Hi friends!
Are y’all ready for Christmas? I can’t believe it’s so soon! I thought that I was completely on track, but last week, something happened that really threw us all off course. My daughter broke her elbow! It’s been a crazy week, and not a whole lot was accomplished between the ER visit, x-rays, doctors visits, and helping a 10 year old adjust to life with one hand.
Finally, at the end of last week I had a chance to get my Cricut Secret Santa gift in the mail, and now, one week after the break, I have a chance to post about it!
My secret santa partner was Brooke at Brooklyn Berry Designs. Thankfully all of the wait time at the doctors and hospitals gave me the chance to thoroughly investigate her blog and pinterest boards so I could think of a perfect project. My final idea was inspired by this pin that I found on one of her pinterest boards – and thought it was so doable since the Cricut Explore cuts leather… and since I hadn’t had the opportunity to cut leather yet, it was the perfect time.
You don’t need a lot of supplies for this project. All you’ll really need to create your own DIY leather cuff is:
- small piece of leather (I found mine at Michaels)
- a bracelet chain or cording
- round nose jewelry pliers (or regular old needlenose pliers work too!)
- deep cut blade for your Cricut Explore
- small jump hoops (2) (optional)
To create the design, I chose an image from the design space by searching for “lace”. I played around with the size, and cut it on paper to make sure it was properly sized before cutting the more expensive leather. After I had the size perfect, I hit cut – and I have to admit, my stomach did a few flip flops.
I have to be completely honest here. I was floored when I pulled out the mat. The design, which was a little intricate, was cut perfectly in every single spot. I didn’t have to touch up a single cut. (The only thing I would do differently next time is place the smooth side of the leather down on the mat so that the fabric fibres don’t stick to the mat when the leather is removed!)
Once the design is cut, all that’s left to do is size your chain or cord for the bracelet. I used six links on each side of the design, and attached the chain to the leather with small jump hoops. You could attach the links right to the leather, but my links were really stiff and I didn’t want to tear the leather trying to wiggle it on. The jump hoops were much more flexible.
Once it was all done, I rushed to the post office and stuck it in the mail, hoping and crossing my fingers that it will reach Brooke in time for Christmas! I really hope she likes it! I received her gift the day before I stuck mine in the mail – which was amazing, I’ll share more about it next week!
Have you tried cutting leather on your Cricut Explore yet? I think I’m addicted now! I’m also in love with the gorgeous new iron on colors that they released this month – thankfully they are all on sale for 10$ or less this week! Leave me a note and let me know what your Explore’s been up to, and follow me on instagram where you can see mine, busy at work for Christmas!
So cute! I love this idea. I have three girls and we’re always looking for new craft ideas and difficult levels. Thank you.
Glad you like it!
Do you remember what lace design you used? I have been looking in design space for something similar but am coming up empty handed.
Thanks so much this is awesome!!
Hi! I can’t remember the search term I used, but you can find the design here – https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/34419632
I think you’ll just be prompted to purchase the design when you go to cut it, if you don’t already own it. Hope that helps!
Thank you!!!
I fell in love with this bracelet as soon as I saw it. I think I’ll make one for myself for practice and then for a few friends who I know will love it too. Thanks for the tutorial!
Thank you so much! I just made this seconds ago. The first time I did the cut, I didn’t press the leather down hard enough and it got bunched up and the Cricut stopped and failed. The second time it worked, only like 5 of the holes I needed to press out.
Thats awesome! Did you use the deep cut blade?
Yes, and it was a new mat too!
That is so weird! I’m glad it worked for you after though. I just saw the new faux leather material Cricut released, I cant wait to try some out!
This is perfection. Tip for preventing fibers left on Mat: place transfer tape on first, front side down then peel off ado the sticky is facing top then lay leather or fibrous material on the transfer- viola! No mat mess 🙂
That is such a great idea! I never would have thought of this!
I have a cricut but do not believe that it is the Explore. Do you know if the regular cricut would cut leather using a design from a cartridge?? Love this project but can’t go buying a new cricut just make these (hubby would not be happy)! Thanks.
Hi Jenn – I’m sorry, but only the Explore cuts leather. Watch out and you might a great deal over the holidays!
would you mind sharing the settings and pressure you used. I plan on making this today
Hi! I’m sorry but I just used the settings on my Explore – the one for thick leather! Hope that helps.
Can the blade that the machine came with be used to cut it or does this project require a different blade? Sorry, just got my machine for Christmas so I’m a newbie 🙂
You will have better luck with the deep cut blade, but I did use my regular blade and just set my machine to do a triple cut. Hope that helps!
I worked on cutting leather this weekend . Ihad difficulty with the designs that had open areas like this one. Had better results with solid designs. I tried deep cut blade and regular blade on different settings, put transfer tape down first to keep mess off the mat. I think taping it down also helps because some of mine got bunched up and machine stopped its definetly a learning curve to this but im determined .
Keep trying! It is so weird because mine cut perfectly the first time, but maybe it is the leather I was using? I used a new mat, and stuck the “fabricy” side of the leather onto the mat, not the smooth leather side. Hope that helps!
I’ve tried cutting several different types of leather on my Cricket. Two things I’ve learned through trial and error:
Apply the sticky side of contact paper to the rough side of the leather and then attach the smooth contact paper side to the cutting mat. This will prevent garment leathers from stretching. Mostly this will save your mat and leather.
Use a few peices of painters tape along the corners and edges of the leather after you apply it to the mat. Really smooth out the tape so it doesn’t mess up feeding the mat. I’m a leather crafter first and love using the Cricket for cut outs and overlays. Hopefully this helps a few of you make some Awesomeness!
Those are great tips! Thanks for sharing!
I can NOT WAIT to try this, but I think I will do it with heavier vinyl. But this is such a super cute idea! Love it!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!