Leather and Beads Bracelet

I had to have it when I saw the amethyst black leather Fossil bracelet at Macy's. Of course, I not only wanted to wear it, but I just had to figure out how to replicate it. After a bit of measuring and inspecting I successfully made the ocean themed bracelet with driftwood-colored cording and leather plus some inexpensive low-grade faceted aquamarine roundels and sterling silver beads/charms. The fall season bracelet was a bit more challenging because I discovered the orange sunstone roundels had very small holes so the cording could not pass through them. After some adjustments and changes in beads/layout, I was able to complete the bracelet to my satisfaction. Don't you just love the bead that looks like a cut log and the little acorn-like bead used for the clasp (from an elastic 2/$7 bargain bead bracelet sold at Ben Franklin Crafts). I always say that any project (no matter how simple) is an opportunity to learn. My lesson from this project was to always carefully look at bead holes to be sure your cording will fit them and if possible test the fit before purchasing. The cost for my homemade bracelet was 1/3 the price of the Macy's one. The beads-and-leather-cording look of today's style of jewelry means that the main expense is for the silver components. You can of course adapt this style to incorporate crystals or less expensive roundels and silverplated (gold-filled or copper) beads. I was very pleased with the outcome of this copy-cat project and have plans to make many more bracelets for Christmas gifts. I appreciate your visit and hope you'll leave a comment (I love them) if you have the time. Mahalo!