Wrist strap

On May 15, 2023 By CarynIn Craft

I’ve been pinning many pictures of things I can do with my Inkle loom woven straps. So many things, but what caught my attention this time were wrist straps. Most of the articles talk about attaching keys, but I also saw wrist straps used for walking canes, cameras, and small bags. I also saw a method for securing the end of the cut woven strap with clear flexible glue. I used Modge Podge, which worked well painted on the ends and allowed to dry.

Securing cut ends by painting on clear glue

There is metal clamp hardware that make the creation of a wrist strap quicker, but I preferred the sewn leather direction. I noticed that leather makers use a wooden clamp that is similar to my bookbinding clamps. My clamp is larger, but it worked well to hold the pieces together while I stitched. I used a single ply of waxed nylon thread to sew a loop of leather to the ends of the strap.

Rather than a D ring, I used a split ring and a toggle clasp because these can be removed if the strap needs to be modified with different attachments.

Wrist strap made from an Inkle loom woven strap and leather

I liked how this one came out, so I made more.

Hand woven, hand sewn, cotton and leather wrist straps

Pan handle

On March 5, 2023 By CarynIn Craft

One of my Dad’s favorite cooking implements is a cast iron pan. I saw ideas on leather handle covers so thought I would make him one. I started out with some card stock to make a template. I liked the idea of a wrap around handle cover because it seemed it would be more comfortable to grip.

I used the template and leather shears to cut the design from tooling leather. With the wrap around design, only the end needs sewing, the wrap has enough give to slide onto the handle, but should stay in place. I wetted the leather and punched holes, then I lashed the end with a strip of leather.

I let the sewn assembly dry in place on a cast iron pan (both my sister and I have pans at our house in case Dad needs to cook something while he is visiting.) When it was dry I sealed it with Resolene to protect it from food spills.

Third anniversary

On January 19, 2023 By CarynIn Craft

Well that snuck up on me. I had plans to lay out a lovely leather carving for the third anniversary of my blog, but the time suddenly loomed so I whipped up a quick stamped leather oblong instead. Three years can be an awkward age.

Replacing a belt buckle

On July 16, 2022July 14, 2022 By CarynIn Craft, Life Hack

My husband loves his Italian made leather belt, but the metal fatigued and broke the other day. Luckily I had a buckle in my stash, and the belt is so well designed, I could fix it.

First I took out the broken metal, which was held on with a screw rivet (love these) and some stitches.

Disassembled buckle, with new buckle on left

I used waxed linen cord and the saddle stitch to sew the new buckle into the leather. I made the final knot between the layers of leather so it would be hidden.

Then I reassembled the belt reusing the screw rivet, being careful to catch the leather loop and stay in the right places, and making sure the buckle faced the right direction. Did I mention I love screw rivets? If you assemble incorrectly, it is easy to remove the rivet and try again.

I missed the memo

On February 10, 2022February 7, 2022 By CarynIn Craft

I set out to clean my house and the first thing I decided to do was re-stain and refinish the love seats. ‘Cause that makes sense, right? Then I ran out of stain half-way through one cushion and had to run to the leather store. (I am only allowed to go in if I am on a tight deadline and have a specific list, otherwise I order online. That is a very expensive rabbit hole.)

I did get back in time to finish staining, put on a protective finish coat, and have enough time for it to dry before the family came home. (Poor dogs had to be locked up for awhile, but it was nap time anyway.)

The seat looks so much better. Maybe everyone will be in awe of the loveliness and not see the dust bunnies frolicking on the floor? Or the cob webs gracing the ceilings? I really did miss the “how to clean” memo, but I should have “I can fix that” emblazoned on a t-shirt.

Critters and Craft

Tag: leather