m leather cord, size 1mm, around 140 little beads with large enough holes, and a little jewelry button.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This one requires additional skills including braiding so it might take you a while to create this. Once you get the hang of it, it will be easier for you. It takes up to an hour at least to finish one bracelet. Patience is a virtue but this is surely worth the wait and the effort.

Wonderful Leather Diamond Necklace

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Diamonds Are Indeed A Girl’s Best Friend

With this project, everyone can have a diamond necklace in their accessories arsenal, even though it is made of leather. Leather lends a weathered look on this otherwise timeless accessory. It is also easy to create since the focus will be on the diamond pendant. Scrap leather works on this one.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will need the following: some scrap leather, a pair of scissors, some leather glue, a gold or silver chain, and a jump ring.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

For this project, any color would do but make sure it complements the other colors for a more stylish look. It takes a maximum of 30 minutes to finish. This one is perfect for gift giving to your friends. Thanks to you, everyone’s diamond necklace is now a reality.

Tribal Themed Leather Feather Earrings

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Embrace Your Inner Pocahontas With These Earrings

Capture the colors of the wind with this stunning piece. This one is very easy to make, even newbies would find it fun. Painting is required for this project to make it more beautiful. Scrap leather is recommended for this project.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will be needing the following: some scrap leather, gold paint, white paint, black paint, turquoise paint, and an earring kit.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This project requires a bit of sewing but you can use your sewing machine for this one. You can be creative and do other patterns for your earrings, as it is a fun activity with paints and leather. It gives off a metallic, expensive finish on the earrings once paint is dry.

DIY Sachin + Babi Rorschach Necklace

Image Source: “Leather gears necklace” by GlueGunGlory is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Bring A Piece Of Paris Runway To You

Inspired by the Sachin + Babi collaboration based on their Spring 2012 collection, this one is a total conversation starter thanks to its very peculiar shape which will keep your friends guessing what the figures in your necklace are. Leather and gold works well on this project. Nail that runway with this stunning statement necklace.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

For this project, you will be needing the following: 5” x 7” faux leather vinyl, the Rorschach pattern, an 8 ft thin chain (cut into 19 5” pieces), a 20-21” thick chain, 21 4mm jump rings, a black permanent marker, double sided tape, a leather rotary punch, a pair of small sharp scissors, and two pieces of pliers.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This takes at least 45 minutes minimum because you still have to cut the chains for the fringe. This one is a truly elegant piece of jewelry perfect for those dress up events at work. Keep the conversation going with this necklace, which goes well with your smart casual office looks.

Criss Cross Leather And Chain Bangle

A Mix Of Class And Chic Sophistication

This project makes a good piece of arm candy, both for men and women. Using leather and chains to create this amazing work of art, the sparkle of metal and the weathered look of leather makes this one a cool piece. This project does not require a lot of sewing.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

You will be needing: a pair of scissors, 3-in-1 jewelry pliers, 16-18” gauge flat aluminum craft wire, some leather cords (any color is okay), two strands of curb chain according to your wrist measurements, some clear nail polish, and super glue.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

This creates a rocker chic vibe for your fashion statement. Even men can wear this because of the uniquely unisex design. It takes 30 minutes max to make this and it works well with your jeans and black shirts.

Leather And Climbing Rope Macrame Bracelets

Unlikely Combinations Make Unique Pieces Together

We usually associate macrame with home decor so combining them with leather for an accessory is unheard of, until now. This gives off that funky, sort of a hippie relaxed vibe but still fashionable. After all, retro is coming back. It is a bit tricky on some points but once you get the hang of it, you will be comfortable making more for your friends, family, or even for yourself.

Tools And Materials Used For This Project

You will need: some deerskin lace, some climbing rope, an end cap with a hook, a lighter, and a pair of sharp scissors.

Things You Need To Know About This Project

It takes 45 minutes at the max to create since some braiding and weaving is involved. It gives off that reliable yet relaxed vibe on your overall fashion. Once you perfect the art of creating these, make more as gifts and make people happy. Climbing rope and macrame can be this fashionable with this project.

Conclusion

There are a lot of leather jewelry ideas perfect for every leatherworking enthusiast out there. Ranging from easy ones to more complicated ones, incorporating materials other than leather, these projects are surely smash hits meant to make your wardrobe and overall fashion aesthetics even more amazing than before. Grab your tools, some leather, and work on some of these to create the perfect accessories for your looks!

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