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by: Dwyn Tomlinson

I'm really taken with this new line of leather and findings - from Tierracast. I love coordinated findings, like the celtic decorative elements (rivetables) and the matching ends.

This was also a good opportunity to play around a little bit and see what works - and you can see from some of the photos I have highlighted the difference between the 4 mm and the 6 mm compression rivets - you can see that the 6 mm makes a bolder statement.

I have also noted where some rivets were just tapped into place with an ordinary hammer, and some were placed using the rivet setting tool. The tool is not necessary, but makes a much nicer, more rounded dome.

This project goes very quickly, and it is very hard to stop at just making one! You can choose different design elements and colours to mix it up, the rivets can contrast or match the other metal elements - all kinds of ways to customize this and make it your own!

1. Mark where you want your rivets to go with a pen or sharpie. Then punch holes with the leather tool. I used the 2 mm setting to make the holes.
2. You need a sturdy surface to work on  - a sandbag and metal block are perfect. Line up the base of the compression rivet on the block, position the leather over it, with the base sticking through the hole. Add the decorative rivetable, and finally the cap of the rivet. Fine tweezers make this process MUCH easier.
   
3. Using the setting tool, position it over the cap, and strike with a hammer until it settles down nicely into place, probably 2-3 taps with the hammer. I'm tempted to say just whack it, but it actually doesn't need a whole lot of force, and you can just keep at it until you get there, rather than trying to get it done in one hit.
   
4. Use jumprings to attach the clasp (hook) and the charm. The ring for the charm doubles as the ring to hook the clasp into.
   
5. And that's it! 

I've also included a photo showing using an eyelet instead of a compression rivet. I do find that these are easier to use with the eyelet setter! 

Have fun and experiment!

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Components Clicking on components links will open a new window so that you don't lose this page.
		tc94-2164-18 Charm - Spiral Kitty - Antique Copper (pick a charm that you like Copper Charms)	Price: $ 1.95 per	Sorry, Out of Stock
		s36881 Clasp - ID 10mm Classic Hook - Antiqued Copper	Price: $ 1.76 per	In Stock
		22801016-03 Jump Rings Open - 7mm - Antique Copper (10 grams)	Price: $ 1.60 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 2	s42961 Leather Riveting Supplies - Celtic Strap Tip - Antiqued Copper	Price: $ 1.13 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		s42930 Leather Riveting Tools - 4mm Rivet Setter - Stainless Steel (for 4 mm rivets)	Price: $ 6.98 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 5	s43010 Riveting Supplies - Celtic - Rivetable - Antiqued Copper	Price: $ 0.81 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 7	s36863 Riveting Supplies - 4mm Compression Rivet with Tube - Bright Gold (Pack of 10)	Price: $ 4.63 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		74527808 Tools - Deluxe Revolving Leather Hole Punch -	Price: $ 22.95 per	In Stock