Let’s Get Crafty: Leather, Gemstones, and Grommets - Oh My!

Hey there, fellow craft lover! Ever wondered what happens when leather, gemstones, and tiny metal rings (aka grommets) join forces? The answer: seriously cool earrings! In this blog post, I’ll take you along on my adventure into grommet crafting. Spoiler alert: I’m obsessed, and you might be too by the end of this!

So, What’s the Deal with Grommets?

First things first - grommets are those little metal donuts that reinforce holes in fabric or leather. They not only add some serious durability to your jewelry but also make your creations look like they belong in a fancy boutique. Ready to jump in? Let’s go!

Gather Your Crafty Supplies (aka Treasure Hunt Time)

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a pair of these beauties:

Real Leather - I snag mine at Hobby Lobby. Nothing like the smell of fresh leather, right?

Gemstones - I’m hooked on Beads Venture Monthly Subscription Box. It’s like a little gemstone surprise every month! Grab some here: Beads Venture and use code TAMARABRANDENBURG for 10% off.

Grommet Kit - I found this tiny grommet kit on Amazon after what felt like a treasure hunt. Here’s the link!  The kit does not include the spacers but you won't need them on these tiny grommets.  

Hole Punch - 2mm works perfectly. Available at Amazon, Hobby Lobby, or Michaels.

Pliers - Basic jewelry pliers will do the trick.

Earring Hooks & Jump Rings - Can’t forget these!

Bonus Tool: A Random 2x4 - I raided my husband’s garage stash to avoid smashing my glass work table. Highly recommend this pro move.

Cricut Machine - I got the perfect cut for the leather using my Cricut from Michaels. Precision is everything! But hand cutting your own design is also very cool and makes it totally yours.

Hand Hammer - It works best if you get the tiny hand hammer at Michaels or Hobby Lobby - the one from my husbands garage may have been a little heavy - oops.

Step-by-Step: Let’s Make Some Earrings!

Step 1: Cut the Leather

Use your Cricut (or cut by hand if you’re feeling adventurous) to shape the leather pieces for your earrings. Precision cuts make all the difference!

Step 2: Punch, Baby, Punch!

Grab your hole punch and start creating those holes. Even spacing is key (unless you’re going for that funky uneven look – no judgment!). 

Step 2: Grommet Time

Slide a grommet into each hole. I used the punch tool that came in the box to put the grommet on the end of the tool and then pushed it through the leather hole with the tool. Bust out the kit tools and secure those babies in place. The punch tool will slide through the grommet and into the hole in the top of the base included in the grommet kit from Amazon. Then tap the top of the punch tool until the grommet is secure—I mastered this with 7 taps from my hand hammer. Repeat until all your holes are rocking shiny metal rings.

Step 3: Gemstone Glam

Now for the fun part! Use jump rings and headpins to attach gemstones. Get creative with the arrangement – there’s no wrong way to add some sparkle or serious positive energy from your favorite gemstone.

Step 4: Hook ‘Em Up

Attach earring hooks at the top of the leather pieces using your pliers. Give ‘em a little tug to make sure they’re secure.

Ta-da! You Did It!

Congratulations! You’ve just crafted a pair of leather and gemstone earrings that look like they belong on a runway. The best part? They’re one of a kind, just like you.

Now, go rock those earrings (or gift them to someone who deserves a little handmade love). Happy crafting!