Leather Beads for Jewelry Making, Charms and Crafts

Leather beads are lightweight decorative pieces with a distinctive texture and natural look. At EM ART you'll find both genuine and faux leather beads, including flat leather discs and other shapes for bracelets, necklaces, earrings, charms, keychains and creative craft projects.

Leather beads can be used as a focal element or as spacers between other beads. They work especially well with wood, natural stones, leather and suede cords, fabric, metal spacers and other jewellery-making components.

What are Leather Beads?

• Genuine leather. Natural and genuine material suitable for decorating clothes, bags, shoes and more.
• Flat and lightweight shapes. Leather discs are compact and easy to combine with other beads, while other leather shapes can create a stronger decorative accent.
• Distinctive texture. Leather adds a softer, more natural finish to handmade jewellery, accessories and craft projects.
• Different colours and sizes. The available options depend on the individual product, so check the product details before choosing.

How to Choose Leather Beads

Before choosing a model, check its shape, size, material and hole. This will help you decide whether it suits the cord, thread, wire or other stringing material you plan to use.

• Shape. Flat leather disc beads are easy to alternate in bracelets and necklaces, while rectangular and other shapes create a more geometric accent.
• Size. Smaller beads work well in delicate designs, while larger leather pieces can be used as a focal element.
• Hole. Compare the hole size with the thickness of your leather or suede cord, beading thread, string or wire.
• Material and colour. Choose genuine or faux leather and a colour that fits the rest of your design.

Sizes and specifications vary by product, so check the individual product page before making your choice.

What Materials to Use with Leather Beads

Leather beads combine easily with other materials for jewelry making and crafts. For a natural or boho style, pair them with wooden beads, suede or leather cords and natural stone beads.

For more contrast, add metal spacer beads, a fine chain or other metal findings. For bracelets and necklaces, leather or suede cord works well for a boho look, while beading thread or wire can create a different structure.

Ideas for Leather Beads Crafts

Leather beads can used for much more than bracelets and necklaces. Their lightweight construction and distinctive texture also make them useful for textile, decorative and scrapbooking projects, or as a small accent on a finished item.

• Decorating clothes, shoes and bags. Sew leather pieces onto clothes, hats and scarves, or glue them onto shoes and handbags. You can also add them to pendants, keychains and decorative strands.
• Textile wall hangings. Flat leather discs can be stitched onto textile panels. Use different colours to create flowers, geometric motifs or parts of a larger picture. For rigid bases such as hardboard, use a suitable adhesive instead.
• Cards and invitations. Small leather circles can become flowers, ornaments and other decorative shapes on handmade cards and invitations for birthdays, celebrations and special occasions.
• Scrapbooking. Add leather beads to scrapbook albums, covers, tags and decorative layouts. They work well with paper, card, fabric, twine and wooden elements.
• Decorating papier-mâché. Use leather beads as a finishing touch on pencil pots, decorative bowls, vases, masks, figures and other papier-mâché pieces. Choose an adhesive suitable for both leather and the base material.
• Fabric and seasonal decorations. Use leather beads to embellish textile and cotton items, Christmas ornaments, Easter decorations, seasonal projects and other handmade pieces.
• Jewellery and small accessories. Alternate leather discs with wooden beads, natural stones or metal spacer beads. Use a larger bead as a focal point, or mix several colours for a more dynamic design.

Care and Storage Tips for Leather Beads and Decorations

Genuine leather is a durable natural material, but proper care will help leather pieces retain their colour, texture and shape for longer. For faux leather, always follow the care instructions appropriate to the specific material.

• Clean gently. For dust and light marks, use a soft dry or very slightly damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing the surface.
• Let them dry naturally. If a leather piece gets wet, leave it to dry at room temperature. Avoid hairdryers, radiators and other strong heat sources.
• Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight. Store finished pieces somewhere dry and away from constant direct sunlight and strong heat.
• Take care with cleaners and solvents. Before using a cleaner, paint, protective coating or other leather product, test it first on a small, inconspicuous area.
• Store separately. This helps flat leather shapes retain their form and reduces the risk of bending or deformation.

Leather Beads: Frequently Asked Questions