Project 1: Belt Chair

This is a project that has consumed my creative senses for years but I've never gotten around to completing it. My future sister & brother-in-law have done a couple of these and I thought I'd give it a try. First things first. I got all my belts from thrift stores. Nickel or quarter a piece. I wouldn't pay more than that because you're going to (a) either poke a hole and ruin them, (b) rip them from pulling too hard or (c) find out they are either too short. BTW... I did all those so safe tip :) This was my first try at this so bear with me. My mom found this really chic antique chair at a thrift store for $5 and I was able to take the leather hide bottom off of the chair. I cleaned the chair with wet/dry rags and then sanded it down. At this point I'd recommend doing whatever it is you want to do to the chair (i.e.. staining, polishing..) unlike what I did. I laid my belts out to figure out what pattern I wanted. I had a small chair and I used 25 belts in all. It really depends on how big, thick, and types of belts you use. I'd recommend used worn belts that you can stretch out and poke holes in. Fabric belts are very easy. I used leather saddle soap to clean the leather belts before putting them on the chair and using leather wipes after to keep their hold. My chair needed some TLC with wood glue and sanding so it took me a littler longer to do this project.

Start by putting your belts on horizontally first. It'll be much easier to weave them vertically. Pick your pattern and go. I buckled them underneath the chair that way the worn pieces of the belt were on the underside. 2 people makes the job quicker but hey... solo is my last name. after finishing with the belts I wiped them down with the leather wipes. My mom recommended a matte wood finish which we brushed on. It sealed the wood polish/stain and gave it a nice matte coat. I loved it. The rustic feel was fantastic and I think it turned out great as my first try... behold...