How to Make a Beaded Leather Belt

Materials and Tools:

scissors
thimble
beeswax
lining leather
collar ring #35204
rubber stamp images
black fabric ink stamp pad
aerosol spray leather sheencoral gemstone chips
size 10 glover's needle
cloth tape measure
ruler/straight edge
self-stick note pad
craft knife with #11 blades
four 5 mm tigereye cube beads
four 6 mm puka shell beads
cream top-grain chap leather #9111
Tanners Bond contact cement #2530-01
Nymo size D fine beading thread to match leather
size 11 seed beads: metallic silver, red/orange, metallic brown iris

Steps:

1. To determine the length of leather for the sash, use a tape measure around your waist or hips and add approximately 16 inches. Cut a 2-1/2" wide strap from top grain to the length needed.

2. Draw measurements of sash on paper. Mark off a 6" margin on one end to establish the end to be wrapped around the ring and to remain bare of embellishment.

3. Practice the stamp design on the paper before stamping on leather.

4. Using the paper practice piece as a guide, stamp the design onto the leather sash. Tip: Use self-sticking notes to mask off areas where you do not want image to appear or to mark spacing of design on your belt. Allow to dry completely.

5. To protect the stamped surface, spray the sash with a light, even coat of leather sheen.

6. Using contact cement, secure the 6" unstamped end around the collar ring. Place under weight overnight.

7. Lightly wax a thread length with beeswax. Thread a doubled length of beading thread onto the glover's needle. Knot ends.

8. To secure ends of thread, use a couple backstitches from the underside of leather to the core of the surface, allowing the stitches to be hidden.

9. Bring the needle up to the topside of the leather to begin the beading. Attach the beads onto the leather sash, stitching the thread to the core of the leather and bringing the needle up to the next bead point.

10. Use the stamped design and the finished example as your guide for the beading pattern.

11. With all beading complete, cut a length of lining leather to fit along the back of the sash.

12. Apply an even coat of contact cement along the backside of the sash and liner. Secure surfaces together, allowing bond to set overnight.