Leather Bracelets From Recycled Belts

There are plenty of old leather belts that have been discarded because of changing tastes, or a part broke, or maybe the original owner just got too fat. This technique is a way to make bracelets from these belts. Cut them carefully and you should be able to get three from each belt.

I'm using a laser cutter here, but the original technique was taught to me by my friend Becca who used leather tools to create cool effects as well. The method of decoration is your own, but making the bracelet itself is very easy as you'll see.

I used a laser cutter to etch this Japanese design into the surface of the belt. You can also use a leather stamping technique.

Wrap the belt around your wrist and let it overlap by 1.5 inches. Cut with your favorite cutting tool.

Wrap the leather around your wrist so that it is fairly snug, but still comfortable to move with. Now loosen the belt by an 1/8 of an inch or so to give yourself some room for the snaps.

With the overlap of the bracelet where you want it, drill or punch out holes that are in the middle of the overlap.

With a hammer, bang in some heavy duty snaps so that the bracelet can snap around your wrist.

Sweet, you're done! Now snap the bracelet around your wrist or give it to someone else.