Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in smith28's InsaneJournal:

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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
4:20 pm	Classic Italian Leather Genuine Italian leather belts are still a revered item in a man’s wardrobe, and something for which men are willing to pay a premium price. But the term Italian leather is confusing. Walk into any mall or an area that only houses leather products and the term Italian leather is sure to be on the signboard of most shops. Italian leather is regarded as the best in the world. This fame has come about as Italy is regarded as the best place to source leather products from as also the tanning process itself. Though some countries such as Sweden and Switzerland produce better hides as cows here are looked after better and the climate is more temperate the tanning process is what makes the end leather product stand apart. And this is where Italian leather scores over other regions. A factoid: in earlier days tanning was a very filthy business. When health and safety laws and pollution laws came into affect a lot of the tanneries throughout the world closed down. Italy decided to take on the tanning industry for the world and hides are now shipped in from everywhere. Another interesting factoid: due to the high costs of production Italian companies have now shipped their production units to China but the end product is still termed as Italian leather. The primary distinction of Italian leather is its quality. Italian leather producers consistently produce very high quality products, in contrast with sometimes spotty production in other regions of the world. You may want to check out zibiba.com.au which has a good number of high quality fashion belts. (Comment on this)
4:19 pm	Bells or Belts Saucy belts, embellished belts, buckles that look like a brooch, braided belts, belts that have dangling bells, belts with rhinestones, belts with a name tag for a buckle and many more. These are the modern day leather belts. And if you thought these belts would be looped around a feminine waist, think again. The uber-sexual/metro-sexual male is not ashamed to have a bold belt around his waist. Of course the boldness does not extend to formal corporate wear but on a pair of jeans- it is always welcome. A belt is now as much a style statement as a pair of shoes. The latest trend to hit male clothing are belts with gothic buckles; studded belts, belts embellished with stones and even one that has a miniature roulette on it. Designs on modern fashion belts are limited only by imagination. However it is not the belt around the waist alone that is catching people’s fancy. Suspender belts are still popular although certain sections of people consider it to be old-fashioned. These can also express the economic status of a man by means of the materials that were used to create it. The high quality ones are made from costly materials and always attached to the pants by means of buttons. While silk and box-cloth were the traditional materials used in making suspenders these days it is rayon that is widely used. Whether it is suspenders or a black leather belt both these accessories are a must-have in any body's wardrobe. (Comment on this)
4:18 pm	Studded leather belt You would certainly be forgiven for mistaking a Studded leather belt for a fancy dog collar. But the trend of Studded leather belts is exploding everywhere. Fashion designers are busy creating fashion belts that bring the bling back. Stones, shiny metal and anything that can be fitted on a belt to dress it up gives the ideal studded look. Remember though the studded look is not for everyone. For one it makes the wearer look like a rocker or a punk star. That said there are ways in which the Studded leather belt can actually add zing to your wardrobe. Women have it easy so far as a Studded leather belt goes. A Studded leather belt complements the short shift dress just right. A Studded leather belt particularly looks good on a black dress, whether it is the classic little black dress or a saucy halter neck design cinching a Studded leather belt adds a sophisticated touch to the dress. Even Michelle Obama, the US First Lady is partial to Studded leather belts, and you can see her sporting these on her cashmere and blouses at times. The rocker or punk look is easily achieved. Just loop a Studded leather belt on your jeans, throw on a jacket and put on your boots. The rocker look is ready. To get a biker look go with skinny black jeans, a white t-shirt that is frayed off and a leather jacket with boots. Goes without saying the belt should be studded if you want the rough biker look. Also read this article on white leather belt. (Comment on this)
4:18 pm	Italian leather belts are worth every penny Fashion accessories are used to look well-dressed and up-to-date. They really serve most to enhance the overall look and the personality of a person; wallets, belts, caps, watches, wrist bands, bracelets, neck tie, rings etc being some of the important accessories of all. Following and leading the fashion are the top priorities of people who want to live the moment to the fullest to which these favorable accessories add a sense of latest fashion and style. There are numerous accessories (as discussed above) available in the market to match with but Italian Dakota leather belts grant an awesome expression to the personality of the wearer and thus they are counted as foremost of all. There are numerous fashion brands available in the market to serve with Italian leather belts. Some of the best and the famous pieces are (for women): a black elastic belt, wide waist/hip, changeable grey or silver buckle, Italian leather, a black hip belt, curved Italian leather, changeable grey or silver buckle, a black jeans belt, brass or silver buckle, smart/casual Italian leather, a brown elastic belt, wide waist/hip, changeable grey or gold buckle, Italian leather, a brown hip belt, curved Italian leather, changeable grey or gold buckle etc. (For men): a black jeans belt, brass or silver buckle, smart/casual Italian leather, Black gun metal studded jeans belt, 30mm mens belts, Black leather belt with plaque buckle, 30mm men’s belts, Black leather belt, brass buckle, 30mm men’s belts, a brown jeans belt, silver or brass buckle, smart/casual Italian leather, a brown jeans belt, snap on grey roller buckle, casual Italian leather, a tan jeans belt, snap on brass buckle, smart/casual Italian leather etc. Here below are mentioned some basic reasons to buy Italian leather belts: 1) These belts serve with utmost durability and comfort 2) Grant bold & masculine look to the wearer 3) The stunning designs perfectly match formal as well as semi-formal outfits, best suitable for professional meetings, parties 4) Italian leather belts are designed with reversible finish 5) Variety of fine quality auto lock buckles adds a magnificent look to the personality of the wearer 6) Strong and durable thread stitching of the belts provides a longer shelf & usage life Skilled craftsmanship and creativity can be best seen in the making of Italian leather belts. This is true that these original leather belts are very expensive as they are made of pure leather. One can find cheap leather belts as well, which are not actually made of pure leather and thus they get damage within short time. Though the fine quality belts are expensive but they definitely return the value of every single penny spent on purchase of same. So, what is next on your list of purchase? (Comment on this)
4:17 pm	Modern day belts the latest trend of fashion Increasing craze of fashion among youngsters has given place to stylish fashion belts. Belt is a band which is worn around waist. In present times these modern day belts come in different varieties. These are mostly made of leather. It has been known as part of male clothing, but with change in time it is shifting from man to woman. Today different varieties of modern day belts are available. Modern day belts have given thousands of ideas to its makers to prepare different designs. As change is constant in life and it is not only limited to one thing but it applies to every thing in life big or small. Every season new things come to replace the old ones. Fashion column can enhance the knowledge of normal consumer regarding new trends in modern day belts at a cheap price, but one has to beware of duplicates as today the market is full of duplicate material which makes it difficult for the consumers to distinguish between real and duplicate materials. Modern day belts are there in different designs and colors to match each outfit of buyer. There are different varieties like the belt with gothic buckles, or that has names on it, one that studded with stones or expensive studs has become latest trends. Modern day belts fulfill style and fashion needs of individual .There are belts which are broad and wore upon the outfits. Rayon is used now a days for belts ,earlier silk was used for this purpose .leather belts are there forever, as it is always best choice for man ,women and even for children .Belts always add grace to personality of individual as it seems the person wearing is elegant outfit. Even school now enforces belt wearing, often for male population. Modern day belts are used in every sphere of life as police officers, pilots, engineers. Craze for belts is seen when a common man has collection of about two thousand belts every year. It is considered as integral part of every western outfit be it jeans, dresses, or trousers. Velvet and silk belt suits best to ladies and leather belts for men.Different varieties of fabric is used like jute, velour, silk, plastic which is decorated with no of metal chains, leads, studs, patches etc. Modern day belts play vital role in life of individual as it is important part of ones outfit which enhances the personality and adds grace to ones beauty. Also, read this article on fashion leather belt accessories. (Comment on this)
4:16 pm	Trendy fashion belts – the actual Fashion Accessory Trendy fashion belts are classic pieces that never lose its touch. Trendy belts can really help to make an outfit. Trendy belts are classy, elegant, and very casual, depending on the material used. Trendy belts are studded with rhinestone and accompanied with big buckles which make them more eye-catching. Fashion freaks always want to look trendy so they not only keep themselves updated of new arrivals, not just for clothes but for accessories as well. Belts are one of important aspect that enhances social status of its wearers. In order to fulfill escalating demand of customers belt manufacturers ensure that their customers get galore of options to choose from, as result of which multiplicity of belts available in the market. Designer leather belts come in various designs, styles, and colors all of which are guaranteed to make its users look good and feel good whenever they wear that. But in this era of ever-changing trends, fashion freaks have to be aware to keep them modernized with present times. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
2:26 pm	Leather Photo Album Photo albums can be the perfect way to store and share precious memories of special events like parties, get together and other celebrations. These albums allow people to recollect the joyful moments spent together on these special occasions. Photo albums are available in different styles and types. Many people prefer to buy or gift a leather photo album and a leather album available in a variety of designs and colors and with use of variety of paper types as well. A leather photo album looks extremely elegant and has a magical and royal feel to it. These leather albums are also handcrafted and decorated using various techniques like embossing. These leather albums are available in different shapes and sizes and you can easily select one that suits the occasion to be celebrated. These leather albums use archival quality paper and are individually handcrafted and painstakingly bound so as to give them their elegant finish. The leather photo albums are available in a variety of different colors, thickness and texture. The leather used may be goat skin, calfskin leather or even crocodile leather. The techniques used in designing each piece are mastered by artisans having years of experience in this beautiful art. The craftsman is trained to work on each individual piece so as to ensure that it is completely unique. Many of these albums have a weathered and rustic look and come with interesting designs embossed on the front page. A leather photo album can be an extremely personalised gift that you can give to your close friends and family members. Such a gift can be given on special occasions like weddings, birthday celebrations or Christmas. You can easily select a photo album based on your friend’s style. The special albums are also available with a range of embossed designs and intricate hand painting. Some albums also come with photo pocket on the cover. Most of the albums can hold 4"x6" photos and have protective sleeves to deal with aging problems. These albums are available in different colors and can hold around 200 photos. While a leather photo album can be the perfect gift for a new married couple there are some aspects that should be taken into consideration before selecting a photo album. These factors include quality as well as durability of the album, size of the album, design style and colors available and the cost factor involved. Using the internet you can easily identify dependable dealers who provide complete information about their products and have a large selection of aesthetically designed leather albums that meet your needs. (Comment on this)
2:25 pm	Leather Desk Accessories Every person wants to make his or her workplace functional and appear more presentable. If you are in the corporate world and interact with your clients on a daily basis, you would surely want to ensure that your workstation exudes an impressive look. Your desk is one of the most effective ways of letting your clients know about your taste. It is certainly a medium of providing your partners and clients with a glimpse of your personality. By including leather desk accessories in your office set up, you can succeed in putting an impressive first impression on the people you meet. Leather accessories for desk are available in a variety of colors, such as burgundy, black, beige and a broad range of bold and subtle colors. Leather desk pads can prove to be value addition to your office desk. They prevent your desk from unwanted wears and scratches that may be brought about by sharp materials, such as keys, scissors and pens. These provide you a very comfortable working surface. They act as a buffer and absorb spills and scratches. While other kinds of desktop pads offer the same function, majority of them don’t furnish the same top quality and professional look that leather desktops are known for. Leather desk pad is a must-have if you have clients visiting you daily. Covering your office desktop with a leather desk pad will go a long way in giving your ordinary office desk a dash of elegance and sophistication. Some other leather desk accessories you can consider buying are leather pen cases, leather phone cases, leather photo frames and leather CD cases. Leather desk accessories are comparative better and more durable than other types of accessories. This is because unlike vinyl or nylon accessories, leather accessories are stronger and more capable of withstanding the daily wear and tear it is subjected to. Thus, you can use them for a longer period. In addition, leather accessories are easier to be wiped clean. Leather accessories are available in many different styles and designs. Thus, choosing the right accessories for your workplace can be overwhelming. It is recommended that you consider the color of your room. If you have a bright colored room, it will be a wise idea to include dark-colored leather accessories to ensure a more balanced look. When purchasing leather desk sets, it is recommended that you choose the ones that come with a guarantee. Many online retailers offer an attractive range of desk accessories. Thus, you can purchase these accessories online in the cozy environment of your office. (Comment on this)
2:24 pm	Leather Diary A leather bound diary is an extremely useful and a unique item of utility. Just as other diaries, it allows you to jot down essential pieces of information and dates for the upcoming events, such as shows, meetings, seminars or conferences. Leather diaries come in a variety of colors, such as black, brown, pink, camel and cherry. Leather diaries designed especially for the elite class are made from the finest quality smooth, luxurious Italian leather and are skillfully stitched by seasoned craftsmen. Some of these diaries also have gold corners and come with a grain effect. A good quality leather diary serves as an efficient and contemporary personal organizer with a subtle, artistic design beautifully etched onto its surface. These pocket diaries contain all the essential features including travel schedules, ribbon marker, academic timetables, and current and forward year planners. In addition some leather diaries come with a couple of credit card pockets above a full length stitched angled pocket, a mesh angled pocket and a full length zipped wallet. They also have additional pages for name, address and contact number. Leather diaries also make for one of the most popular gift items. You can gift a leather diary to your friends or relatives on their birthdays or anniversaries. You can even consider giving the leather diaries as complementary gift to your business partners, employees, clients and customers. You can also use them as registers or wedding guest books. Leather diaries are available in different sizes, perfect to fit a handbag or pocket. You can choose the one that best suits your taste and requirement. These diaries are comparatively more durable and look more elegant and stylish than the other regular diaries available in the market. Leather journals need to be cared for and cleaned at regular intervals. It is recommended that you clean your leather diary with a soft, non-shedding cloth material and a dry cotton cloth to ensure that it doesn’t accumulate dust and dirt. You can use a mild moisturizing soap to remove stubborn stains. Some diaries can offer- a practical, cost-effective and an innovative way of promoting the brand name and logo of your company. You can have the name of your organization and contact details embossed or indented on the centre of the front cover of the diary. This will go a long way in helping you provide your customers with a positive view and impression about your business. In addition, it will encourage your prospective customers to contact you at the earliest. The factors to be considered while buying leather diaries include the budget, style, designs and colors. (Comment on this)
2:23 pm	Wedding photo album Photographs play an important role in wedding celebrations. Photographs ensure that the memories associated with this special day in your life remain ever green. You can also share these photos with your friends and loved ones and relive your special day. A beautifully designed wedding photo album can add to your happiness by ensuring that your photographs look even more beautiful. Different varieties of wedding photo albums are available in the market. While selecting wedding photo albums it is important to ensure that the album selected is unique and exquisitely designed so as to highlight the photos. The album should be able to showcase your wedding which is the most important day in your life. There are a large number of online dealers that have large varieties of wedding albums that can meet your design specifications as well as size and the budget constraints. Many of the wedding photo albums available in the market are individually handcrafted using the best material including leather. The different types of leathers used in the photo albums may include top grade Italian leather, calfskin or goatskin leather and even crocodile leather. The artisans involved in creating these albums have years of experience in this art. They possess the expertise in creating intricate designs. Some albums showcase top class work including detailed patterns, embossing and fine hand painting. Such hand crafted albums take considerable time for production. The wedding leather photo album may also be made of other materials including eco friendly materials. If you wish to enjoy the look and feel of leather but are uncomfortable using actual leather then you can easily buy an album made from faux leather. If you wish to have an album that looks extremely sophisticated and fancy then you can select an album with a great deal of detailing and intricate embossing or hand painting. If you wish to have something sober and classy then you can opt for a plain leather album. Good quality wedding photo albums come with ivory sheets that protect your precious memories or photos from damage occurring with time. These wedding albums are also bound firmly so as to provide excellent support for your important memories. These albums also come with top quality polypropylene pages that protect your photos. The albums are available in a variety of colors and these include green, black, red, pink etc. Some photo albums come with space on the cover where you can put your favorite wedding picture. These albums also allow for easy mounting of the photos and in some cases they also have self adhesive squares. (Comment on this)
2:22 pm	Photo scrapbook A photo scrapbook is a collection of photos of the special moments that you share with your loved ones on occasions like celebrations and parties. A scrapbook can be the perfect way of storing and beautifully arranging the photos taken during celebrations and parties. You can share these wonderful moments with your friends and relatives and reminisce about those happy times. Several different varieties of photo scrapbooks are available in the market and it is important to select a well designed scrapbook as it can add extra joy to your viewing experience. While selecting a photo leather scrapbook it is important to choose one that can beautifully hold and store your precious memories in the form of the photographs. Many scrapbooks are specially handcrafted by artisans having years of experience in this art. Each scrapbook is individually designed and created using special materials and fabrics and has wonderful new designs and detailing. The style, design and colors of each scrapbook are predetermined to make it completely unique. Some of the scrapbooks have intricate designs or embossing on the cover that add to the beauty. Some other photo scrapbooks have detailed hand painting. This embossing and hand painting is done by artisans who have been trained in hand tooling these intricate designs and patterns. The different materials used in making a photo scrapbook may include genuine leather like calfskin or goatskin leather and Italian leather or crocodile leather. Using genuine leather in making photo scrapbooks gives them an elegant and sophisticated look. This sets apart these photo scrapbooks from those made from ordinary materials. These scrapbooks can hold your precious memories of such celebrations as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. These photo scrapbooks are also bound firmly to support your precious memories. The scrapbooks contain acid free ivory sheets or other materials that protect the photos from wear and tear that may occur with time. Other materials that may be used include glassine paper, translucent vellum and acid and lignin free sheets that all protect the photos from damage that tends to occur with time. The photo scrapbooks come in different sizes, styles and designs. These scrapbooks are also available in different colors. Some of the scrapbooks have photo pockets on the front cover for putting photos while others have dual latch covers. Photo scrapbooks can also make perfect gifts for your friends or family members, particularly on occasions like weddings and anniversaries. While selecting a photo leather scrap book it is important to ensure that the quality of the product is of the highest order. The other aspects that are taken into consideration while selecting a product include the budget constraints. (Comment on this)
2:21 pm	Bicycle Grip Tapes! Bicycle grip tapes are used to ensure that your handlebar grips perform efficiently and remain immune to damages. Handlebar grips withstand the pressure and body-weight of the rider and make the operation of the bicycle easier and safer. By providing a grip, they help you have a better control over the bicycle. Handlebar grips ease strenuous, long rides by eliminating finger numbness, exhaustion, vibrations and shocks. It is therefore imperative that bike handlebar grips are well-protected and cared for. Handlebar grip tapes shield the grips from external abrasions and damages. .Bicycle grip tapes come in a variety of styles and colour. The cyclist hence has a wide range of options to choose from and can add a personal touch to his bicycle. Bicycle grip tapes are made from a variety of materials like rubber, cork, plastic, leather and cello tapes. Some of these tapes are water-resistant and together with the grip prevent road vibrations. Grips are usually made of plastic, gel, foam or leather. Some grips are round and plain while some are designed to fit the rider’s hand better. Different kinds of grips like Slip-on(made of plastic), Tape grip(using racing bikes) and Drop-in grips(that provide an aerodynamic position to the rider), have different kinds to grip tape made to suit specific requirements. There are many companies that make high-quality grip tapes and one of the leading companies is DiPell. They are made of leather and for myriad reasons leather is the best material to use for making grip tapes. They are more durable, sustainable and strong. Leather is soft to touch, has an exotic smell and is resistant to scratches. This is what makes Dipell one of the most preferred bicycle grip tapes. Tape Direction: Every now and then you will need to remove and re-install a bicycle grip tape. Removing the old grip tape can be done by blowing hot compressed air. Not compressed air removes the adhesives and loosens the tape. It can then be removed and cleaned properly for the installation of the new grip tape. Grip tapes should be started winding at the ends of the grips towards the centre and this direction is very important. If you wrap from the other side, chances are there that your hand pressure while riding the bicycle can push the tape down. Also while installing the tape ensure that there are no air bubbles or overlaps that might add to the padding of the tape. Ensure that you install the tape in both the sides of the handlebar in following the same pattern. There are ample choices to choose. So make a wise decision and use the bicycle grip tape that best suits your needs and your riding styles! (Comment on this)
2:20 pm	White handlebar tapes! Handlebar Tapes are a must-have for all the bicycle handlebars as they ensure a safe and comfortable ride. Enveloping the handlebars with durable, dry and cushiony tapes helps you to have a better control over your bicycle and at the same time relaxes your hands. Using a classy, good quality handlebar tape not only enhances your grip, but also adds to the look of your bicycle! White handlebar tapes are undoubtedly the best choice, as it is iridescent, beautiful and leaves no room for complaints! Why is white the best? White is classic and new. It is pro and isn’t boring like black or other commonly used colours! White colour definitely adds to the style quotient and with white you dare to be different! White also gives you a feeling that you are super-fast which is cool! Irrespective of what colour your bike is, white gels well with your bike and you won’t need to rack your brains figuring out which colours would suit your bike. Take it for granted that white suits every bike! There are quite a few companies out in the market which make white handlebar tape but some of the best companies that make the good quality white handlebar tapes are Dipell, Cinelli, Azurra Eleganza and Fizik. Fizik is the most preferred one as it is very durable and isn’t that slippery too. The only problem: White tends to get dirty very soon and a grimy white handlebar looks tacky. It requires frequent washing and replacements to maintain that white look. How to keep it white? Keeping the white bar tape ‘white’ can be quite a task unless you keep some very simple tips in your mind. Discard you old hand gloves that you have been using on other coloured handlebar tapes. Use a fresh one for the white tape! Make sure you wash your hands before you go for a ride. Take care that other objects don’t frequently come in contact with your handlebars. Incase the tape gets a bit filthy, cleaning your bike once in a while is a feasible option. Remove the tape, gently scrub with a brush, rinse well in hot water, dry and re-install it. Your white tape is as good as a new one! Using Natural lemon to clean can also help brighten up your white colour. Handlebar tapes need to be replaced at regular intervals. Using the same handlebar tape for long can result in formation of dirty layers beneath the tape. Apart from being unpleasant, it can also hamper your bicycle’s mechanism. In any case as you need to replace your tape constantly, go for white tapes as it really looks sharp! (Comment on this)
2:19 pm	If It Is Genuine It Has To Be Italian Go to a leather shop and try buying an Italian leather belt product for the same price you would buy your local brand. All you will get is a sad smile from the salesperson. “This is genuine Italian leather so the price will be high." So what makes Italian leather different and command a higher price tag, even compared with designer labels. According to industry experts the Italians are the best in the world at creating specialty leathers like a great moc croc. The primary distinction of Italian leather is its quality. Italian leather producers consistently produce very high quality products, in contrast with sometimes spotty production in other regions of the world. Hence most of the high-end designer labels sport the genuine Italian leather tag and people are ready to pay the price for these products. Leather is made by subjecting the hide of an animal to a lengthy treatment process. People have been working with leather for thousands of years, and Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries. Florence is particularly famous for its leather, and in Milan, Italy's fashion capital leather is used almost exclusively by high fashion houses. Italian brands tend to dominate the fashion scene. Gucci and Prada are just some of the popular brands that are associated with Italian leather. Producers in Italy use a variety of labor sources, with much of the process of leather production being done by hand. Hides are carefully inspected before treatment, with only the best hides being accepted, and quality checks are carried out at every stage of the way. While the hides could be sourced from any part of the world, often times the hide is from a European country due to the quality of hide which arises from the method of rearing cows and of course the temperate weather. Many Italian producers specialize in full grain leather — leather from the top of the hide, which is famous for its suppleness and quality. Italian producers tend to use high quality dyes and chemicals in their products, producing consistent, durable, long-lasting leather products. Another argument that is put forth for this ever-growing popularity of Italian leather is the fact that when pollution, health and safety laws came into affect a lot of tanneries the world over shut down. Further tanning was considered a filthy business hence very few companies got into the leather business. Italy decided to take on the tanning industry for the world and hides are now shipped in from everywhere. Now the high costs of production have forced Italian companies to ship its production units to China but the end product is still termed Italian leather. (Comment on this)
2:18 pm	Belting Up In Style Wearing a belt is the mark of a gentleman. Belts are not mere accessories that can be neglected as a men's wardrobe is incomplete without a belt. Books on grooming and etiquette state that a gentleman must wear a belt. A leather belt differentiates the classy dresser from the rest of the crowd. Leather belts are essential when wearing formal clothes. They go perfectly well with leather shoes. For a woman, buying belts for a man is the easiest gift she can pick though it is always a hard task to choose a belt. Rule of thumb: always buy a belt that is two inches bigger than the waistline or pant size. If buying a formal belt go for one that is black or brown since these shades match all colors of trousers. For a formal look buy a belt that has an elegant buckle. Garish buckles and broad belts are good for a casual look but not office wear. Investing in a good belt pays off in the long run as a belt made from genuine leather is sure to last for at least five to ten years if taken care of properly. Since a belt is made from hide it has a tendency to develop cracks due to exposure to the elements. The trick to maintaining a belt is to keep its coat soft. This can easily be done by rubbing Vaseline or petroleum jelly through the length of the belt. (Comment on this)
2:17 pm	Handcrafting A Belt Not everybody considers making a leather belt as a hobby. Qualms about working with leather itself are a big turn off for people in general. Since leather is animal hide there are images of raw hide, stink associated with a tannery and the live animal itself which works against people setting out to make a leather belts at home. However, leather belts are an excellent craft project for those new to leather crafts. Contrary to popular belief it is quite easy to make a leather belt. The first obvious steps are buying leather and a belt buckle. In case you plan to tool or dye the leather than it is ideal to choose vegetable leather. This type is easier to work with than other kinds. Hand-crafted leather belts make a good gift. While choosing a buckle for hand-crafted belts select a piece that is unique to reflect your personality or the wearer’s personality. Before you start get the measurement of the person who would be wearing the belt. Now cut the leather using a razor knife. The width will be that of the inside of the belt buckle and the length one foot longer than the waist measurement. In order to get an even cut use a straight edge such as yardstick. The end of the belt will then be fed through the belt buckle. Though crafting a belt is a simple process it is painstaking when doing it for the first time. (Comment on this)
Thursday, April 21st, 2011
3:59 pm	Leather Scrapbook Scrapbooks are fun books that children and adults use to keep a record of the special moments, people and events in their lives. We can also have a keepsake reference on a favourite topic. These books can be simple like picture sleeves kept in a three-ring binder, or slightly more dressy in bookbinding form. Scrapbook enthusiasts are very particular about how their scrapbook looks from the outside and not just, what they keep inside the book. Leather is a good choice to make a scrapbook look classy and long lasting. In this article, we will show you how you can make a leather scrapbook that looks grand and lasts a lifetime. The things you will need for making this leather bound scrapbook are – Leather pieces A Ruler A Pencil Cement glue Leather edge tool The points given below will help you make the leather scrapbook in a few easy steps – First, open your scrapbook and measure its width and height. Always ensure you add two inches to each side of the book so that you know exactly how much leather you should buy. The best places to purchase leather are leather supply stores or some hobby or scrapbook shop in your area. You may also use old leather if you have any. The second step is to wrap the scrapbook with a piece of paper. Then mark your cut lines with a pencil so that it forms a pattern for your leather cover. You should now cut the pattern out with scissors. Add an inch to each side of your pattern to be able to fold over the edges of your book cover. On a sturdy and flat surface, position the paper cover patterns on your leather pieces carefully. Take a razor knife and cut the leather book cover around your paper pattern. You may need to make more than a singe cut, depending on the thickness of the leather you are using to make the cover. Another useful tip is to use tape on the back of your paper pattern in order to make sure the paper does not slip away while you are cutting the leather. When you have cut the leather according to the size of the paper pattern, discard the paper. Now take the leather-edging tool to file the rough edges of the cut leather. Now fold the leather around your scrapbook, carefully, focusing on one section at a time. Use the leather cement to glue the edges to the inside of your cover. For a softer feel, you may push in some cotton between the leather and the book cover before you glue it completely. Alternatively, you may buy your customized leather scrapbook cover from the market or online scrapbook services. However, that will not give you the fun and creative satisfaction of making your own. (Comment on this)
3:58 pm	Leather Diaries A leather diary can be used to keep record of important events in your life or to make notes about your important meetings. Diaries of different material, sizes and styles are available and among the different materials used leather diaries have quiet and elegant appeal that make them very popular. Leather diaries are extremely durable and they also look extraordinarily sophisticated. While making these diaries high level of craftsmanship and precision is needed. The leather diaries available in the market and with leather dealers are made of different materials like calfskin leather, goatskin and faux leather. The diaries are individually handcrafted and bound for greater durability. These diaries are available in a variety of styles and materials to suit the needs of different users. So you can easily select a diary to keep note of your busy social calendar or gift a diary with rustic pattern to your boss to record the daily appointments and professional commitments. These diaries can also make perfect gifts for occasions like Christmas, birthdays and can also be chosen for corporate gifting purposes. Many of the diaries available in the market contain high grade paper which includes acid free archival paper in some cases. This high grade paper protects the writing from deterioration with time. The diaries are also available in different colors and for your professional commitments you can easily select a formal color like brown or black. If you wish to give the diary as a gift then you can easily select a pink or blue colored leather diary. The leather diaries are also designed in different styles. While some diaries have leather wraps others may have a lock and key. Some other diaries are made from recycled leather and have an elastic band closure. Many diaries available with dealers and in market have intricate embossing and hand painting on the cover. Such embossing is done by artisans having years of experience in this rare art form and the artisans are trained to complete one piece at a time. The embossing may include designs like bright floral designs, heart embossing etc. Companies can also select these diaries as a part of their corporate gifting plan. While choosing these diaries it is important to select reputable dealers who have expertise and experience in dealing in leather items. You can easily determine if the dealer is dependable by reading the reviews of past customers. A cursory glance over the designs available online with the dealer can help individuals in determining the dependability of the dealer. Size, color, style and budget are some of the other factors to be considered before buying the leather items. (Comment on this)
3:57 pm	Leather journal Writing journals can be a deeply personal and fulfilling experience. It can allow you to express your innermost thoughts and you can come up with creative ideas or get a fresh perspective on your thoughts. Journals are available in a variety of different materials and styles and a leather journal can make writing journals a truly spectacular experience. Leather journals have an elegance and beauty that is completely unique and that makes them look stylish and sophisticated. The leather journal may be made of cow hide, top class Italian leather or crocodile leather. For people who wish to have a journal with the elegance of leather but are uncomfortable about using leather can opt for faux leather items. The journals are available in different styles, designs, sizes and colors. The different styles and designs may include journals with intricate embossing and hand painting on the cover or journals with lock and key. These journals may be pocket- sized journals or regular notebook sized. You can easily select a small journal to record important things like important dates, to-do lists while the large sized journals can be perfect for penning down your thoughts and ideas. The leather journals not only look stylish and sophisticated but are also extremely durable. This is because leather tends to last far longer than a traditional journal. While buying journal made of leather it is advisable to ensure that the dealer is a reputable one. The dealer should display a high level of craftsmanship. Many dealers have highly talented artisans having years of experience in individually handcrafting each piece. Some of the detailing on the journals requires years of training and experienced craftsmen possess the expertise required to create journals that meet your elite requirements. The leather journals available come with protective writing sheets so as to ensure that the writing does not fade out with time. The writing sheets used in some journals are of acid free archival type. The different styles in which the leather journals are available include journals with leather wraps while some come with embossed figures and coats and some others have lock and key. Many journals are also created with an antique look by use of intricate hand painting, embossing and use of rustic colors. While buying a leather journal it is important to ensure that the dealer is a reputable one and has a large collection of journals to choose from. The material used must be of top quality and the journals should be available in different design styles. Other factors that should be taken into consideration while buying the journal include the budget constraints. (Comment on this)
3:56 pm	A Belt For A Stud Remember teenybopper flicks of the 80s they usually had a few teenagers dressing up like punk rockers with gelled spiky hair, frayed T-shirts, torn jeans, the quintessential leather jacket, boots and the studded belt. Punk rockers were all the rage then admired for their fearless edgy style. A hit among teenagers and eliciting a ‘Wish I could do that’ feeling among people in their early thirties punk rocker looks was the IT style. While the looks are no longer as popular the studded belt is again a hot rage among the fashion conscious crowd. Thankfully these days the studded belt can virtually be incorporated as a part of any outfit without raising eyebrows. The heavy duty accessory complements feminine dresses really well. The biggest proponent of the look is the US First Lady Michelle Obama. With her well-tailored outfits or evening wear the First Lady has often times made this belt a great style accessory. Women are getting this look right. Summer dresses, shift dresses, chiffon dresses, flimsy blouses, and the classic little black dress. Seems you just can’t go wrong with a studded belt. Surprising yes but you can team the belt into corporate formal wear as well. A white shirt and formal trousers with a belt looped in. Believe it or not this combination gives a new meaning to sophisticated formal wear. So what makes this belt so popular? The studded belt gives a bling quotient without going overboard. Stones, sequins, rhinestone, glass pieces, metal and anything shimmery embellished on a belt make it a belt that is studded. Women now are more creative and daring with their workplace attire. When using a studded women belt, go with a thin belt. Using a belt like this is discrete enough to make a work outfit look professional, but with a hip edge. Or dump the trouser and opt for a simple pencil skirt. The belt is sure to give a zing to the outfit making it more visually attractive. Another option is to lower the shirt and cinch the belt around the waist completing the outfit with leggings or skinny jeans. It really doesn’t matter what the personal style is or what event this type of belt is worn to because a studded belt makes a great accessory always. A traditional variety of this belt can be looped through all the belt loops. Play around with textures. Go for plaid or checkered belts online or a colorful one that matches your outfit. Or better chose a random color that is a striking contrast to a monochrome outfit. Use your imagination and make this belt part of your color palette. (Comment on this)