Leather Bracelets From Recycled Belts

by fungus amungus

219K73992

Intro: Leather Bracelets From Recycled Belts

There are plenty of old leather belts that have been discarded because of changing tastes, or a part broke, or maybe the original owner just got too fat. This technique is a way to make bracelets from these belts. Cut them carefully and you should be able to get three from each belt.

I'm using a laser cutter here, but the original technique was taught to me by my friend Becca who used leather tools to create cool effects as well. The method of decoration is your own, but making the bracelet itself is very easy as you'll see.

STEP 1: Decorate the Belt

I used a laser cutter to etch this Japanese design into the surface of the belt. You can also use a leather stamping technique.

STEP 2: Measure and Cut

Wrap the belt around your wrist and let it overlap by 1.5 inches. Cut with your favorite cutting tool.

STEP 3: Mark Locations for Holes

Wrap the leather around your wrist so that it is fairly snug, but still comfortable to move with. Now loosen the belt by an 1/8 of an inch or so to give yourself some room for the snaps.

STEP 4: Drill or Punch Holes in Ends

With the overlap of the bracelet where you want it, drill or punch out holes that are in the middle of the overlap.

STEP 5: Attach the Snaps

With a hammer, bang in some heavy duty snaps so that the bracelet can snap around your wrist.

STEP 6: Wear It!

Sweet, you're done! Now snap the bracelet around your wrist or give it to someone else.

91 Comments

stylesmagz 7 years ago

I love leather products like leather jackets but made with genuine leather as offered by "LeatherJacketsUSA".

JacksonB14 8 years ago

Thanks man i think im gonna fo this 4 a project! Thanks alot 4 the help

captaincoolness55 15 years ago

cool man! :D where do you get the snaps from? i've looked at walmart, but couldn't find any.

whitejaxon 11 years ago

it depends on where you are but around me there are some tandy's which are specifcly for leather

bgulmon 12 years ago

go to a hobby center or arts and craft store. Not sure what part of the world you are in, so my examples might be a bit off, but in my area we have Micheal's or Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores. Or, buy them online

coniosis11 11 years ago

...I Like that instructable.. !!!! . . ahahaha.... very cool....and amazing.... it's very simple but I dont know why I don't that instructable before,.. ! :))

TinyPenguin 11 years ago

"or maybe the original owner just got too fat......" lol

St Jimmy 13 years ago

You could have a stud on the inside end, facing outward, that goes through the hole on the outside like a button

St Jimmy 13 years ago

Or poke some extra holes, preserve the buckle, and use that to close it

shadow wave rider 12 years ago

hey st jinny. just wondering but did you get your nem from the greenday songs. i love greenday. they are an awesome band.

St Jimmy 12 years ago

Yep! They are pretty awesome

ilpug 12 years ago

I'm going to make these, but not with belts, as i have a huge peice of black leather from an old biker jacket.

TBJ5 13 years ago

2 snaps work better for me. But mine's about 3 inches wide, so it has to have two, so it doesn't rotate around the one snap. You can probably get away with one here if it's tight enough.

fungus amungus 13 years ago

True, two snaps are better. That way you avoid pivoting. Personally, I don't mind he pivot and allowed it to move with my wrist.
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