Showing posts with label leather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leather. Show all posts

My Simple Boot Strap DIY

Because I'm not courageous enough to have an asymmetrical haircut, get a sleeve of tattoos, or have unusual piercings, I have to get a little punk rock in in more subtle ways.  I figured studded boot straps were a good accessory to add just a teeny bit of rock & roll to my outfit.





These were so simple to make, and luckily I had all the supplies already.  I was originally going to stud the entire way around, but once I got three in, I kind of liked that look.  Who knows, I may end up adding more later.

Here's what I used to make them:
- black leather (or vinyl as a budget option, and JoAnn has some pretty believable faux leather)
- silver and gold tone double cap rivets/studs, size small (I got mine from Michael's)
- a leather punch (also from Michael's)
- a rivet setter & anvil (but you could just use a hammer and a hard surface)
- large brass rings

Here's how I made them:
- I measured how long I needed each section of leather to be, and added some length so it could be doubled under the the studded/riveted area
- Cut my leather strips with an exacto knife.
- Folded the leather around the brass ring.
- Punched my holes in the leather where I want the studs to go.  It's probably best to measure, but I just tend to eyeball everything.
- Hammered in my rivets/studs.
- Moved onto the next side and repeated all the steps to get the leather around the second ring.
- Did the same thing all over again for the second strap!

It's super simple, and these slide off, that way I can wear them on other boots!

bows, not for beaus

I've had a fondness for tow ties for quite some time now, and I keep trying to think of different ways to wear them. First I put them on bracelets, then I put them on headbands, and now I've decided that I really like them as brooches. I made this batch yesterday (you can consider this your sneak peek), and I decided that a cluster of bow ties is très mignon!

Black suede, grey and mustard yellow leather, all with pin backs. I've been wanting to do a little thrifting for tacky, brightly colored leather bags or clothes that I could use as donor leather because I'd like a cluster for myself, but I really want green or teal leather!

Two weeks from this very moment, I will be in the sky on my way from Philadelphia to California! I've decided that since I won't be blogging for a few days, I'll post the giveaway before I leave on the 10th!

new hide

Since the leather bow ties seem to be somewhat popular, and because one of the bracelets will be in House Beautiful's gift guide, I realized that I needed to add to my almost non-existent leather supply. I went to the craft store today only to discover that they now carried new colors! The newest item to the leather bow tie family is this little gem (and there are more colorful bows to come)!

etsy favorite: thebritboutique

Hello, eco, meet chic. The crafty lady behind thebritboutique merges vintage elements to make some absolutely gorgeous modern accessories. Jeans and t-shirt or little black dress, her clutches are sure to add a touch of style and statement to any look. I have a strong feeling that my next purchase just might be one of the braided leather bangles.....