How to Make a Bracelet Out of a Vintage Braided Belt

A timeless and commonly seen accessory, the "vintage" braided leather belt can be seen still today in many-a-clothing shop alongside khaki pants and often-times, menswear. These belts aren't as attractive as they are functional when worn around the waist, but you can customize them into other fashion accessories that accent your Bohemian style. Knowing how to turn a vintage braided leather belt into a wristband, or bracelet, gives you the opportunity to experiment with eco-fashion and hippie-chic looks.

Things You'll Need

• Braided leather belt
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Measuring tape
• Chain bale findings
• Jewelry pliers
• Clasp

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Grasp the end of the belt that is inserted into the buckle. Measure down seven inches and cut. Keep the end you're holding.

• 2

  Squeeze a thin line of hot glue along the severed end of the 7-inch strip of braided leather.

• 3

  Insert the glued end into the slot of a rectangular chain bale finding. Select one that measures 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch thick with a gap-opening. Force the glued end of the leather into it firmly and hold it in place for one minute. If the strip of leather doesn't fit, cut it down carefully with scissors and reglue it until it does fit. Repeat this step with the other end and a second bale finding.

• 4

  Remove all but one chain link from each end of the braided leather strap. These links dangle from either end of the baled findings. Leave one ring link on each end.

• 5

  Secure a clasp of your choosing to one end of the leather strap, hooking the looped side of the clasp to the remaining chain link. Squeeze it in place with the pliers to tighten the rings. Connect the clasp to the ring link on the other side.