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Something Just For Me

Leather Bracelet
Thanks to Sue, a friend of mine, I was inspired to make this bracelet.
It fits me perfectly! Who'd of thought? Anyway the focal point is some sort of carved stone. I'm guessing nephrite but I could be wrong. Materials:
1. 1 yd. 1.8 mm leather
2. Focal point with four holes drilled
3. Brass 4mm roundel beads
4. African brass end bead
5. Two skulls for accents at the end
I used cross knots in the design. It has a good weight to it but not too heavy and it's all for ME!
I will show it off today and see if anyone notices it.

Merci Sue!

My Very First End Bead!
 Oh how I wish I took a picture of the process for you but I didn't. However, it wasn't very complicated.

Start with a 16mm silver disc. Dome it slightly, or not. It all depends on what tools you have. I have a small wooden block so I couldn't make it too deep. A small jump ring big enough for 1.8mm leather to go through. 
1. Solder the jump ring on to the disc. Do this carefully. On my first attempt I let the jump ring get too hot and it broke in three places! I was looking all over for the pieces. It made me feel better to find them all. Glad it didn't hit me instead. In case you are wondering I have a fire extinguisher. One should always be prepared.
Okay, lets try this again.


-On a soldering board do the following...
-Flux the inside of the disc and get a little of it on your jump ring (that you are holding with your soldering tweezers). 
-Pick up a tiny bit of hard solder using your jump ring as a pick.
-Solder on to disc.
-Quench in water and remove fire scale. This can be done by using pickle or my favorite, a 3M radial bristle disc 80 grit, only because I'm too impatient to wait for pickle.


Since this was a small piece I was able to use my small butane torch (purchased at the local hardware store).
2.  Patinated the whole piece.
3. Coat with museum wax and buff.
4. Voila! My first end bead.
Here's to a great Friday! 
Have fun and enjoy every minute of it.

And to those of you who are in Irene's path, stay safe.

Namaste
Kalaya
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Comments

  1. Amber Leilani August 26, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    love both of them!
    what have you got planned for this weekend...?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kalaya SteedeAugust 26, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Merci Amber. That bracelet was a lot of fun to make. No big plans for the weekend. Just staying home and kicking back. I should read a book! XO

    ReplyDelete

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