Leather Hand Crafts
Leather comes from the skin of animals, which is tanned and preserved. It may be worked to a soft, cloth-like consistency or preserved in a way to leave it sleek and hard. While cow leather is common, nearly any kind of animal skin can be made into leather. Working with leather allows you to become more familiar with this versatile material, and you can express your skill with many attractive leather handicrafts.
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Bookmark
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A leather bookmark is a simple project that is ideal for young students and beginning leather workers. Cut a leather rectangle measuring 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. Use metal stamps and mallets to stamp the leather with designs. You may choose to stamp a name on the leather or simply to stamp the leather with designs that are attractive to you. You can also fringe the edge of the leather by cutting each end into strips.
Simple Wall Hanging
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Cut a simple shape out of thick leather. A heart, a star or a cross are are all ideal shapes for this purpose, though you can also use a rectangle or a circle for a more simple shape. Stamp the piece of leather with metal stamps or emboss it by wetting the leather and running an embossing wheel over the wrong side of the leather, creating a pattern. Afterward, allow the leather to dry and whip-stitch cord around the outer edge to give it a decorative rim. Hang the wall hanging up by gluing a ring to the back and running cord through it.
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Simple Pouch
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A leather pouch can be as simple or as intricate as you care to make it. To make a simple leather pouch, use a pencil to divide a strip of 5-inch wide leather into thirds. Punch holes into the long sides of the rightmost two-thirds with a nail and use those holes to lace the body of the pouch together with leather cord. The third of the strip without holes folds over the top of the pouch and forms the lid. Punch two holes into the back of the leather pouch to string it onto a belt.
Leather Belt
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You can cut your leather belt blanks from leather or you can purchase them from leather stores. Lay the leather belt blank out in front of you and wet it thoroughly. Mark the middle of the belt both horizontally and vertically and decorate the belt with stamping and embossing. Attach the buckle of your choice by looping the end through the buckle and sewing it flat. Depending on the blank, you may need to punch holes for the buckle.
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References
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