Projects are ramping up!

So, i’m starting to have more and more projects under my belt. Since I’ve started leather crafting I’ve completed a bracelet, cuffs, a small key chain, and a belt. However with that, I also have bracers, and a (hatchet) holster nearly complete as well. I’m pretty darn happy with the progress I’ve made in such short time. I’m going to do a quick summary of all of those projects I’ve worked on since starting.

The first project was the small bracelet I made (see pictures below). The leather came from a scrap leather bag from the craft store Micheal’s. I added a quick stamp around the border that didn’t imprint really well, and 3 rivets. To tie off the bracelet to someone’s wrist, I just cut thin pieces of leather. It works well for a small bracelet, but I tried that same thin leather rope method for other projects and they didn’t work out well.

The second project I completed were a pair of black cuffs. I essentially like my bracelet and wanted to take that to the next step. I actually drew up a pattern on paper for this one. Once again, I used some scrap leather from a bag from the craft store Michael’s. I attempted to add some stamps around the border and in the middle, but they are very hard to see, they don’t even show up in photos! Like before, I tried used thin leather as rope, and it did not work well at all. It wouldn’t tighten around my wrists like I wanted. So I went out and bought some eyelets and paracord as the rope for tightening. In my opinion it works perfectly, exactly how I wanted it to.

My third project, which is also kind of my first is the belt I made. I’ve been working on it since before the bracelet but it took me much longer to finish. First thing I did was cut off the end to match the length of a belt I already owned and used quite regularly. I then wet the leather and stamped the entire border around it over a couple days. After that was done, I needed to cut out an oblong piece for the buckle to fit into, and then dye it. I only died the front, but I should’ve dyed the backside too. I then bought some leather sheen finish to protect it. And this, it was done!

Now, a project that I am still working on. Bracers. This one, I tried to be a little more diligent when making them. I drew up a pattern on the computer, figured out exactly where I want my rivets and eyelets rather than just eyeballing them afterward. I imprinted stamping to create the subtle 3D look to create the strips rather than cut them out and glue them on. This took a lot of effort. I’m in the process of dying them now, hopefully they will be finished by the end of next week. I’m waiting for some red dye to be delivered.

And now, my latest project. A holster. The holster could be used to just about anything, but I am designing it to at least hold a hatchet for when I go camping. It is very simple, the longer piece to slip onto a belt, and a smaller circle piece to just slide the handle of a hatchet or anything into. I once again added a border with stamps, which I kind of love doing now. Punch out holes where I plan to put my rivets. All I need to do is dye it, though I am unsure which color to dye it now that my dark brown is gone. And snap in the rivets and it’ll be done!

Now, what is up with my plans for the weekend when it comes to leather crafting? Well, last night after work I stopped by the local ‘Tandy Leather’ store and signed up for two classes this Saturday. One about how to do the Sheridan style design, and one how to upkeep your tools. So there’s that. As well I hope to finish the holster this weekend (I need to buy some dye for it though). And possibly get close to finishing the bracers. AND, start a new project, though I do not know what yet.