Braiding from the skin - a new life of old things

Sooner or later, any leather things come to such a state that they can not be used further. And, it would seem, there is nothing else left to do but throw out such an object. But they can give a second life, having mastered the simple technique of needlework - weaving from the skin.

Spit, chess "boards" and something else

Skin is a soft and pliable material. It is ideal for creating not only jewelry, but also decoration items. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, lampshades, chairs, bags - all this can be done by "using" braiding from the skin.

There are many techniques that allow you to create new original items from obsolete items. Among them, the most popular are such handmade leather articles, like bracelets with support, shaving, braids and braided rings. The key to success is the competent selection of materials.

Choice of the basis and tools

For this type of needlework, it is best to choose only genuine leather. And, its type depends on what the final product will be. So, if in the weaving technique it is planned to make a belt or a bracelet, then the choice should fall on the skin of the calf. But the softer pig skin is perfect for making covers, making necklaces and earrings or decorating bags. For these purposes goat skin also approaches.

All three types of skin can be easily distinguished from each other. The first has an even surface, the second is characterized by the presence of a soft structure and sparse pore traces, while the third has a fine-porous texture.

After the material was selected, it is necessary to purchase tools. Braiding from the skin , like any kind of needlework, obliges to have a mandatory set of "auxiliary tools":

1. A construction knife with the least backlash of the blade;
2. A knife for skin resurfacing;
3. Tailor's scissors;
4. Punch for art holes and holes for rivets;
5. Chisels semicircular and straight for edge processing and slot formation;
6. Hammer simple and shoe;
7. Metal rulers of different lengths;
8. Compass measuring instrument;
9. Adhesive PVA and for the skin.

This list of materials is minimal and sufficient to begin work in this technique. As the skills improve, the list of "tools" is replenished.

Attempt at writing

In order to understand what this type of needlework is, it is enough to make the first bracelet in the style of "Children of Flowers" (hippies).

First, you should choose a piece of calf skin that does not exceed 25 centimeters in length. Further, three cord lengths of 3 millimeters are cut from it. At a level of three centimeters from the edge, the cords are fastened with a clamp, after which they are very tightly braided with a simple braid until the free ends reach a length equal to three centimeters.

Parts of the cord that do not become oblique are treated with glue for the skin in such a way that they become a single stripe. As soon as the product dries, its ends are cut to a length of one centimeter (using a chisel), and then decorated with metal tips. The bracelet is ready.

Braiding from the skin is a fascinating process, allowing to create original decor and costume jewelry. Try it! The result will not disappoint! A product made of genuine leather, made by themselves, will become a source of positive emotions!