With a name like Goody Beads, you know you are in for a treat when you visit this jewelry making supplier! This Minnesota based company has a wide range of products for sale.  If you take a tour, you'll find they do also carry some less common materials like soutache braids and accessories for making stunning Russian designs, bead pens and beads and even scarves to bead!


Their Regaliz™ Licorice and round thick cord leather supplies are really popular right now. It's easy to see why. These European thick leather cords make dramatic bracelets. Goody Beads sent me some leather, large hole beads and some pretty awesome Regaliz™ clasps to review.

 

I made 3 bracelets in all with a few beads left over.  These bold bracelets are so quick to make.  Trim them to the right length, add some beads and then glue on the clasps. What could be simpler than that? 

The rubber o-rings did a great job in keeping the focal beads from moving.  These are available in different colors to coordinate with beads.  I was very impressed with the US made Super New Glue which is superior to the super glue you buy in the store.  The different formulation really works well, bonding in seconds. The little bottle had a nozzle applicator which made accurate application of the glue easier.


I was cautious though and left it overnight before testing how strong the bond was.  The magnetic antique brass clasp is definitely staying put on this Regaliz™ Licorice flat leather bracelet!  It is a good idea to let the glue bond properly with the bracelet unfastened so there is no tension while the glue is setting. Also make sure that the leather ends are neatly trimmed for flush fitting.

It is important the leather fits snugly inside the clasp before applying the glue. The round pink leather cord pieces were too loose for the fold-over clasp so I wrapped some wire tightly around the ends.  I had to experiment with different gauges of wire to find the right thickness. One half of the clasp required 22G wire and the other, 24G wire.  I also lightly hammered the coiled wire so that it "bit" into the leather more before finally gluing onto the clasp.  Too loose and the coil will come off the cord.


The rhinestone and ring focal components on the pink cord bracelet were not kept in place by o-rings but could be nudged along into position if necessary.


The third clasp was initially a bit of a mystery to me as I thought there must be another part to it.  But no, the clasp serves both ends of the bracelet. Neat! The doubled up leather loop fastens onto the hook portion.  I added some wire coils for two reasons.  Firstly, for decoration and secondly to keep the round cords together especially at the loop end. This will help putting on the bracelet easier as the wearer does not need to squeeze the loop together to make it through the large hole of the clasp.

I really like how the choice of components and clasps could either dress up or down making the bracelets more feminine or unisex.  This contemporary look has universal appeal. The clasps are on the expensive side but you do save a great deal on time and labor.


It was hard to pick which bracelet was my favorite!  See Goody Beads' Pinterest folders for more Licorice bracelet and flat leather bracelet inspirations!


Giveaway
If you'd like to win a $50 gift certificate from Goody Beads,  please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info if you do not have an online shop or blog.

Goody Beads are also offering $10 in Goody Beads Bucks to use on future purchases.  The code to use is "GEM". Good until April 30, 2013.

Subscribers need to click on the post title to come to my actual blog. Scroll down and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.

This giveaway is international.

Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.

It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday,  April 15 , 2013. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!

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Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips