Riveting is a wonderful way to connect components without having to solder.  There are several types of rivets but I think compression rivets are easiest and most attractive for beginners to use. The eyelet ones can be very easy if you don't mind flaring the back like I did for my recycled soda can flower earrings tutorial.  Both these methods just require a rivet setter and some basic tools.


Otherwise flaring nail, tube and wire rivets at the back either needs some skill and practice with a rivet hammer or a specialized tool set like the Crafted Findings ones in the link below.

For this tutorial, I used Tierracast's 4 mm rivet setter and their lovely tree of life component, some compression rivets, 1 cm wide flat leather and a magnetic clasp for flat leather.


Compression rivets come in pairs - a longer back pin and a short front rivet.  The measurement of the long pin you need depends on how much you are going to sandwich together.  I used 4 mm compression rivets.  The setter has a slight concanve to accommodate the dome of the front rivet.


First determine how long you need your leather bracelet to be.  Check my past post on how to measure and make leather bracelets with any type of clasp. Find the mid point on the leather. Center the component in the middle and mark the position of the holes needed for the rivets.


I just used the smallest part of my leather punch to create 2.5 mm holes.



Place the longer rivet through from behind the leather.


It should just clear the component.  Place it on the metal block.


Now add the short part of the rivet and use the rivet setter to hammer the two parts together. Make sure to hold the setter straight so the compression rivet "sets" straight.


I added more holes and simply riveted for this particular design.  You could also rivet some metal rondelles if you wish. I also hammered the component rivets a bit flatter but left the other rivets as originally domes.  Glue on the clasps - use either E6000, 2 part epoxy glue or Super New Glue. And you are done! Easy peasy.



If you prefer an all metal bracelet or bangle, use metal cuffs or check out this past post on how to make a simple riveted flat wire bangle tutorial.

Before You Go:



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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips