When our new deer hide leather cord arrived, the office was filled with “oohs” and “aahs.” While I was enticed by the rich array of vivid colors, I was at loss for design ideas – a rarity working here! Generally, I would say that leather jewelry does not fit with my aesthetic, I’m more pearls and charms. I was a little reticent to try out this new product.
As I unraveled the Blonde bundle of leather cord my mind shifted. I was lured by its subtle buttery texture. I wrapped it around my wrist and loved the layered mass I saw. I played with the two opposing textured sides, the creamy smooth topside against the slightly rugged and rough underbelly. This juxtaposition, coupled with my inexperience with the medium, led me to design an asymmetrical, layered necklace.
I doubled the large link chain and slid the leather through a link on each side. I wire wrapped our faceted smoky quartz and chrysoprase, alternating them within the chain. I created the clasp by making a loop with the leather at one end and tying a wire wrapped smoky quartz to the other, essentially making a button type closer. I added one more chrysoprase as a dangle to the end. I left the leather ends raw and cut. The end product was at once feminine and rugged. Raw and chic. Modern and antique.
Needless to say I am now in love.
Desert Green Necklace
Detail of Desert Green Necklace
Anna, Love, love, love this piece. I did something very similar and my customers loved it!!
Kudos for your first shot at these 3 elements together!!
Comment by Vicki Casillas — October 15, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
hello,
Lovely design. I m working with some leather and found this inspiring-the issue I keep facign with leather is the closure; any suggestions on how best to create a closure using leather?
Thank you,
Marina
Comment by Marina — October 5, 2011 @ 10:03 am