Leather Bracelets with Hitched Stitch Webbing

[brad]

This is one of those projects I wonder about as to ownership of work. The important part of these bracelets are the webbing...that I did not make. The idea is also from bracelets I saw and bought while in Santa Fe, NM.
But I do have a past in leather craft, and still have all my tools and many of the products I needed for this project.
So what I did do, and do better than the bracelet I bought was the leather work.  I cut the leather, sanded the backside to smooth it up more. I burnished the edges to a fairly slick and hard finish. Stained the leather-some in black, some in dark brown.  Though without real good light, the difference is very subtle.  I set the snaps. (thinking about...what about velcro?)
And now I am in the process of stitching the webbing to the leather. I have one attached and four to go before Valentine's Day, to give to wife, both daughters, and a daughter in law.  
Its been fun to work with the leather again. (but I have several silver projects drafted out on paper) that I want to get to.  
Brad

[caeterle]

Brad, I get that you'd prefer to make everything yourself, but so many artisan use components and don't make any of the ones they use in their creations. How to put them together is still their design, though.
Maybe you will make the webbing eventually or combine the leatherwork with looming (or convince Marilyn to do it ), but doing the leatherwork yourself sounds like a great start to me.
They are very pretty and your ladies will love them.

I'm a big fan of snaps (and have used them in my loomwork before) and would prefer them, probably because I tend to get stuck elsewhere with Velcro. Not everyone has that problem, so it may be worth a try.

[brad]

Feb 13, 2023 10:52:55 GMT -6 caeterle said:

Brad, I get that you'd prefer to make everything yourself, but so many artisan use components and don't make any of the ones they use in their creations. How to put them together is still their design, though.
Maybe you will make the webbing eventually or combine the leatherwork with looming (or convince Marilyn to do it ), but doing the leatherwork yourself sounds like a great start to me.
They are very pretty and your ladies will love them.

I'm a big fan of snaps (and have used them in my loomwork before) and would prefer them, probably because I tend to get stuck elsewhere with Velcro. Not everyone has that problem, so it may be worth a try.

Snaps seem more "organic" to me.  And, I have all the stuff to set them, even a drawer of many snaps and rivets, like others have beads and stones etc.
Thank you, for the kind comments and discussion.  Brad

[michelle]

These are real beauties, Brad! As Cat said, a lot of jewelry work involves using other people’s components. The magic is in what you do with them. Anyone will be thrilled to receive one of these.

[brad]

I handed them out to family (though delayed, they were for Valentine's Day), and, first they liked them; second, they fit well. I will likely make another batch for future gifts. And, buy more of the patterns available in the "horse-hair style" hitch stitching. Brad

BTW: Marilyn is recovering well. If I picked up Covid from the exposure, it is so far very, very mild. knock on wood!

[michelle]

So glad Marilyn is recovering.

[brad]

I have purchased some more leather and supplies to up my game a bit on these bracelets. With better edge burnishing, slightly smaller profile snaps, and a couple of more patterns of the designs. Brad

[caeterle]

Can't wait to see!

[DawninCal]

I don't know how I missed this thread the first time around. Those are terrific and what lovely gifts for your Valentines! I like snaps, but I think it could be interesting to try velcro as well. I haven't seen that done before.

I also get wanting to make everything yourself, but sometimes it's just not possible or practical. I have made my own chain for necklaces and bracelets before, and while I love the look and being able to put my own spin on them, it's just not time efficient nor do I feel I can charge what they are really worth when I list them. I still do it just because I enjoy the process, but I also use a lot of commercially made chain as well.



Dawn

[brad]

I am about to finish a batch of 14 more. I plan to create some inventory of less expensive pieces for show filler and folks on a budget. I will do same with a variety of copper cuffs. Then along the way make some nicer more expensive pieces. The show I may try to show in is not until next spring. I may share share a small booth with a friend. It is at our local old private art association venue, indoors. The show seems to have relaxed a bit in types of art/craft allowed. We usually go, and buy a few things every year. I am confident what I can do is at least of the caliber of many other things in the show nowadays.
That said, making batches, even with a bit a variety to them, is not my favorite thing to do. Brad

[caeterle]

Jun 8, 2023 7:01:56 GMT -6 brad said:

That said, making batches, even with a bit a variety to them, is not my favorite thing to do. Brad

You know we will want to see pictures.
It sounds like a good idea to start now to get a nice inventory together, so you can take breaks in between if you get tired of making batches. I definitely understand that, I have a hard time making a pair of earrings.

[michelle]

That sounds exciting, Brad! I hear you on the boredom of making batches. Like Cat, I struggle with making duplicates - even earrings. But admire those who can.