Bradley Larson, maker behind BL Leatherworks, remixed Tandy’s Circle Crossbody Kit with a western-inspired twist to create a standout bag. With its bold details and classic silhouette, this bag is the perfect blend of style and function. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make one of your own!

"I loved taking on this project! The Circle Kit gives plenty of room to be creative and use a lot of different stamps and designs. The Tandy brass stamps were awesome to use and enhanced the look!" - Bradley

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Instructions:

Step 1: Wet your leather circles with an ample amount of water using either a sponge or a spray bottle. (User discretion just ensure it's wet enough to tool and not too wet where it becomes difficult)

• Maker Tip! Grab a 6-7oz piece of veg-tan and trace one of the circles onto the thicker leather if you'd like to tool one or both the sides

Step 2: Grab a wing divider and set it to the size of the outside border you'd like. This project used 2 lines one which was 2cm from the edge and another .5cm away (2.5cm total).

Step 3: Stamp the outside border of your circle with the brass sunburst stamp.

Step 4: Fill the inside circle with a pattern of your choice - like a basketweave pattern.

• Maker Tip! If you'd like to tool a design now is a good time and then work it into the basketweave design!

Step 5: Stamp the inside border between the basketweave pattern and the edge using a flower border brass stamp to blend in the edges.

Step 6: Use another camouflage stamp between these two border stamps to help add a little extra detail. Repeat for the opposite side and allow to dry.

Step 7: To make the gusset, cut a 4" rectangular strip of 4/5 oz veg-tan that's 22" long

• Maker Tip! Use Tandy's new regalia belts to save time strapping!

Step 8: Strap out a 1" wide and 50" strip using 4/5oz leather or use an Economy Veg-Tan Strip 

Step 9 (OPTIONAL): Wet this strap and stamp any designs you'd like into it and allow to dry.

Step 10: Apply pure neatsfoot oil to the all the dry pieces of leather and allow the oil to dry. 

Step 11: Dye the gusset and strap with Fiebing's light brown pro dye on both sides (follow antique steps below if you stamped it). Allow to dry.

Step 12: For stamped and tooled pieces of leather first apply Fiebing's pro-resist and allow to dry then apply Fiebing's dark brown antique paste on the inside and outside. Allow to dry.

Step 13: Apply Fiebing's tan kote on the inside and to seal the leather pieces and allow to dry.

Step 14: Set the wing divider again to 5mm and trace down both the long sides of the gusset to mark your stitching holes

Step 15:  Punch out your stitching holes using the 3mm chisel on the line you just marked

Step 16: Place the solid clip d-ring 1.5" down from the top of the d-ring in the center on both ends of the gusset and mark both the spots for holes. (Ensure the solid d-ring is as straight as possible.)

Step 17: Once the holes have been marked punch out the holes ensuring to keep them inline with each other.

Step 18: Set the solid d-ring with rapid rivets on both sides

Step 19: Begin saddle stitching one circle to the gusset once you've finished repeat for the opposite side

Step 20: Take your strap and put it through the strap hole on the trigger snap. Measure out 3" on the interior and center the strap.

Step 21: Punch a hole in the center of the strap towards the top of the 3"

Step 22: Line up the holes and set your rivets

Step 23: Put your trigger snaps on your solid clip d-ring and you've finished!

BL Leatherworks

BL Leatherworks started as a hobby, but quickly evolved into much more over the last few years.  With family in construction, ranching, and everything outdoors, my leather skills were always being tested and pushed.  I continue to make things for construction workers, team ropers, ranchers, or anyone who wants to add a little western flavor to their outfit.  I build everything from belts, wallets, and purses, to tool belt accessories and book covers.

Instagram: @blleatherworks_