Book Spotlight: Leather Corded Fusion Ties

Some of the biggest trends in jewelry of late include knotting and cords – from wrap bracelets to paracord jewelry, the possibilities are constantly evolving. One of the best places to learn new knotting techniques for jewelry design is the Tying It All Together channel hosted by J.D. Lenzen. There are oodles of videos for tying gorgeous and interesting knots and creating unique knotted jewelry.

J.D.’s latest book features some of the prettiest and most versatile knots for jewelry making, paired with gorgeous leather cord and large hole beads for deceptively simple jewelry that looks stunning. Leather Corded Fusion Tiescombines a variety of traditional and innovative knotting elements into wearable jewelry designs that anyone can try.

There are 15 projects in all, each one introducing or expanding on techniques that can be used to create one of a kind leather necklaces and bracelets. My favorites are the Divided Double Coin Knot Bracelet, and the Beaded Ashoka Chakra Knot, which look so good they make me want to drop everything and delve into a whole new medium. The combinations of elegant knots with colorful leather and classic beads is incredibly appealing, and the possibilities for variation are very inspiring. These designs look great on their own, and could easily be adapted to include additional beads or even bead wrapping. Plus I love the metal-free clasp techniques that go along with leather cord designs!

Ashoka Chakra Knot Pendant and Noble Heart Knot Pendant

Each project includes easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, and clear photographs of each new technique. The close-up images clearly illustrate the steps, and include handy arrows to really guide you through the process of tying the essential knots. Each design begins with a full materials list, finished project size, and a list of the techniques used. Some projects also include a Decoded section, which is my favorite feature of Leather Corded Fusion Ties. These sections highlight design elements and possible variations for alternative design ideas, including example photos or step-by-step instructions. These extra tips provide valuable information and inspiration that give readers the tools they need to adapt what they’ve learned to make even more beautiful jewelry.

Although the knots look complex, the techniques are very straightforward and are so well explained, you’ll be knotting away in no time. J.D. has included some excellent tips for getting started, such as how to select the best leather cords and beads to use, and which tools will give you the best results.

If you’re looking for an exciting new medium to expand your jewelry design repertoire, Leather Corded Fusion Ties will definitely deliver!

Leather Knot Pendants and Beaded Leather Cord Bracelets

I would like thank J.D. Lenzen and Tying It All Together for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful book. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for including products or publications in this post; however, actions you take from this page may result in a commission for Inspirational Beading.

Mortira

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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading and J.D. Lenzen

Work in Progress: Oodles of Embroidery

The bead tray is looking a little chaotic right now as I try to wrangle several projects and get caught up on missed work. All the beading I've accomplished since last week was done within the last 24 hours or so, and there’s a lot of wasted hours in between.

Several days ago I was feeling a little under the weather, so I dusted off a favorite video game to veg with and it was so much fun that I didn't want to do much else. The same often happens when I get wrapped up in a good book, too. Although it’s pretty unproductive at the time, when I’m finally ready to get back to work, I’m bursting with ideas and eager to get going, so it does provide a nice creative boost in the end.

Right now I've got a couple of different embroidery experiments on the go, including some pieces using tilapia fish leather. It is really cool stuff; I’ll share more on its merits when I’m finished, but for now I can say that it really satisfies my craving for the natural patterns that I miss out on by not using gemstones.

Last week’s medallion is almost finished. Apparently for this one we’re going to be repeating transparent cherry and Montana sapphire throughout. So far, I like it! My summer collar idea is still on the drawing board until I get these more exciting experiments out of the way.

What are you working on this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Inspired Designer: Boo and Boo Factory

No matter what your style preferences, it’s hard to resist a bold splash of color, especially when it comes to accessories. Add some fun and funky shapes, and you’ve got something energizing, exciting, and totally memorable. At Boo + Boo Factory, leather jewelry artist Christina Anton combines color, shape, and texture for gorgeous and vibrant statement jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: When did you first get started with jewelry design?

Christina: I am formally trained in architecture but found myself drawn to smaller scale design. I love designing jewelry because it is one on one and I create the piece from beginning to end with a tangible object to hold in my hand. I love fashion, so it was only right for me to experiment with jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: Have you always been drawn to working with leather?

Christina: I had an old leather skirt and one day deconstructed it and began cutting it. I love the way leather holds it's shape and that it is malleable. From there, my jewelry designs progressed and now I have Boo and Boo Factory.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you look for inspiration?

Christina: I am really inspired by architecture, of course. But I love science and biology, which you can see in the patterns in my pieces. I look at a lot of art, fashion and design blogs. Everyday I try and find new works that inspire me to create.

Inspirational Beading: What’s the most interesting or unique thing about your design process?

Christina: I never sketch! I create everything on a whim. When I sit down to create something, I just start cutting, organizing colors and playing with various compositions until it feels right. I never know how a piece will turn out until it is finished.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite color to work with?

Christina: I really do not have a specific color that is my favorite. I have collected so many colors throughout the years that I cannot decide! I do love neon, in case you didn't notice from browsing my shop. I love to work with various shades and families of color. I love experimenting with color and coming up with new color combinations that I would not usually be drawn to but that I feel are fun because they are unexpected.

Inspirational Beading: What are some of your other favorite materials?

Christina: Leather, of course. I love finding new beads, bronze charms and different materials such as silicone tubing or rubber.

Inspirational Beading: What is the most exciting design in your shop right now? What makes it special?

Christina: Neon Statement Necklace Geometric Emerald Leather Color Block Triangles is my most exciting because it is a design I created when I finished graduate school. You can see the progression of the designs and how much more intricate they are becoming compared to when I first opened the shop.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Christina: I literally started Boo and Boo three years ago with some scraps of leather and 10 dollars. Today, it is my full time job and I pay rent, bills and have money left over. I hope to inspire someone to take a leap and follow their dreams. You do not have to work a corporate job for somebody else when you can be your own boss.

You can see more vivacious leather jewelry at Christina‘s Etsy shop, or check out the Boo + Boo Factory blog and Tumblr. For new design updates and more, follow along of Facebook and Twitter.

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Boo + Boo Factory
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How to Make Leather Wrap Bracelet Tutorials

It’s not often that something handmade individually by an artist will be less expensive than the mass-produced item that inspired it. But in the case of the leather wrap bracelet, the handmade alternatives are a lot more affordable than their Chan Luu counterparts. This may or may not be due to the fact that beaders can make their own versions without using dozens of gold vermeil and sterling silver beads!

These simple leather cords wrapped with beads are a bit of a sensation, and fun variations of them are showing up all over the place. All you need to make your own wrap bracelet are a few simple materials and some time to wind! Here are a few of my favorite leather wrap bracelet tutorials:

This simplified, short version from FusionBeads.com uses the now-classic technique of winding a row of pearls between two cords,
but the project goes much faster when you make it to a standard bracelet length.




Artbeads.com also has a leather wrap bracelet tutorial,
in both a short and long version, inspired by mother-daughter jewelry. There are no photos with the tutorial,
but the instructions are very straightforward and easy to follow.




And then there’s the chic cheater version.
This really inventive wrap bracelet design by Honestly…WTF uses plumber’s chain instead of loose beads,
and brightly colored linen cord. The results look almost identical,
but there’s no need to get out the needle and Fireline!





If you need a little extra help getting started with your own wrap bracelet,
there are also lots of video tutorials that show you, step-by-step, how to make them.

My personal favorite is this 7-inch wrap bracelet tutorial from Auntie’s Beads,
which covers every step of the process. Don’t forget to check out the blooper reel!





For a more vegan-friendly version, Tracy from the Make Bracelets Blog has a wrap bracelet variation using Irish linen instead of leather.
She recommends using 12 ply waxed Irish linen, or doubled 7 ply cord for the foundation.

Have you already made some of these wrap bracelets? What kinds of beads do you like to use in them?

Update: Check out the expanded wrap bracelet tutorials for even more projects and ideas!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
FusionBeads.com, ArtBeads.com and Honestly...WTF
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