I love making festival belts to order, and this one is no exception. A dear friend wanted just the perfect gift for his girl, with steampunk styling and some Alice in Wonderland theme. Her nickname is So-vah, Polish for "Owl".
And so it dawned on me to design this Cheshire Owl with metal cog eyes.
It begins with a drawing.
I cut the flap from vegtan cowhide with a round knife.
I got this spiffy new Edge Groover tool for Christmas!
The image is transferred with vellum and a Scratch Awl before carving with a Swivel Knife.
Beveling Stamp and Modeling Spoon bring out the third dimension after carving.
The Stamping complete
Details in the feathers and woodgrain are drawn in with the Swivel Knife.
I laid in color using EcoFlo acrylic waterstains, and masked the smile and underbelly with SuperSheen.
*Here's how it looks after Gel Antique black was applied and buffed out. *
I made it into a pouch, and also created a personalized belt.
*Front, with copper buckle and keeper imported from Switzerland. *
Back, displaying her nickname, So-Vah.
The belt is made with a natural vegtan cowhide inner. I applied sections of fancy mulberry-colored leather and tooled/dyed cowhide for the outer. It is all bonded, and then handstitched with waxed thread using the double needle method.
Scraps of leather and bits of metal
Alphabet sets
This Pro-tool diamond stamp is another delightful Christmas gift!
Sides complete. Back awaits its dye job and lamination to the inner backing.
Back section glued and clamped.
The final stitches
My favorite part of the process is getting feedback like this: "She loves it! Thank you for making the perfect gift."
Creation. Care. Making things that make people feel good. I live for this!
Love,Cat
@creationofcare
Here is a previous festival belt post!
https://steemit.com/art/@creationofcare/a-festival-belt-for-lady-frog
I just want to say, that getting curated and such a high payzone is rocking my world. I appreciate everyone who is making this happen beyond words. I legit need to earn income, and steemit community is giving me hope and prosperity when I lacked both!
Huge THANK YOU!!!!
You deserve it, Your work is unique and inspired
<3
.this is so cute!!
.i love that you put the clients name on it
.i bet they loved it!!❤️
Thank you!
This is incredible work! How many hours of work goes into something like this?
Thanks! This set took about 40 hours all told :)
Incredible work. You should be proud of yourself!
Thank you very much!
I would appreciate your vote in my participation in openmic week 66, thank you very much!
https://steemit.com/life/@sanjeev.lamani/dressing-for-modern-man
I will check it out
Such beautiful work, so much time and love goes into a piece like this making it very special. I have a nice collection of vintage 1970's tooled bags. Keep creating Magic !!
I really appreciate your kind words :)
I still have tools from when we did this for a hobby in the 1970s, those vintage bags are beautiful I bet!
You do beautiful work! I have an Auntie and Uncle that were avid leather workers. The details are amazing. I will definitely be looking at more of your posts. Back in the late 50's there was an reenactment of the pony express run from St. Joseph Mo. to Salt lake City. My Auntie made the saddle bags that carried the mail. It is on display at a museum in Mo. She rode in the relay at 7 months pregnant. Your level of craftsman ship is very skilled! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Wow, how amazing to have an Auntie like that! And your compliment is even more powerful since you have witnessed museum quality work, I am humbled. Thanks!
keep up the wonderful work!
Looks lovely. How long does it take to complete it?
This one took about 40 hours, I estimate. I did one all-nighter right before delivery. :) thanks for stopping by! I often post my leather art, feel free to have a look :)
I will check it out, thank you @creationofcare
Thank you!
Love your work, very unique and inspiring <3
@originalworks