Keepsake Pouch Necklaces

Many years ago I first made a necklace bag for myself because leather pouches in local stores were bulky and overly Frontier in style (fangs and fur). I wanted something to carry little items that were special to me, but it had to be bigger than a typical metal locket -- like a miniature purse -- thus the Keepsake Pouch Necklace! These type of mini leather bags act like a locket but are capable of holding more three dimensional items than a locket such as stones, coins and other good luck charms, religious icons, baby teeth, a vial of scented oil, or even funeral ash remains of a departed loved-one. My husband sometimes wears one and enjoys scented herbs such as sage and cedar. It's just something a little different, and I like that. Plus it feeds my beading need, so I really like that! They are pieces of jewelry that don't just sit there trying to look good, but can bring comfort from the purpose that they serve.

Below are two of the latest pouches I've put together. Check my store category section Keepsake Pouch Necklaces to shop for currently available bags.

Keepsake Pouch Necklace with Purple Fluorite Stone

 I made this one for one of my dear sisters. The pouch has a fold-over flap with a fluorite bead as a button. The tiny glass, seed beads, and square cut fluorite beads are strung onto a coated seven-strand steel wire. This one is long enough to slip over the head, so there is no clasp. Silver crimps and silver plated jump rings bring the two pieces of bag and strand together. Many of my pouches are sewn with artificial sinew, which is a tan color, but being black leather here I've used extra strong black button thread waxed lightly with natural beeswax. The pouch is about two inches square.

Keepsake Pouch Necklace Set with Hematite Stone and Abalone Button

 The next pouch necklace is a bit different. I felt inspired and had materials on-hand so also crafted a matching pair of earrings and a bracelet. This set isn't completely finished yet because I still need to select or craft clasps and ear wires.

 The feature stone is metallic hematite, surrounded by a square ceramic bead that has a flash of iridescent blue and silver. The long slender beads are glass bugle beads in a dark silver grey that matches the pouch button colors. This too is strung onto a coated seven-strand steel wire. I used extra long silver plated crimp tubes but they can't be seen because they are covered by the first few beads. All of the other metal components are solid brass.

The bracelet (not shown) is a double strand of the same bead pattern seen on the necklace, with round hematite stone and square ceramic. The earrings include a larger hematite bead in a barrel shape with a larger iridescent blue ceramic square. Most of my earrings are hook style, but if requested this pair could still dangle from a post style earring.

 The bag portion is a wee one inch or so squared. This pouch also is soft black leather hand sewn with extra strong black button thread. Here the fold-over flap closes with a genuine antique button of precious abalone shell that glints with color in the light like a gem!

In the close-up photo you can see the beads that I've used in detail. The thin strand is comfortable on the neck and won't conflict if worn with other necklaces or chains.

I really enjoy crafting these Keepsake Pouch Necklaces, I like wearing them, and I've really liked sharing them with all of you! Thank you for visiting my jewelry blog!

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If contacting me about this blog post please refer to the item name and number please. This item is, "Keepsake Pouch Necklace Set with Hematite and Abalone". Check my studio store for availability or contact me.
Original jewelry from Tree Pruitt.