Patchwork Leather Top with Grommets

 by canida
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Go dancing in custom leather for cheap.
 
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Step 1: Acquire scrap leather

I found mine at the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse in Berkeley in the form of an old belt (pink), an old skirt (green), and some furniture cover samples/scraps. Other good sites for scrap leather acquisition: Dollar-A-Pound in Cambridge, MA; yard sales; Goodwill; your grandmother's attic; butcher shops for the real DIYer.

Fake fur makes an especially tasteful accent; be creative.
Luziviech says: Nov 4, 2012. 5:46 PM
label it a try or just an idea:
"we" leatherworkers use profiles to shape leather. Such as clay, sand or gypsum. So i'd suggest get a basin to contain sum gypsum and a quite heavy ball. Sink the ball half-way into the gypsum, let it dry. Put sum warm water in a sink and add your leather. Leave it there for maybe 5 mins, then put the leather in the mold, put the ball on top of it and let the leather dry for a day.
This way the leather should become more round, though you might have to run several tries to get the "perfect" curve.
Luziviech says: Nov 4, 2012. 4:56 PM
...make sure, after hammering, that the grommets grip and don't move anymore, otherwise they can rip off later.
Niix says: Jun 30, 2011. 11:31 AM
its really creative.....but my dad will kill me 1st b4 he allows me wear it out of the house....
BretMattingly says: Jan 7, 2010. 3:46 PM
 This is downright attractive, and incredibly unique! Awesome!
masterochicken says: Jul 5, 2008. 7:43 PM
lucykaleidoscope says: Jun 23, 2008. 4:40 PM
so cute! thanks for sharing this.

<3 erin

Patchwork Underground - Hippie Patchwork Clothing
Donna64 says: Mar 26, 2008. 9:25 AM
hey girl kool top i will make one thanks keep up the good work
skyesidhe says: Oct 27, 2006. 3:05 AM
are you at burning man in that last picture? sorry..it is also a really cool instructable that when I actually have my sewing machine again I'll have to do..but I was also curious..
canida (author) in reply to skyesidheOct 27, 2006. 11:21 AM
You got it. Those pictures were taken at Burning Man 2005 in front of the giant LED wall at the IGS camp. Surprisingly, the leather top survived a trip through the washing machine, and is now playa-dust free.
Phill in reply to canidaJan 30, 2007. 6:51 PM
You didn't show us your face! Gosh Canida, we're all wondering whos behind the amazing dinners. =(

Haha, great instructable as usual. Now whos the guy...
KentsOkay in reply to PhillDec 29, 2007. 5:57 PM
Ewilhelm would be my guess, seeing how he has a silver shirt Instructable...
canida (author) in reply to KentsOkayDec 30, 2007. 8:00 AM
Ding! You win a cookie.
KentsOkay in reply to canidaDec 30, 2007. 8:28 AM
=D
Say, instead of mailing it, keep it, hopefully future me will turn up in a day or two!
HeresyOfTruth says: Sep 26, 2006. 10:34 AM
Very nice. I like it. I often use black shoelaces for lacings on similar projects. I hate coming undone suddenly, and the shoelaces hold really well.
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