Easy DIY Snake Clasp Leather Bracelet

So Halloween is coming, not that I generally start getting ready for another month, but I spotted this snake clasp when I was shopping leather jewelry accessories, and I just HAD to get it.  It’s equal parts interesting, cool, and slightly creepy to me – and understated enough to wear any day.  This bracelet makes up SO easily – exactly like the 5-Minute Leather Bracelet design I shared last year, but with a really unique clasp.  If you can measure, cut, and glue – you can make this as a fun Halloween accessory, or piece for any reptile lover!  (And yes – I know they’re out there!)

I’m going to give you links to the products I used at Goody Beads in case you want this look for yourself!  (If you make a purchase after you click through that does benefit my blog and no extra cost to you – just FYI.  No pressure – but thanks for supporting even more free tutorials if this project ends up on your must-make list!)

• 5mm round leather in any color (I used the Whiskey color).  You need about 14 inches, but to be safe, I’d advise buying 16 inches and trimming it down to fit you, in case your wrist is larger than mine.
• Snake Clasp
• 2-hole bead in a silver finish to match the clasp
• Leather Cutter
• Super New Glue

First, cut your leather.  You can use regular scissors but I love this little leather cutter to get really clean, straight ends.  I ended up using 13 3/4 inches for my wrist.  I would start with 16 inches and test it out in case your wrist is larger than mine, but I think I’m pretty average.  You can just trust me and cut it where I did if you like, or I’ll share with you how to tell how long you need it to be, next.

To try the size, slide the 2-hole bead onto each end of the leather, going most of the way toward the center of the length, forming a loop.  Take a moment to slip the loop around the clasp and fit the ends into the hole in the clasp – you will be able to tell just how much to trim off.

When you’re happy with the length, add a few drops of glue to the hole in the bottom of the clasp, and insert the raw ends.  It will be a snug fit – and that’s a good thing!  It won’t slide out while it’s drying.  But do be sure you get both ends in securely.  Also, when you’re gluing, be sure to follow the natural curve of the leather (after having been coiled, it will probably hold a curve) and make sure that it bends in the right direction around the clasp.

The glue needs about 10 minutes to set, so while assembly takes 5 minutes or less, you want to wait a few minutes more before wearing it – but even that doesn’t need long!

So I’m curious to know – are you afraid of snakes?  We don’t have any really dangerous ones where I live (and you don’t generally find them in unexpected places, either), so I kind of like them.  I wouldn’t own one as a pet (I’m just not a fan of keeping animals that need to be in bowls, tanks, and cages) but they aren’t gross or scary to me, I’ve always kind of liked them!