DIY: Bows and Dots

I have been in a bow wearing mood recently, but then again I always love a great bow or bow tie. I wore one today actually! Therefore, this was the perfect time to provide you with a quick DIY.

With having a few more leftover pieces of leather, (and before I delved into new yardages acquired) here's a bow belt that I made a week or so ago. Having my waste not want not mentality, I decided to do something with those extra strips, and also wanted to use the sequins beads that I bought. Mission: To finish off most/all of the recycled leather pieces to make them into an accessory.

Materials:

Elastic- Waist measurement L x 5cm W
Bow approx. 31cm L
Sequins beads-10 pcs.
Closures-metal hook & eye)-2
Heavy duty magnet (optional)-1 pair
Cement Glue- If using magnet
Trim-(Button)-1
Scissors
Tailor's chalk
Sewing machine

Start by cutting wide elastic to the measurement of how you want your belt to fit. Using chalk or a pin, mark where you want the belt to close (for magnet placement), leaving room at the elastic edge for hook and eyes or any other closure placement. I created my own version of a bow by cutting my leather at desired width/length. Then, cut the leather ends at an angle so that the belt could still remain flat instead of having a bulky result when wearing.

I used an antique colour spray paint to make the bow area aged copper, then let dry. Laying the leather flat mark the center back of the leather with a pin or chalk to align one side edge of elastic up with the back of the bow. Make two straight stitches sewing that edge of elastic to the center back of the leather (painted side-up).  Secure and cut excess threads. You should have the one side of elastic edge free and the other sewn to the leather.

Next, I folded the leather into desired bow shape and pinned the front closed temporarily. I glued an embellished button to the center of the bow, closing the top edge of the leather, leaving a small triangular space between each side of leather on the bottom. Afterward, I carefully added flat sequins beads to act as my "polka dots" on the belt, then left aside to dry.

Lastly, adding a hook and eye with a magnet closure closure completed the belt! Just use your marking placement done in the beginning to glue one magnet at the center back side of the bow onto the elastic, then add one magnet the opposite edge of the elastic leaving room for hook & eye placement. You may finish elastic edge with a stitch or a high heat stick (which will burn the edges).

Mission: Complete. Aged Bow Belt!
Well, there's still at least one more good piece of leather left, but I will save that one for a rainy day handbag!

*Here's a sneak peak of unusual hand dyed fabric that I received. I am working on something special at the moment .... stay tuned.