Page 1        Leather Necklace with Pony Beads Jewelry Making Project

First, let's discuss leather versus simulated leather (Pleather).  With leather, the chemicals used in tanning the leather in some countries can be carcinogenic to children under 14.  The chemicals used are not as harmful to adults.  Since much of the leather sold for making jewelry is made outside the US, we can not guarantee that this leather is absolutely free of any potentially harmful chemicals.  For this reason, we recommend using the Pleather simulated leather product.  We can guarantee that this product is free of any tanning chemicals.  Pleather has the added benefit in that it is almost impervious to sweat. 

The beads chosen for this project will need to have holes that are larger than 1mm.  This eliminates pearls, and Swarovski Crystals from consideration for this project.  The beads recommended should be either Pony Beads, Lampwork beads, or our Paula Radke Dichroic Glass Beads.  The necklace made will need about 3 to 5 inches of beads. 
 

Leather Necklace

Jewelry Supplies:

• 19, 25 or 26 inches of 1 or 2mm Pleather
• 3-5 inches of Pony Beads, Lampwork Beads, or Dichroic Beads in combination.
• Commercial clasp
• Crimp style connector or Clam Shell connector
• 4 inches of 20 gauge wire in a color to match the clasp chosen.

Tools Required:

• Flush Cutter
• Round Nose Pliers
• Bent Chain Nose Pliers
• 30 minutes of free time

Jewelry Making Skills Required:

• Using bent chain nose pliers to crimp a connector
• Making a figure 8 connector out of wire
• Opening or closing jump rings and/or figure 8 connectors