Creating jewellery with leather has never been easier

By: Cindy Goldrick

In the past, I've written in this blog about the Jill MacKay leather cutting dies that you can use on the Big Kick to make fun, contemporary bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The good news is that Beadfx has the dies in stock now. 

More good news is that Sizzix has released a whole new line of cuff styles, flower and geometric shapes and even a fast tassel cutting die. So much fun!

And even better news!! I'm teaching a class, on July 23, on the many ways to use and combine the various cuff and shape dies to create unique jewellery custom-made to your own taste. 

In class I will review the basics of how the Big Kick and dies work, then we will review fastening options such as rivets, glue, snaps and move on to other ways to embellish and finish everything from a cuff to a quick cute pendant. I will also preview some brand new dies you will be able to test out before you buy. 

Then we will discuss the many ways to assemble and personalize your designs, from embossed metal blanks, to flatbacks, to seed beads and vintage metal stampings. 

Here are a few samples of ways to compile the leather cut outs into easy to wear and easy to make jewellery.

Here's what some of the brand new shapes look like -- imagine how the leaf shapes in a variety of sizes and colours could be layered on the feather cuff. 

I urge you to come out and play with the Big Kick: you'll be amazed at how fun and easy it really is to create custom soft jewellery that packs colour and pizazz.