Not sure what size leather edger to buy? Chuck clears up some of the confusion in this episode of “The Leather Element” by going over the different sizes and what weight leather to use with each one. Most of the time you can get by with only one or two different sizes!
Having trouble keeping your edge bevelers sharp? Check out our Strop board kit, complete with all the items needed to sharpen your blades for smooth cuts each time.
The Leather Element: Master Tools Mighty Wonder 4 Ton Clicker
In this week’s episode of The Leather Element, Chuck is explaining some of the features and benefits of the Mighty Wonder 4 Ton Clicker. This machine does not require any electricity and can easily be transported if you’re going to shows, etc. Handcrafted right here in Mt Hope, Ohio at our facility, this machine was designed to boost efficiency and save time.
Learn more about creating a custom clicker die.
The Leather Element: Leathercraft the Oldest Human Craft
In this weeks The Leather Element Chuck has some cool information on the history of leathercraft. Did you know leathercraft is the oldest human craft? Pretty awesome to think we’re still practicing this craft and tanning leather in the same fashion!
Making a Women’s Leather Bracelet
Today we will be making a simple ring-in-center leather bracelet that would be the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or any special occasion! We used a Brandy ¾ oz. chrome tanned leather for its exceptional softness and feel. Keep in mind that the bracelet will lay nicer when using a softer leather. If you prefer veg tanned leather, we suggest a lightweight 2/3 oz. that will get softer and more supple with every wear.
Items you will need:
Leather Piece at least 13” long
Ring
Button Stud
Tools:
Rotary Punch
Knife
Ruler
Measure your wrist using a soft tape measure or lace and then multiply that x 2 and add ½”. This will give you enough room to overlap where the bracelet fastens. My wrist measured 6.5” so my bracelet length is 13.5”.
Cut your leather into a 1” wide x the length you measured (13.5” for mine) strap.
Find the center of your strap and mark it, making sure find the center width wise also. Punch a hole using your rotary or hand punch. Next punch a hole ¼” from the end of one side of the strap.
Now, you are ready to cut the center slit for the first side of the bracelet. Measure one half inch down from the center hole and mark the center line down to within 1” from the hole at the end of the strap. Use your straight edge or ruler and your knife and cut the center slit. Do the same for the other side. Punch a hole ¼” from the end of the other side of the bracelet and cut a slit ½” down from the center hole and 1” from the end hole.
On one end of the strap, cut a small slit about 3/8” from the hole; this will allow the strap to slide over the button stud easier when closing the bracelet.
Use a round end punch or a round spool of thread and round the corners on both ends of the bracelet.
Wrap the end of the bracelet without the slit around the ring and attach the button stud, as shown in the picture.
Your bracelet is done and should look something like this:
To wear the bracelet follow the instructions below:
The Leather Element: Creativity with Leather End Punches
Did you know you can use your English point and round end punches for things other than punching strap ends? Watch the video to see some examples, from scalloped edges to filigree cuts!