DIY Network

Mosaic Belts and Bracelets Make mosaics to wear. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-509

Dress up in these terrific little tiles.

Don’t limit your love of mosaics to decorative pieces around the house – B. Original and create some tiny tiles to decorate striking leather bracelets and belts. Michele Beschen shows how to use natural, self-hardening clay to make the tiles, then create your new mosaic accessories.

Remember, self-hardening clay isn’t waterproof unless it’s sealed after drying. Make sure to read and follow the package instructions for the clay.

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Experiment with shapes, paints and textures for a cool tile wardrobe.

Mosaic Belts and Bracelets

Materials:

self-hardening clay
thin blade for cutting clay
soft leather or suede
leather punch
2-part epoxy or contact cement
shellac
small brush for applying shellac

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Roll out some clay to make a smooth slab about 1/8" thick (figure A).

• Square off the edges of the slab with a blade, wire tool or piece of thin wire.

• Slice the slab into strips about 1/4" wide (figure B).

• Cut the strips into 1/4" squares. Each square will become a tile in the mosaic. The tiles don’t need to be perfect; square them up by hand if they become slightly compressed when cut.

• If desired, use clay cutters to create other shapes to incorporate in the piece.

• Let the tiles air dry on a flat surface for at least two days. Paint, if desired, then let the paint dry completely.

• Select a pliable piece of suede or soft leather and cut it to fit either as a belt or bracelet.

• Use a leather punch to place a hole at each end of the leather piece and create a closure with leather cording. Michele Beschen likes to use a bead-and-loop closure on her bracelets.

• Lay the leather flat and attach the tiny tiles directly to the leather with 2-part epoxy or household contact cement (figure C). Butt the edges of the tiles together.

• Let the piece dry flat overnight.

• Use a small brush to apply a couple of coats of shellac (figure D). Be sure to brush the shellac over the exposed leather as well as the tiles.

• When the shellac is dry, you’re ready to wear this one-of-a-kind accessory that goes with just about anything!