Are you tired of wearing the same old bracelets and looking for a fun and unique DIY project? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll show you how to create your own leather chevron and Navajo bracelets. These stylish accessories are perfect for adding a touch of boho-chic to any outfit. With just a few simple materials and some basic crafting skills, you’ll have a collection of trendy bracelets in no time. So grab your leather scraps and get ready to unleash your inner fashionista!
I have some exciting news to share with everyone. I’ve been busting at the seams to tell you that I’ve been asked to be a part of the Cricut Next Design Space Star competition. I am hugely honored to be a part of this competition and have the chance to create with such a talented group of people. I’m on Team #14 with some very talented and crafty ladies. For the next couple of months, we will be be given different challenges as part of the Cricut Next Design Space Star.
Our challenge for this round was fashion/gear. Our team decided on the theme of geometric to incorporate with the overall fashion/gear challenge. Immediately, I was inspired to create jewelry. As many of you know, I love jewelry and love to create it. I’ve been inspired lately by all of the gold, chevron, and navajo trends as of late. I have to admit that I feel a little bit like a contestant on Project Runway and can hear Tim Gunn in my head right now saying, “Get to it.” Lol!
LEATHER CHEVRON AND NAVAJO BRACELETS
Here’s What You Need:
- Gold Leather or Faux Leather
- Cricut Explore Machine
- Cricut Cutting Matt
- Snaps
- Snap-All Rivet Set
I started by creating my design in Illustrator and uploading it to Cricut Design Space. From there, it was easy to size the bracelet to the exact size that I wanted. I ended up going with 7.75″ for the length and .75″ in width. The best part about this is if I wanted to make the bracelet thicker… no problem. Just adjust the sizing in the Cricut Design Space before you cut it out of the leather. The same is true if I needed additional length in the bracelet. I love this option because I can size the bracelets perfectly to my wrist size.
Next, apply the leather to the cutting mat & load it into the Cricut. Because the leather I was using wasn’t very thick, I used the standard blade, not a deep cut blade. Now, locate your cut-able image on your Mat preview. Adjust the Smart Set Dial to “Custom” then, in the Design Space choose the “Leather, Light (1.1 mm) Deep Cut” setting. Press “Go” on the Cricut and let it do it’s thing.
Once your bracelets have been cut, CAREFULLY and Slowly peel them off of the sticky mat. Now you can add your snaps… This isn’t very difficult but you have to pay attention to which side the different parts go on.
It’s that simple…
B e a u t i f u l
F u n
M o d e r n
I love how these turned out and the way they resemble metal.
Creating your own leather chevron and Navajo bracelets can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. These unique accessories add a touch of style and personalization to any outfit. By following the step-by-step instructions in this blog, you’ll be able to craft beautiful Navajo bracelets that reflect your individual taste. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, these bracelets are perfect for anyone looking to showcase their creativity. So grab your materials, get crafting, and don’t forget to let us know in the comments how your DIY leather bracelets turned out! We’d love to see your creations and hear about your experience. Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Navajo jewelry symbolize?
Are there any specific techniques or skills required to create a DIY Navajo bracelets?
Knowledge of traditional Navajo jewelry design: Understand the symbolism, patterns, and motifs used in Navajo jewelry.
Jewelry-making skills: Familiarize yourself with basic jewelry-making techniques such as metalwork, soldering, stone-setting, and polishing.
Silver-smithing tools and materials: Acquire the necessary tools like saws, files, hammers, torches, and a jeweler’s bench. Purchase high-quality silver or copper sheet metal, stones or beads for embellishments.
Lapidary skills (optional): If you plan to cut and polish your own stones, learn lapidary techniques like shaping, grinding, sanding, and polishing.
Understanding of traditional Navajo techniques: Learn techniques like stamping, repoussé (hammering from the back), diamond cutting (file work), and oxidizing to achieve the distinctive Navajo style.
What materials do you need to make DIY leather chevron and Navajo bracelets?
Leather strips or cords in different colors
Scissors or craft knife to cut the leather
Beads or charms for decoration
Leather glue or strong adhesive to secure the ends
Needle and thread if you prefer stitching instead of gluing
Measuring tape or ruler to ensure accurate sizing
Optional: jewelry clasps or closures for easy wearing
Once you have these materials, you can start creating your own unique leather bracelets with chevron or Navajo designs. Enjoy your crafting!
