Hey there, fellow creatives! Robert Kline here, and I’m thrilled to share a recent discovery that’s adding a touch of rustic charm to my latest projects: upcycled leather labels. There’s just something about that embossed “Robert Kline Art” that elevates a handmade piece from simple to simply stunning.
A Sustainable Story: From Furniture to Fashion
Remember those sustainable tote bag kits I was so excited about? Well, they sparked a whole new obsession: leather accents! I opted for leather straps and labels for the totes, and let me tell you, the result was pure elegance. The best part? These labels are made from leather rescued from old furniture by the talented Dutch bag designer, Naomi Rachel Timan. Talk about giving materials a second life!
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The Beauty of Imperfection: Handcrafted with Care
Each label is hand-cut and hand-stamped by Naomi and me. We use a heat embossing technique, but it’s a labor of love finding the right leather finish that takes the embossing beautifully. It’s fascinating how each piece tells a story, bearing the unique marks of its past life.
Navigating the Leather Landscape: Vegetable vs. Chrome
This project sent me down a rabbit hole of leather knowledge, and let me tell you, it’s a complex world! “Eco-friendly” vegetable-tanned leather is definitely having a moment in sustainable fashion, but the truth is, most leather is chrome-tanned. While chromium raises environmental concerns, the narrative isn’t always black and white. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into this topic in a future post!
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Simple Sewing for Stunning Results
Don’t let the small size of these labels intimidate you! Hand-sewing with pre-punched holes and polyester thread is a breeze. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to use your sewing machine, here’s the trick:
- Thread: Polyester thread works like a charm, and if you have topstitch thread, even better! A triple stitch can mimic the look beautifully.
- Stitch Length: A slightly longer stitch length of 3mm does the job.
- Backstitching: Skip it! Just a few stitches forward from where you started is perfect.
- Presser Foot: Your regular presser foot is all you need.
Now, if you’re planning on tackling larger leather pieces, a walking foot and leather needles are your new best friends. Just a word of caution from Naomi (who’s learned from experience!): excessive leather sewing on a domestic machine might leave you feeling a tad frustrated.
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Caring for Your Leather Labels
Worried about washing? Don’t be! While I personally don’t wash my jeans or accessories frequently (and let’s be honest, most ready-to-wear jeans don’t even use real leather labels anymore!), a gentle wash won’t harm these beauties.
Ready to Elevate Your Craft?
Adding a touch of upcycled leather can truly transform your handmade creations. Head over to Robert Kline Art to explore our collection of unique leather labels and discover the perfect finishing touch for your next project!
What are your favorite ways to incorporate upcycled materials into your work? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to share this post with your fellow makers who appreciate the beauty of sustainable and handcrafted details!