thorn697 0 Posted January 3, 2017 A few weeks ago, I took the plunge into strap making. With a handful of tools and a box of leathers, this is what I've been able to make so far. I have a lot of really cool exotic leathers that I'm going to be working with once I get a little more confident. The the one on the left is a black suede with a red leather underside. The other is shark with a black leather underside. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RussP 22,250 Posted January 3, 2017 Brilliant maiden attempt. I've always wanted a few stingray straps, so when you're ready..............I'll be waiting. Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cubic Hare 494 Posted January 3, 2017 They look great. I also dabbled in strap making. I have tons of exotic leather here waiting to be used but unfortunately my health prohibits me from returning to the hobby at this point. If you want some nice exotic leather for cheap, shoot me a PM and I'll give you a run down of what's here.. Great work there, keep going.. Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 3, 2017 Brilliant maiden attempt. I've always wanted a few stingray straps, so when you're ready..............I'll be waiting. Thanks for sharing. Great work there, keep going.. Cheers Sorry to hear about your health. Hope you will be able to get back into action soon...I've admired a lot of your work on the homemade exotics thread. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm hoping to use a little scrap piece of the stingray this afternoon to see how hard it is to work with. I also have this really cool matte black ostrich leg that i'm planing to make into a Pelagos strap once I get a little better at cutting and finishing edges. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 7, 2017 Finished strap number 3. Really happy with how this one turned out. It's python with stingray keepers and tribal stitching. The stingray was surprisingly not that bad to cut. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 11, 2017 Another day, another strap.. This is a simple leather with multicolor stitching to match the blue hands and white dial of her watch. I got some leather dye this week that I was able to mix and paint the sides to match the blue leather backing. Really pleased with the results. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genius 281 Posted January 11, 2017 Finished strap number 3. Really happy with how this one turned out. It's python with stingray keepers and tribal stitching. The stingray was surprisingly not that bad to cut. That looks really good! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splke 4,383 Posted January 11, 2017 you got a talent bud nice to see Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 12, 2017 Completed another strap this afternoon. This one is "ultrasuede" made to match my Nomos Ahoi. I tried the back-stitch on this one....looks rather nasty on the backside. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 14, 2017 Decided to make a padded strap to fit the end links on my Pelagos. My saddle stitch has improved tremendously since the first strap. let me know if you have any suggestions on what to make next Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Psssniper 84 Posted January 23, 2017 Love the one hole, that's what I do as well. No need for more holes as it's made to fit me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 31, 2017 (edited) Finally got some free time to finish this project. Since my last strap, I've acquired a few new toys and a lot of new materials (literally half a cow). I decided to make another Bell & Ross strap because I was a little disappointed in my first attempt. This one is made with canvas and stitched with pretty thick thread. I decided to try painting on it and went with a spitfire design. I mixed a bunch of my paints to match the dial as close as possible. I thought I did a good job researching and buying the tools I needed when I first got stated with this, but every strap I've made has ended with an order of new tools. It's truly a trial and error hobby. Again...if anyone has any suggestions for things to try next or wants me to attempt to make them something, I'd be more than happy Edited January 31, 2017 by thorn697 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elp 26 Posted January 31, 2017 It's fun when you can see yourself improving with every strap, I've also made a few. Suggestions for the leather ones, get an adjustable groover so you have a straight guideline for stitching, and perhaps a set of chisel prongs for even hole spacings. Have fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 31, 2017 It's fun when you can see yourself improving with every strap, I've also made a few. Suggestions for the leather ones, get an adjustable groover so you have a straight guideline for stitching, and perhaps a set of chisel prongs for even hole spacings. Have fun! Appreciate the feedback. It is a lot of fun to try new things each time, but it leads to many mistakes. I actually have both of those tools. Still learning how to use the groover without slipping and trying to decide which stitching chisel size I like best. Currently, I have 3mm and 6mm set. I ordered a 4mm set this week. Hopefully this will give me the desired look. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted February 3, 2017 Got motivated to make something for the Zenith Pilot because of the odd lug size. I used some new leather I bought for the lining that is super nice feeling and looking IMO. I also decided to paint the leather for the first time on the keepers. It was a lot easier than I was expecting. This was the best stitch I've done, and I now realized what to do to replicate it going forward I've also found a pretty decent method for finishing the edge. It doesn't look to great in the picture with the lighting, but its much better than anything I've tried before. Will toy around with it more on the next strap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RolexKnox 0 Posted February 3, 2017 Inspiring! I recently made a visit to my local tannery supply and came back with a bag full of supplies. Just haven't been confident enough and dedicated the time to get started properly. Thanks for sharing your work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McJules 396 Posted February 3, 2017 Great start! I learned by myself too almost 5 years ago. Like you said, lots of trial and error but that's how you learn. Head over to leatherworker.net for some tricks and methods, you will learn alot there And the tools... the damn tools! You never know what you need until you buy and try. Then realise it's not worth it :P In 5 years, i think i bought for somewhere near (maybe more... lol) 3,000$ of tools alone. I'm not even counting the leather lol Keep up! It's a great hobby you got there! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted February 3, 2017 Inspiring! I recently made a visit to my local tannery supply and came back with a bag full of supplies. Just haven't been confident enough and dedicated the time to get started properly. Thanks for sharing your work! Just go for it! You don't have to do it all in one sitting. That's what makes it enjoyable. You can walk away at pretty much any point and come back later. Great start! I learned by myself too almost 5 years ago. Like you said, lots of trial and error but that's how you learn. Head over to leatherworker.net for some tricks and methods, you will learn alot there And the tools... the damn tools! You never know what you need until you buy and try. Then realise it's not worth it :P In 5 years, i think i bought for somewhere near (maybe more... lol) 3,000$ of tools alone. I'm not even counting the leather lol Keep up! It's a great hobby you got there! Thanks for your input! You have some fantastic skills. I'm surprised it's only taken 5 years to get that good. These tools should come with a free trial period. That would save a lot of unnecessary expenses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kleen™ 45 Posted February 3, 2017 Focus on your stiching(s). Otherwise; good 1'st attempt... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MDK 0 Posted February 5, 2017 Good work buddy, I have been doing it around a year now and really enjoy the hobby. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted February 7, 2017 Good evening RWGers, Here's another strap with some firsts for me. Made for the Bronze Bay...another odd sized lug. This was made from one continuous piece of leather folded over itself and darkened with oil. I then tried to give it a worn look without much success. The strap I made for my girlfriend a few weeks back is generating some buzz with her friends which has led to my first strap sale! I will be building it later this week. More to come.. We Dem Boyz Second attempt with my new edge finishing method. I think it will look better with another layer of paint...just didn't want to mix more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted February 9, 2017 Been thinking about making this one for a while....the shark nato. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kleen™ 45 Posted February 9, 2017 Shark Nato. That's novel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
donnied 0 Posted February 9, 2017 Those are some good efforts. Thanks for sharing your work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MDK 0 Posted February 14, 2017 One tip: Use a sharp blade, and I mean so sharp it cuts you by looking at it (Scalpel Sharp), measure and mark, check the leather is true, measure again: and cut once all the way through keeping pressure on the leather to stop it from deforming; for a nice true sharp edge. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites