I had something to finish first and then I told her I would get started on the belt.
She had forgotten to bring the old belt when she came, so when I took her left hand holster, and her mother took her Quilt down, she gave me the belt to work from then. She wrapped it around her waist, and quipped, "You might want to add, three or four inches... I bought it about ten years ago."
It will still work fine, I can use the measurement from the buckle end to find center as it still marks center. LOL.
Got home and started working on the new belt. To start, the belt she gave me was 1-1/2" not a one inch belt. The pattern she picked was for a 1-3/4" belt not a one inch and didn't work for 1-1/2" either. So I was free to do what "I" wanted. I had a new basketweave tool I wanted to use so I used that, after a few practice pieces on scrap, and got to work. I didn't do a build along, just two pics this time... a front shot and a rear view.
The front shot shows the custom belt loop, part of the basket weave, and the buckle. The buckle belonged to my Step Dad and was his favorite to wear with casual slacks. Mainly because it was a gift from my mother. It has lived in my top dresser drawer since his passing in 1981 with a few other keepsakes. It's pewter with a real turquoise center accent. I'm sure she will love it and it will finally see the light of day again.
- done front view.jpg (632.93 KiB) Viewed 4337 times
The back view shows her Name centered, between the tooling on either side, plus the Buffalo Nickel conchos used to lock down the ends of the name plate. I think the antiquing really highlights the tooling and I am pleased with the belt.
- done back view.jpg (661.1 KiB) Viewed 4337 times
The results weren't perfect, but I think I have come a long way. I think I am ready to order some Hermann Oak leather. High quality, and higher cost but I'm told the results are well worth the expense. I will look forward to trying the top quality leather and see if the tooling and edge work is that much better. If it is, I'll keep it in mind. NOT? I'll go back to Tandy Sides which would be about 2/3 the cost.
