Top 6 Leather Engraving Techniques

Leather is a unique material with a whole host of positives that other materials just can’t match. It’s durable, easy to wear, easy to form into all manner of objects, and just looks great naturally.

Contents

• 1. Brand leather engraving
• 2. Laser leather engraving
  • What types of leather can you laser engraving ?
• 3. Leather Embossing
  • Embossing Leather
• 4. Leather Carving
• 5. Leather Perforation
• 6. Leather Embroidery
• Conclude

Due to its high-end appeal, durability, and versatility leather is still commonly used on fashion and  furniture products as well as for long term functionality.

While leather own looks great, there’s different techniques skilled leathercraft workers employ to make it look even better. One way they do this is through leather engraving, a process in which designs are placed into the surface of a piece of leather. Whether you want to process synthetic leather, full grain leather,  generally speaking leather is a wonderful material laser cutting and engraving. In fact you can laser cut, emboss, perforate, mark, etch, or engrave leather.

Engraving itself has numerous variations itself, with different techniques resulting in different looks to the leather after it’s been engraved.

For a better understanding of leather engraving, what it looks like, how it can affect the leather being engraved, and which processes result in what kind of styles, here’s six most common leather engraving techniques.

With a bit of practice, you could even do them yourself for customized leather clothing all your own.

1. Brand leather engraving

Branding is probably one of the most straightforward leather engraving techniques. Branding leather engraving involves pressing a hot piece of metal against the surface of the hide to burn a pattern into it.


Branding a Handmade Leather Wallet

This, plus a large amount of force applied for leather branding, leaves the scorched area of leather a darkened color and with a slightly sunken surface where the brand touched, making it stand out from the surrounding material.

If you wish to brand leather, it’s essential to have the necessary tools before you start, the most important being the branding irons. Many online and physical stores sell different irons with preexisting designs, though others are willing to create custom brands.

You'll also need an efficient and safe way to heat and hold the brand once you’re done. Many brands are attached to a length of metal that acts as a handle, but if yours is not, you’ll need metal tongs or another heat-safe instrument to hold it with.

Branding irons can be heated through various means, from electric power to being placed directly in a fire. As with anything that involves burning a design, anyone choosing to brand leather should take precautions in case of a fire.

Note: Make sure to have a clear space to brand in and wear the proper safety equipment (gloves, goggles) whenever you brand something.

2. Laser leather engraving

For this engraving leather technique, a high-powered carbon dioxide laser is directed and focused on a piece of leather, carefully burning a design into the material using concentrated light.

Similar to branding, laser engraving scorches the surface of the leather to make a pattern.


Laser leather engraving

The main difference is how laser engraving is a more precise process than branding what with the small size available to a laser beam and the increased control an engraver has with the laser.
While specialized equipment is apparently part of this process, it is possible for those looking to get a start in laser engraving to do so without a setup that’s too complicated.

When using a laser, the engraver needs to be careful not to cause a fire. Even more so than branding, the extreme temperatures can be a significant fire hazard if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Note: Always wear proper safety equipment when using lasers, especially eye protection.
However, lasers can make many unique and beautiful patterns other engraving leather techniques just wouldn't be capable of.

What types of leather can you laser engraving ?

Since leather easily absorbs a CO2 laser wavelength it can process about any leather type or hide including:

• - Suede leather or synthetic
• - Full-grain
• - Nubuck or Top-grain
• - Genuine
• - Bonded (low-quality)
• - Split leather
• - Deerskin
• - Buckskin
• - synthetic / faux / man-made
• - Ultrasuede

Synthetic leather is also a quiet common laserable material due to the various color options available.

View the full article: https://www.bosslaser.com/leather-engraving

3. Leather Embossing

Embossing means to stamp a pattern into something using a heavy steel plate or rolling wheel.
Embossed leather can have all sorts of different patterns pressed into it, keeping much of the same texture as the original leather since the embossing process only touches the surface rather than burn material.


Leather Embossing

Embossing Leather

Embossing is an easy way to decorate leather with repeating patterns. While it lacks the same kind of precision that other engraving techniques have, it is one of the more common methods used in factories for leather furniture or similar items due to the ease with which large amounts of leather can be embossed at once.

While there is some risk of designs wearing out over time, this can largely be prevented by applying a layer of oil to the leather following the embossing process and re-oiling over the years.
So long as you have sturdy plates and enough force to press them into a piece of leather, you should have no problem embossing from home.

Read more: How To Emboss Leather

4. Leather Carving

Just like with wood, leather can be carved with many different patterns. Unlike wood, however, only a specific kind of leather will be viable for carving, that being full grain vegetable tanned leather.

This is because other types of leather don’t saturate well enough or hold the carved shapes clearly after drying.

To carve a piece of leather, the material will first need to be rubbed down with water and allowed to saturate for several minutes.

After that, it’s a simple process of transferring the image a worker wants to carve into the material with something like a stylus, then using a ceramic swivel knife to cut the lines into the material.
After that, you’ll use chisels, scrapers, stamps, and various other tools to cut out the fabric until the design has been fully formed into the leather.

These factors also make carved leather challenging to reproduce in any full capacity with machinery, meaning the majority of carved pieces will be handmade.

The key to a good result in leather carving is a sharp knife. To keep your lines accurate and cuts clean, sharpen your blade frequently during the carving process against a strop coated in jeweler’s rouge.

5. Leather Perforation

While most often used for its functional purposes, leather perforation can be done strategically to create some fantastic designs. This is a technique that involves punching small holes into a piece of leather to improve its breathability.

Beyond that, these holes can be made in specific orders and positions to form different patterns or images, especially when contrasted against unperforated leather parts.

Perforation is rarely done by small-time hobbyists or artisans, typically only being employed in the construction of furniture and the like due to the immense amount of time and precision required to do it by hand.

This makes perforation a task best carried out by machines, as no one has the kind of patience to sit and prick each hole like that.

While most leather is capable of supporting perforation, it is not often used in clothing or accessories given the subtlety of resulting designs.

6. Leather Embroidery

Just like with other fabrics, leather is ideally suited for many different embroidery projects. Requiring few if any specialized tools, this is likely the most user-friendly leather engraving technique option on the list.

Embroidery is merely using a needle to stitch a pattern or image into a piece of material. This can be done either by hand with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine, the latter often coming with a specialized embroidery program if it is sufficiently modern enough or specialized for the task.
The best type of leather to use for embroidery is the softer varieties tanned with animal tannin or chromium salt.


Luckily, this is also the most common type of leather to be used in clothing manufacturing, meaning you can quickly stitch a pattern into your favorite jacket with little worry. If you do choose to embroider on a tougher variety of leather, make sure you use needles both big and strong enough to pierce the material without bending.

Aside from the obvious issue of a broken needle, bent instruments produce uneven holes in the material that make the resulting design look warped and off-putting.
To help stabilize the leather while you work, it’s recommended you use an embroidery hoop to clamp the section of the fabric in place while you stitch.

Contrary to what many believe, this should not permanently mar the surface of the leather unless it is extremely low quality, any rings left behind is easy to rub out either by hand or with a soft brush.
There are really only two points to be cautious about when embroidering, the first and most apparent being the needles. Always be aware of where you’re stitching and avoid placing your fingers too close to the needle of a sewing machine.

Secondly, make sure you have a plan in mind for a design before you begin and stick to it as best you can, as any holes made in leather will be permanent.
As such, it’s best to practice on something cheap to give yourself some experience before you dive right into working on your favorite clothes.

Conclude

Whether you’re just looking for information or want to take a engraving leather work yourself, these are some of the fundamental leather engraving techniques you should know about.
Each has unique advantages, disadvantages, and hazards you’ll need to be aware of when trying them out, but all can produce amazing designs for all sorts of different leather-based clothes, furniture, accessories, and more.

Have fun, take your time, and practice away with whichever technique has caught your eye.

View the full article: https://ciceroleather.com/leather-engraving-techniques/

How to emboss leather

How to emboss leather requires stamps or special embossing tools sturdy enough to leave an impression in the leather. Wet vegetable-tanned leather is required for embossing. Leather working uses special tools to impress designs onto a leather surface. You can create a relief design by either stamping into unfinished leather

An embossed design on a leather craft like the name of the person receiving, or perhaps flowers or geometrical designs, gives it a permanent personal touch.

Contents

• Things You’ll Need
• How to emboss leather
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
• Tips & Warnings
• References

Things You’ll Need

• Damp sponge
• Solid work surface
• Leather-embossing stamps
• Wood mallet

How to emboss leather

It’s easiest to emboss unfinished leather, but it’s also possible to emboss finished, or stained, leather with some practice. To emboss leather you’ll need a few tools. Start with a sturdy work surface, two to four C-clamps, metal embossing stamps with the shape, pattern, or letters you wish to emboss, a cylinder to hold the stamps, a wooden mallet, and, of course, a piece of unfinished or finished leather.

Step 1

Place your piece of unfinished leather on a flat worktable

Place your piece of unfinished leather on a flat worktable. Make sure the front of the leather is facing up.

Step 2

Begin the embossing process by using a damp sponge to moisten the leather, which will soften it, making it easier to manipulate. Wipe over the entire surface of the area where you’ll be working, but be careful not to soak it, as the more water the leather absorbs, the longer it takes to dry.

Begin the embossing process by using a damp sponge to moisten the leather


Wipe your leather surface with a slightly damp sponge. If the water changes the color of the leather, wait for it to dry a little. Wet the top of the leather with the sponge until it is thoroughly wet; the leather appears darker when wet. Wet the back side as well if the leather is thick. Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes or until the leather lightens slightly.

Step 3

Affix the leather to a sturdy surface. Use clamps to fasten it down so it does not move during the embossing process. The front side should be facing up. It must be near the edge of a table on which you can hook a strong C-clamp.

affix your first stamp to the cylinder tool

Next, affix your first stamp to the cylinder tool, and arrange it stamp side down on the surface of the leather, Hold it firmly with one hand. With a sturdy grip, use the mallet to pound the other end of the cylinder, pressing the stamp into the leather.

use the mallet to pound the other end of the cylinder

Practice makes perfect in this process, to fine tune how much pressure and how many times you need to hit the cylinder to get the desired embossing depth from the stamp.

Repeat these steps with other stamps if you want to make a more intricate design. Use a leather-finishing product when you have completed you embossing.
Step 4

Pour a small amount of leather finish onto a damp cloth, then rub it over your work in circular motions. Ensure the finish gets into all the details of the leather designs to completely protect the leather.

Related Article: How To Engrave Leather

Tips & Warnings

• Leather at least 2 millimeters thick reveals better results than thinner leathers; the farther the stamp or tool can be pressed into the leather, the deeper the impression.
• If working with thin leather, place several sheets of felt beneath it to help create a clear embossed impression.
• Practice your techniques on scrap leather of the same type and thickness as your project pieces; this allows you to get a feel for the ideal amount of pressure required to create a clean impression with each stamp or die.
• If creating a design that requires lining the stamps up one after another, such as spelling out a name, apply a piece of painter’s tape to the leather to act as a bottom-edge guide for each stamp.

Link: https://ciceroleather.com/how-to-emboss-leather/

7 Must-have elements for a perfect handbag

If you are a fashion-loving lady, you should have a nice bag which can help to make you even more impressive. However, when it comes to choosing one to bring along to work, the criteria you set for a nice handbag may be changed slightly. But it is better to pay attention to these accessories when going to work. Since a beautiful bag will bring your boring office become more vivid and unique. So, what criteria you should have before making a decision on your wanted handbag?

Contents

• 1. Large space inside
• 2. Enough compartments and pockets
• 3. Easy to customize
• 4. In line with clothes and accessories
• 5. Appropriate size for different purposes
• 6. Comfortable
• 7. Safe for electronic devices

1. Large space inside

A handbag that is perfect for workplace must have spacious room. It is not as huge as gym bags, but you need to be alllowed enough space for storing such things as make-up, books, noteboooks, magazines and thousands of other nameless items. That’s why you should have a handbag for all of these things.

2. Enough compartments and pockets

A bag that has only one large compartment may drive you crazy every time you want to look for something. All sorts of things are piled up and it seems like you are digging to hunt for antiques somewhere in it. An ideal bag requires a lot of small compartments and petite bags sewn around. It will help you arrange your items in a more scientific way and make it easier when you want to find something.

3. Easy to customize

You will definitely love some kinds of bags whose details you can easily adjust such as its tune or straps, even its design with just a few simple folds… These bags are usually pretty simple but ultra-stylish, easy mix-and-match and very suitable for fashion work as it has a versatile and multi-purpose style.

4. In line with clothes and accessories

Before buying a handbag, take time to ask yourself a question: Does your style really match this bag? Can it be combined with outfits in your closet? If the answer is no, put them down. You go to work 6 days a week and you need a bag with every outfit you have in the closet. That should be the one with neutral colors, simple design and fine leather. Classic and simple is always the key for you to master your style.

5. Appropriate size for different purposes

As mentioned above, you will probably need a big bag that can hold the sweet world of women inside. But do you ever think of a bigger bag that is similar to a travel bag? These bags are likely to help you easily prepare clothes and items for a short trip but still extremely stylish and handy.

6. Comfortable

You will never perfectly pretty if you are not comfortable. Therefore, make sure that your bag gives you a sense of comfort. Are its part poking at your body making you annoyed? Do shoulder straps are so thin that it would make you tired when carrying heavy inside? Have the courage to put them down even if you like them. Yes, sooner or later, you will be fed up with the inconveniences they brings to you.

7. Safe for electronic devices

Many modern ladies hold their laptops, tablets and phones in their bag. Therefore, you should ensure to check the bag thoroughly to avoid some cases in which your handbag are shocked or crashed due to carrying too heavy.

Link: https://ciceroleather.com/7-must-have-elements-for-a-perfect-handbag/

Handbags – accessories that men can’t miss out

With relentless creativity and ingenuity of the designers, handbags have driven many male fashionistas crazy. And, the interesting thing is, if you take a look at a girl’s bag, you may probably know her personality, then the way men choose their handbags is such an equally important task. It embodies the style, personality and especially the stylish fashion when combined with such items as bags.

The world of men handbags has a variety of styles, colors and materials as for women. If you do not believe, move on and have a look at the catwalk to see how designers leverage those stylish bags.

Contents

• Folio
• Briefcase
• Tote
• Holdall
• Backpack

Folio

The trend for male handbags this year focuses mainly on folio bags especially document style. Many big fashion houses like Valentino, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Dior Homme said that these bags are suitable for many different occasions and will help men look masculine yet elegant than ever. At first glance, this type of bag looks rather like a large clutch. It is naturally appropriate to serve those guys who have a fast pace of life, love moving and just bringing along some basic items such as keys, ID cards, smartphones … In addition, a small laptop or a thin tablet, or at best a pen and some papers can also be stored in this slim and compact design.

Briefcase

This is perhaps the most classic form of bags for men. It was rather simple and traditional with its boxy design. However, the use of this bag in this technology era has changed a lot. Though it is still a document briefcase, it has some extra light compartments padded to protect owner’s laptop, tablets or smartphone. The design of this product line is not only sleek and elegant for men but it also ensures convenience and fashionable. Because this pattern is very hard to change and always remains fashionable, whether you are a fan of classic style or not, this sample is really worth it for you to “invest”.

Tote

The boundary between male and female fashion is being slowly erased. Whereas tote bags are often seen as “haunting” items in the summer of dynamic ladies, men also should not ignore this trend. With its rectangular design and only one single compartment with a short handle, this particular form of bag comes in handy for traveling. To avoid being “feminized”, you should select the tote bag that has a simple structure with thick material and rigid details.

Holdall

Similar in shape as travel bags, holdall bags are an ideal companion for sporty or travel-craving guys. This handbag style is widely dominant due to its ability to contain a world of numerous small items that men have always needed. A great holdall handbag will be designed to have a rectangular or barrel shape with gentle handle and a removable shoulder strap releasing burden for users. However, it would be more appropriate for the physically healthy gentlemen.

Backpack

Within 2 years recently, backpacks have made a wonderful comeback in the realm of both men and women fashion. You should not think of backpack for men as something bulky and ugly as now backpacks generally get more fashionable and compact, which is suitable for walking around or going to work. The most amazing thing is designers are always interested in backpacks to bring out stylish designs for every season to come.

Source Reference

• https://ciceroleather.com/handbags-accessories-that-men-cant-miss-out/

The Top 10 Best Leather Bracelets for Men in 2019 [Handmade]

In the world of fashion, there are plenty of ways to accessorize an outfit. The key is knowing how to do this effectively, though. Bigger isn’t always better, just like slapping a bunch of shiny trinkets onto your person doesn’t necessarily result in a better look.

A subtle yet handsome way for men to accessorize is the bracelet, a common fashion piece that can be dressed up in more ways than you could count. Just slapping on some cheap plastic job won’t do, though, as your aim is to look good, not like a sixth grader.

For that, you want something rugged. Something strong. Something like leather. You’re in luck there, as there are numerous leather bracelets for men out there in the world.

But how are you going to find the one that’s right for your look? More importantly, how can you be sure you’re not buying some cheap piece of garbage masquerading as high fashion? That’s what we’re going to talk about today as we count down ten of the best leather bracelets for men you can buy online right now. Each one has a great appeal for a different style, so there’s sure to be at least one you might like in here. Let’s get this started at #1.

Contents

• 1. Maritime Supply Co. Captain’s Link Bracelet
• 2. George Frost Harpoon Bracelet
• 3. Emporio Armani Woven Leather Bracelet
• 4. Tanner Goods Single Wrap Wristband
• 5. Miansai Trice Bracelet
• 6. Caputo & Co. Hand-Knotted Triple Wrap Bracelet
• 7. Miansai Anchor Half-Cuff Bracelet
• 8. The Steel Shop Black on Black Braided Italian Leather Bracelet
• 9. Edmond and Co. Multilayer Leather Wrap Bracelet
• 10. Freddie Matara Leather Cuff Bracelet
• In Conclusion

1. Maritime Supply Co. Captain’s Link Bracelet

If you’re a sailor or even just someone with a fondness for water, Maritime Supply Co.’s Captain’s Link bracelet might just be what you’ve been looking for all this time. Made with care using only real components, it’s certainly a conversation piece without overpowering the rest of your outfit.

One thing that sets the Captain’s Link apart from other bracelets is its natural dark teal coloration, giving it a distinct look compared to other leather items. This is combined with the real copper accents and the attractive Duncan loop it’s formed into to give it a very nautical vibe even while on land.

Available in your choice of small, medium, and large depending on how thick your wrists run, it’s perfect for anyone who wants a colorful yet rugged bracelet for working on a ship or walking around town.

2. George Frost Harpoon Bracelet

Subtle, attractive, and full of historical influence, the George Frost Harpoon bracelet is a great addition to any outfit. The combination of high-quality materials and great styling on display with this bracelet are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of fashion-forward people.

Each of these bracelets is handmade, already giving it a more personalized feel and a stamp of quality knowing each is inspected by a real person before going out, not just flung into a bag by a machine on an assembly line. Plush gray suede is wrapped over top green leather, making for both a strong and stylish accessory fastened together by white bronze clasps.

The clasp on this bracelet is one of its best features, too. It’s not small or dinky in a way that could easily break, designed similar to what you’d expect to find on a carabiner. This only helps to improve the overall wear-ability of this piece in addition to making it all the more rugged in appearance.

3. Emporio Armani Woven Leather Bracelet

As you’d expect from something bearing that Emporio Armani logo etched into it, this woven leather bracelet is the top of the top tier with regards to accessories. Easy to wear, comfortable, and beautiful in its simplicity, you really can’t go wrong when it comes to this piece.

Two braids of attractive black leather make up the body of this bracelet, looping around on one end to hold things together when the steel snap button fastens through it. This ensures a strong hold against your wrist without leaving any unsightly red marks on your skin after, also making it preferable to more tighter fitting bracelets when it comes to wearing things longterm.

Thanks to its sturdy leather and steel construction, you can safely wear this bracelet just about anywhere without worrying about its condition. This plus its slim shape help reduce the possibility of damage, too.

4. Tanner Goods Single Wrap Wristband

While accessorizing might seem to defeat the purpose of the minimalist aesthetic, that’s not the case when your accessory is the most minimal of minimalist goods. This is exactly what Tanner Goods’ single wrap wristband is like, doing away with anything too flashy for a simple, tough look that goes with just about anything you could wear.

The single wrap wristband fits securely around most average sized wrists, closed with an attractive silver metal button for simplicity and security. A single strip of orange leather is all there is to this piece, though you can add a monogram on the inside if you like. Either way, it gives a nice pop of color to your outfit without being garish or overly busy.

Despite its simple appearance, this band is built to last. Tanner Goods is most known for their belts, wallets, and other such goods, so you can be sure they haven’t skimped when it comes to durability. Made from the same leather they use on their belts, their wristbands are actually cut from the thick centers of animal hide, potentially making them stronger than even their belts if all other aspects were equal between the two.

5. Miansai Trice Bracelet

“Elegant” would be the operative descriptor for Miansai’s Trice bracelet. Possessing a class and refinement not often seen with men’s bracelets, this accessory is a bold and interesting choice that goes well with just about any outfit you could put together thanks to just how strong its appear is all on its own.

The Trice bracelet is made up of four strands of braided leather, the topmost two doubling over themselves to loop and provide a place for the genuine sterling silver hook to connect through. This gives it a sturdy, secure hold and an intriguing look all in one.

Beyond that, though, there is the sizable number of colors you’re able to choose from when ordering this bracelet. Blues, browns, blacks, and more are all available for a total of six distinct and vibrant options, plus sizes ranging from small to extra large. You can even get the piece monogrammed if you like.

6. Caputo & Co. Hand-Knotted Triple Wrap Bracelet

Caputo & Co. have a wide selection of fantastic leather bracelets in their product catalog. This particular hand-knotted triple wrap bracelet is one of their standouts, though, with the tough-looking design and blend of materials giving it a great appeal to anyone who likes things a little rough.

With the main two wraps of this bracelet made from genuine Vachetta leather, you just know this piece feels like a dream to wear despite its more rugged appearance. The third wrap is made from sturdy waxed nylon cord for a bit of variety, fastened closed with a metal lock attaching to the other end to put it a step above most in the realm of security.

There are also five different colors to choose from, giving you additional options for finding just the right bracelet to match with your style. This, as well as the fact that it stretches just barely under 26 inches when fully unrolled, means you should have no trouble finding exactly what you want when it comes to this particular bracelet.

7. Miansai Anchor Half-Cuff Bracelet

Miansai’s designs are always memorable for one reason or another, their anchor half-cuff bracelet keeping with that reputation thanks to its unique look and functionality with regards to closing itself on your wrist. For fans of the high seas or just anyone with a good sense of taste, it’s definitely worth checking out.

This bracelet is made of a continuous piece of thin black leather, able to wrap around the wearer’s wrist around three or four times on average for a comfortable fit. Its singular color and slim profile gives it a professional look and doesn’t overpower the rest of your ensemble. This doesn’t mean it’s without charm, though, as the unique anchor-shaped hook looped through the opposite end makes a definite statement when paired with pretty much anything.

Thanks to this bracelet’s nature as a singular strip of leather, it’s exceptionally easy to wear. Able to be adjusted for even the thickest or thinnest of wrists without issue, it’s perfect for people who often can’t wear accessories like this. The materials used are also impressive in their own right, being real Italian leather and brass.

8. The Steel Shop Black on Black Braided Italian Leather Bracelet

The Steel Shop goes above and beyond to transform what might normally be a fairly mundane and unimpressive bracelet into something else entirely. Their Black on Black braided Italian leather bracelet is sleek, attractive, and sturdy while delivering a level of quality in both materials and build that more than justifies the price tag.

Made from genuine Italian leather woven over itself, this bracelet both feels good on your wrist and has the durability to stick around for years to come. This is only helped by the matte black stainless steel clasp attached to the material, making fastening and unfastening a breeze with virtually no risk of things coming undone by accident.

There’s also the customization to talk about in the form of engravings. While no engraving is always an option, The Steel Shop also provides options for lettering on either the inside or outside of the clasp. There’s also a variation of this bracelet available with a rose gold clasp for a bit of contrast if you’d prefer.

9. Edmond and Co. Multilayer Leather Wrap Bracelet

Multilayer bracelets always have a certain appeal to them, plus you’ve got the bonus of only needing to buy a single piece instead of several. Edmund and Co. supply a hearty entry among the many wrap bracelets out there in the world, giving you something stylish and cool all without breaking the bank.

Typically appearing in four to five thin layers, these bracelets are comfortable to wear and can unravel to fit just about any wrist size no matter how large or small. Available in your choice of black and brown, it’s great for adding that extra bit of flair to your outfit in either of these very adaptable colors.

The hooking apparatus is the real star of the show, though, being a polished silver-plated metal that fastens securely into the loop on the opposite end of the bracelet. While managing to stay loose on around your wrist, you won’t have to worry about things coming undone even if you’re in the midst of heavy movement or activity.

10. Freddie Matara Leather Cuff Bracelet

Freddie Matara is an independent leatherworker from New York with an extensive catalog of hand-stitched leather goods of all stripes. He’s no stranger to bracelets, one of his best designs being the simple leather cuff bracelet.

Thick and rugged, this bracelet is more like a belt for your arm than anything else. This is only further cemented by the fact that it fastens using an actual belt’s buckle complete with loops and a metal fastener.

Given that all of Freddie’s pieces are made to order, there’s virtually no possibility that this bracelet won’t fit you like a glove given that it’s been designed specifically for your wrist measurement. In addition to variations in color and style for this same cuff, he also takes custom orders, meaning this or any of his other items can be made entirely to your specifications for the best look and fit possible.

In Conclusion

A leather bracelet is a great accessory to really pull an outfit together, not overpowering the rest of your look while adding a bit of variety or color. If you’re in need of a new piece for your look, try any one of the ten best leather bracelets for men we’ve previewed on this list. With this much variety and so many positives about each one, there’s no excuse not to at least take a glance at each one.

Extract source: https://ciceroleather.com/best-leather-bracelets-for-men/

How to stretch leather?

“How do you stretch leather? There are many ways you can stretch leather, from using a hairdryer to heat up the leather…..”

How leather clothing actually becomes more comfortable and better. Leather is a material that will naturally stretch over time. This is due in part to leather’s natural pliability and stretchiness, giving it the ability to conform to the person who normally wears it.

So can you stretch leather? There are many ways you can stretch leather, from using a hairdryer to heat up the leather to applying alcohol to areas you’d like to stretch out. You can even use a stretching spray to achieve the perfect stretch. By choosing a tactic that works with your leather item, you’ll be stretching out your leather in no time.

Read article: How To Emboss Leather

Contents

• Method 1: Stretching Leather Naturally
• Method 2: Using Professional Products
• Method 3: Using Water To Stretch Leather
• Method 4: Using Heat To Stretch Leather
• Method 5: Using Dryer
• Method 6: Using Weight
• Method 7: Alcohol
• Method 8: Using Ice
• Conclude

Method 1: Stretching Leather Naturally

Leather stretches out naturally when it’s being used, so by simply wearing your leather pants, jacket, it will begin to stretch. Shoes can also be stretched out by walking.

This isn’t a quick method for stretching leather. Wear your leather for 2 or more hours a day.The more you wear your leather, the faster it will stretch.

If you have a wallet, bag, or other accessory…try stuffing it. Use a material such as paper or cloth, making sure the material won’t damage the leather by being too rough. Fill your leather accessory with the material so that it’s as full as you would like it will stretch

Method 2: Using Professional Products

There’s a ton of commercial products available to help you stretch leather. Stores often sell specialized leather stretching sprays that are a mix of chemicals that help to soften your leather. Buy a leather stretching spray that you can spray directly onto the leather to stretch it. That important to wear the leather item after you’ve sprayed it to ensure it stretches properly

For things like shoes, there are spreader inserts that can be placed inside and expanded to stretch your shoes in different areas.

Method 3: Using Water To Stretch Leather

Fill the tub with warm water. If you are stretching a pair of shoes or boots, they may fit in the sink.

Submerge the leather item completely. The item should be totally underwater.

Work the leather until it is fully soaked. You can do this by kneading and twisting it with your hands.

Leave the item in the water for 10 minutes. Soaking will make the leather more pliable.

Wear the leather while it’s wet to stretch it out. The leather will stretch to fit your body perfectly. While you may spend an uncomfortable hour or two, think of how nice it will be to have the perfect fitting pair of pants or shoes.

Method 4: Using Heat To Stretch Leather

Just like with your own skin, heat opens the pores of the hide that was used to make your favorite jacket.

You can use this when trying to stretch your leather clothing so long as you’re careful about not burning your leather.

Using a hairdryer, heating up specific areas of your clothing. Try to heat the area evenly for best results.

Read moer: How to dry leather wallet ?

Once the area has become soft and hot, turn off the hair dryer and wear your leather around to help permanently stretch leather.

Method 5: Using Dryer

This works best with things like jackets in pants, as tossing a pair of shoes in your dryer can often lead to some problems.

Regardless, this is one of the least laborious methods for stretching out your leather.

All you need to do is toss your leather into the dryer on the lowest heat setting and let it spin for a cycle.

The heat will help to soften the leather as detailed above while the spinning and banging against the sides of the washing machine deliver physical agitation that stretches the leather out.

For even better results, use a few plastic dryer balls while you’re at it. These can give your leather a real beating that can make it even more supple and stretchy when it comes out.

The only thing to keep in mind is that this probably isn’t a safe method to try with your more delicate pieces. While it’s unlikely to cause any harm, it’s better safe.

Method 6: Using Weight

Stretching things with weights is a bit caveman for some people, but it’s undoubtedly effective.

It’s also incredibly easy, needing only a bar suspended in the air and something a bit heavy to attach to the end of your garments.

Hang your leather over the bar (a shower rod works perfectly) and tie or otherwise attach a small amount of weight to the hanging end.

You can try things like bags of rocks, bottles filled with water, small paint cans, or whatever else you might have lying around.

Just make sure it’s weighted appropriately for your leather’s toughness.

Let things hang out like that for an hour or two while checking every ten minutes or so. You’ll likely see a visible difference of a few millimeters or more once you’re done, with leather that’s stretched out and ready to be worn after you take it off the bar.

This works best on things like belts or something with straps, though it is possible to rig up a way to use this with something like a jacket.

Either way, always be careful not to overstretch and remain vigilant while you stretch so nothing gets broken.

Method 7: Alcohol

No, this doesn’t mean getting drunk and letting whatever happens to happen.

There’s a much more effective way to stretch your leather than just hoping for the best like that.

Simply combine one part rubbing alcohol with three parts water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spritz it over parts of the leather you wish to stretch (joint areas, for example).

The leather doesn’t have to be soaked, only moistened.

When sufficiently dampened, put on your leather garment of choice and wear it around.

For best results, try to flex the areas you’re wanting to stretch as you wear them to help speed up the process.

This method works by helping to soften the fibers that make up your leather, allowing them to flex more as they become less rigid.

It’s also far less risky than completely submerging your leather garments completely in water, a process that serves to saturate the fibers for a similar effect but could potentially end up ruining your leather in the process.

As an alternative, you can also do this process with a rag or cotton ball dipped in the alcohol solution and swabbed across the areas of the leather you wish to stretch if you lack a spray bottle.

Method 8: Using Ice

When water freezes it contracts, but ice thawing out expands. You can probably see where this is going, so the only real question remaining is how you’re meant to freeze your leather without completely ruining it.

Place your leather item inside a secure zip-top plastic bag and seal it shut (for extra security, you can clip the end shut or even vacuum seal it).

Place that bag inside a larger freezer bag, then fill the second bag with water before zipping it up.

Placing the item flat, leave it in the freezer for several hours to freeze it completely.

Once that’s done, simply let it thaw out. The natural contraction and expansion that comes with freezing and thawing do the work of squishing and pulling your leather clothing better than your hands ever could. You can even repeat the process several times if you like.

This method works best on smaller things like shoes or bags, but creative freezer arrangement and big enough bags make anything possible.

Additionally, it does come with the risk of the first bag springing a leak and flooding your leather, so be sure everything is safe and secure before attempting this.

Conclude

Leather has a multitude of features that make it great. Being as durable and naturally flexible as it is, it can stretch without issue for a more comfortable fit.

If you’d like to accelerate the stretching process for a more bespoke fit to your favorite garments, try one of these eight methods.

Link: https://ciceroleather.com/how-to-stretch-leather/

How to fix water damaged leather?

How to repair water damaged leather? The best way to soften leather stiffened from water damage is to massage it, they get soft again.

Leather is a versatile and durable material, widely used for accessories, wallets, jackets, clothing, and furniture, among other things. However, just like any other material, leather is also prone to wear and tear. It may fade in color or dry out and crack over time. This is due to lack of proper care and environmental influences such as dust, sunlight oils and water. Are these signs of wear and tear showing up on your leather?

How to fix water damaged leather?

Water damage due to is not, typically, a major cause for concern with leather.  A little water won’t hurt leather at all, and most leather products have a protective layer that gives you enough time to clean up water spills before leather soaks it up.  When spills and small amounts of water do damage leather, it usually just makes the leather stiff. (Think about leather work gloves that always get stiff after a day of gardening.)

However, flooded leather is another issue. If the leather is soaked in water, the best way to keep it dry is to wipe the water using a dry cloth. Avoid using heat to dry the wet surface as it will only cause further damage. Time is the best remedy, followed by Leather Honey. Water damage can leave leather dry and brittle, so you’ll want to restore lost moisture by conditioning.

Restoring a water-damaged leather item can be a tough job but manageable

How to fix water damaged leather? 

The best way to soften leather stiffened from water damage is to massage it. Think back to those work gloves.  When you put them on in the morning, they’re all stiff from the last day’s work, but once you move around in them for a little while, they get soft again.

While the leather is still damp, apply leather conditioner. The pores are still open and allow for the solution to penetrate into the leather. Use a conditioner with a neutral pH balance rather than harsh alkaline pH as it will be harder for it to absorb into the leather. Apply the conditioner evenly to prevent spotting.

Dry leather. Let the conditioner set into the leather for about 30 minutes. Then towel off any excess conditioner that has surfaced or pooled to the top. Let the leather dry for a several hours

Link: https://ciceroleather.com/how-to-fix-water-damaged-leather/