Flipped Out Baldric
My son is an aspiring actor/theatre major and he was hired to portray a pirate in this years Renascence Festival in Houston Texas. In researching what he needs for the role we found the cost of props and equipment will leave him with very little or no money left of his earnings. The Baldric alone can cost upwards to $150 dollars. So this frugal father presents to you my $35 alternative.
Tools & Materials
For this project I went to Hobby Lobby and Lowes to find my materials
Materials
2 Leather work belts (Lowes)
Button studs (Hobby Lobby)
Leather rivets (Hobby Lobby-if you don't already have a setter get the kit)
Small buckles (I sourced some of my daughters old belts for these, otherwise you can get them from Hobby Lobby or cheap dog collars from a dollar store)
Tools
Leather hole punch
Wooden mallet
Heavy duty scissors
Leather awl
Materials
2 Leather work belts (Lowes)
Button studs (Hobby Lobby)
Leather rivets (Hobby Lobby-if you don't already have a setter get the kit)
Small buckles (I sourced some of my daughters old belts for these, otherwise you can get them from Hobby Lobby or cheap dog collars from a dollar store)
Tools
Leather hole punch
Wooden mallet
Heavy duty scissors
Leather awl
Belt It Out
Ok so the first step is measuring the belts out to fit the individual it's for.
Buckle one end of one belt to the other ( see picture)
Place this on your models shoulder and measure out so it falls onto the opposite hip (see picture)
You will then cut leaving approximately 2-3 inches extra
Punch 4 holes in each end (make sure they match) remembering to leave a 2-3 inch tail (see pictures)
Rivet the two ends together
Buckle one end of one belt to the other ( see picture)
Place this on your models shoulder and measure out so it falls onto the opposite hip (see picture)
You will then cut leaving approximately 2-3 inches extra
Punch 4 holes in each end (make sure they match) remembering to leave a 2-3 inch tail (see pictures)
Rivet the two ends together
Getting the Strap
Now I took the scrap leather and made 3 leather straps securing a buckle on the end ( I made 3, each 6 inches in length)
Remember to place holes (1/2 inch apart) on the other end of each strap
Take these straps and secure them to the extra length you left on the one end of the belt with rivets.
Remember to place holes (1/2 inch apart) on the other end of each strap
Take these straps and secure them to the extra length you left on the one end of the belt with rivets.
Ain't That the Sheath
Now for a personalized touch I decided to add a sheath into the end of the belt to be able to carry my Kris (flame knife) in. I again took the scrap leather (end of the belt cut off in customizing size) and sewed it on using the awl. I took another piece if scrap to make a retaining strap and used a button stud.
On the Edge
And there you have an economic Baldric. Here is my son pictured wearing his new accessory. He did not want to wear a sword so I strapped on a dagger to go with the kris. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did making it.