Kilt belt blanks

[frank_a]

I take off the sharp edges of the leather with a beveler (like this: http://www.artbeads.com/tool-0177.ht...FSMV7AodiRQAOg). I do that front and back. Then I burnish the edges on a wheel, and dye away!

I started out making my own belts for the same reason (cost), but would have been better off just buying a couple kilt belts for what I have tied up in all this stuff. On the other hand, I now own it, and enjoy making stuff. I also have a local tailer that is interested in doing consignment for regular jeans and dress belts, so that may bring some welcome income; if it works out!

Frank

[frank_a]

Two kilt belts almost done for two of my sons. The kilt belts still need to be fitted, trimmed and dyed, but all the buckle and strap holes are done, and both belts have the edges beveled. Apparently this is the last of 3" single prong buckles. I can't find them anymore!

kiltbelts.jpg

[frank_a]

Okay, great news for you rabble that make your own belts. Buckles! Big buckles! Mountain man stuff. Took me long enough to find, but started searching for Santa Claus belt buckles, went to images and finally found somebody that sells 3" buckles. Boy, long hard road! Here ya go:

http://www.crazycrow.com/nickel-bras...d-iron-buckles

One of the rabble was nice enough to point out my round buckle needed to change 180 degrees for the prong to sit correctly. Well, as it turns out, that round buckle is just a tad too tight, so I swapped it onto an older belt I had made that was just a tad narrower and it works great. So I took that rectangular buckle (gee, I used to be able to get these in different finishes too!), and used it on the other new belt I'm making.

This morning I added the belt loops, and now am ready to finish them. My oldest son's USAK PV kilt should be here today, so I can fit his tonight, then my youngest son will be here later tonight and I can do his too. We can all go to the Clan Dinner held Friday night before the Games this weekend in highland dress. Life is good!

kiltbelts.jpg

Cheers!

Frank

[frank_a]

3 belts done, just in time for the Highland Games. The black ones for my boys, the brown one a new one to add to the repertoire for all my new brown accessories (jacket, vest and sporran). That stuff will debut tomorrow.

kiltbelts.jpg

Frank

[tundramanq]

Frank, thank you for the heads up on the Crazy Crow. I ordered 3 - 3 inch square brass buckles. One for a blank I have finished and had on hold for over a year. The other 2 buckles are "just in case"..
I avoid the round buckles because they are quite hard on the leather - cupping, curling and scraping the top surface at the buckle - right where it will show the most.

[Dughlas mor]

Those are very nice looking belts, I`m sure you and your sons will be looking good. Thanks for the link to Crazy Crow, it looks like a good source, and an interesting site.

[Nighthawk]

Those are some sharp-looking belts! I like them a lot. So for larger belt buckles, I use http://www.weaverleathersupply.com/Home.aspx I can;t for the life of me find the link to them, though, so I would email them and ask. This is what they look like:



I don't know what the link is because we order the things in bulk, and they have us on file... If all else fails, tell them you were referred by the Renaissance Leather crew, and that you want the big buckles that we use.

[frank_a]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the compliments. And thanks for the link Nighthawk.

When I retire (2 years? 3?), I will start tooling my leather. Buying tools soon while I can afford stuff. I think leather work will make a good retirement hobby, and I do have an artistic bent. Plus it is the kind of thing I can easily take while we travel the continent with our travel trailer.

Many decades ago, before the advent of computers, I was a commercial sign painter specializing in numbers and names on stock cars, but also did my fair share of large retail stuff. That market has disappeared with the advent of computers, so I need to figure out how to transfer those skills to other things! God willing, that is.

Big day today as my first time as chair of the Games Committee for the St. Andrews Society of the City of Albany. Games start at 9, and I have to get there early.

Slainte!

Frank