Wednesday, April 25, 2012

How to turn an old leather belt into a cuff bracelet

This tutorial is going to show you how to turn an old leather belt into a cuff.
I have seen so many awesome leather belts at the thrift store, but most of them were not my size. This project gives me a whole new outlook on leather belts... just turn it into a cuff!



What You Will Need:
-Leather Belt
-Snap Fasteners Buttons (at any craft store)
-Setter & Anvil (Comes in Snap Fastener Button Kits)
-Rotary Hole Punch
-Scissors
-Mallet or Hammer
-Something to hammer on, like a cement surface with a hand towel on it
-Pen or Sharpie








Let's Begin!



Start by wrapping the belt around your wrist.
Make sure it is fairly sung.
Give yourself 1 1/2" of extra length.
Cut the belt.

You could also measure your wrist, add 2-3 inches,
then measure and cut your belt.



Now you will punch a hole into the belt.
Start by using a smaller punch first.
You want the snap to be snug in the hole.


For the Top Snap:
Right side up, on either end of the belt, go up a 1/2"-1" and
punch out a hole. Try to slide one of the snaps into it.
If it definitely won't fit, go up one punch size.


For the Bottom Snap:
Once you get your top snap fastener in (see below) wrap the bracelet around your wrist again
and make a mark where you would like the bottom snap to be.
Punch out the hole.

Do your outside snap first.
The outside snap will have a shiny button-like top.
Please refer to the directions in your book if you become confused.


 Here is how you will layer the first set of snaps:
1. Top Snap (has ridges on the bottom)
-Push the top snap into the top part of the belt, the side with the print. Flip it over and add the bottom piece
2. The Belt will be in the middle (the belt should have a hole in it)
4. Bottom piece (it is the one that has the ring inside of it)
-This piece goes on the wrong side of the belt.
5. Anvil (what you will be hammering the snaps on)


This is how you will layer the second set of snaps.

Note: Make sure you hammer in the first snaps before punching out the hole for the second set of stamps. This is going to make sure your cuff will fit properly.

The second set of snaps are the opposite of the first ones.
- The snap that has a point goes through the bottom of the belt.
-Then the snap goes over it on the right side of the belt.
-The Anvil will be on the bottom scoop side up.


Now comes the setting of the snaps.
You are probably wondering how they are going to stay since they are too big.
After you hammer them in they will cozy up to your belt.

Find a very hard surface, like concrete, and lay a towel down so you don't scratch your buttons.

1. Lay the Anvil down scoop side up


2. Lay the round button top end onto the Anvil.


3. Here is what it will look like once you have the button top on the Anvil.


4. Place the Setter point in the hole. Hammer the hole down with a few good hits.
If the snap wobbles you need to hammer it a few more times.
You want the snap to be snug.


Do this to both sides.
When you are finished cut off any extra belt that is left over.
This is what it should look like when you are finished:
(this is before I cut off the extra leftover belt on the right side)



YOU'RE FINISHED!!





Enjoy!!!




6 comments:

  1. Nice post and it is a valuable information for us.
    Actually jewelry is a elegant form of high fashion. Nothing comes quite as elegant as silver cuff bracelets.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
    leather belt pouch

    ReplyDelete
  3. This increase the impacts of that intra-stomach weight, and thus, secures your back and gives it a chance to deal with the worry of heavier loads far and away superior. Weightlifting lashes are a certain method to settle your bar set up and anticipate sliding. Best weight lifting belts

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good blog post. I want to thank you for interesting and helpful information and I like your point of view.Luxury leather belts manufacturer in Spain

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very informative blog. Interesting info. We are Selling Leather jackets For Men and Women in New Zealand on www.jacketworld.co.nz

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site? It is truly a great and useful piece of information.
    custom made belts

    ReplyDelete