This is the story of how I started making belts way back in 1977. The Maker Monday, and Workshop Wednesday are videos from my live presentations on Facebook.
Here is the story of how Log Cabin Leather by Jan began making belts.
Listen to the video above to hear the stories of how I got started in leather work, back in 1977, and where I purchased leather. I will explain how leather hides are purchased and how the thickness gauge, the tool from last weeks Tool Trivia Tuesday game, is used.
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In the video above, watch as I demonstrate how the Belt Stripper is used. I will demonstrate cutting the straight edge on the hide and the belt stripper in use.
The hide I am holding above is called a Double Shoulder. Later in the video, I will cut a Double Back. Both of these hides and the differences between them are explained in the first video above.
When I first began making belts, I dyed them all by hand. Leather is animal skin and has scars and blemishes. These can show when the belt is dyed and the dye does not always come out evenly. The dye absorbs into some areas more than others. It was difficult and many a belt has been ruined because of this. Join me the week of Jan. 19 to learn more about my coloring and dying techniques.
When I lost my leather suppliers in Boston I had to look for other sources. When I discovered Weaver Leather and was pleased with their leather, I began to purchase pre-dyed hides for making plain belts from them. Belts have always been my best seller and now I save a lot of time, and mess, purchasing the double backs. The color is uniform and the hides are finished nicely both front and back!
Next week, please join me for Workshop Wednesday, when I will demonstrate product creation. Each month will have a different theme.
I started making belts back in 1977. The one above is one I made for my dad, so it is one of my first belts. My father is gone, but the belt is still in use, now about 43 years old!
How Hand Stamped Designs are Created on Leather Belts
Please join me next when I share the stories of how my father inspired my hand-tooled belts and how he was my Belt Salesman.
I demonstrate hand stamping a design on a belt and share how I learned this technique in the Workshop Wednesday series.
