BTW: Boho Leather Hoops

I am continuing to find inspiration in Lorelei and Erin's new book Bohemian Inspired Jewelry.  And, as with any recipe, I never follow it exactly. I typically take elements and mix things up a bit. 

One of the projects in the book uses 'leather fringe' on a pair of hoops, and I just had to try that! It really wasn't very hard. The hardest part was keeping the leather gathered together on the hoop, and so I needed to ensure I had a tight wrap on either side. 

I started with a scrap piece of leather I had left over from an upholstery project. I cut it about a quarter inch wide, and roughly 3-4 inches long. I then used a hole punch and spaced holes roughly a half inch apart. 

Once the leather was threaded I twisted it just a little to give the 'fringe' effect shown in the book. Lastly I added a flat silver bead and did a quick wire wrap (about 5 full wraps) which gives it a very secure hold. Also, to hold the wire in place I had wrapped it at the end of the fringe and threaded it through the bead along with the hoop. I originally thought about including pearls to the hoops to match the leather and pearl bracelet I made a few weeks ago. But it was just too much. I think I prefer the simplicity of the leather and silver.

I did also make my own hoops. I used a thick gauge (15 g) solid silver wire. I grabbed a spice jar, created a loop at one end and bent the wire. Then just added the hook to the other end of the hoop. A quick couple of whacks with a chasing hammer did the trick. 

These were really easy and fun to make. I'll bet I could use other thick ribbon or velvet? hmmm ... already thinking of variations.