Rivets vs Handsewing on Browbands

Check out what glues are available, too. You would be AMAZED at how many things are glued together--our automobiles, airplanes, parts of buildings--and seamstresses even glue interfacing and interior panels into tailered suits nowadays.

I would say hand sewing is best just because I am not a huge fan of rivets. If your looking at doing lots of hand sewing invest in a good Douglas awl blade. They are the best on the market and come already sharpened and ready to use. I just got my first couple a few months ago and it has made the stitiching process a thousand times easier. If you are interested call http://leatherworker.net/pmd/sherida...utfitters.html as I know that they have the Douglas awl blades and a good awl haft/handle.

Also you might want to look into a stitch groover if you don't already have one. It makes a channel to inlay your stitches into the leather that way they don't get rubbed/worn as much and makes your work look a bit more professional.

Also as mentioned I would glue your ends down as well since it helps hold your projects in place as you sew and can make a big difference in the strenght.

Good luck on the brow bands.

I have stumbled upon a wonderful adhesive... It is an industrial strength glue.. called E6000. It dries clear, and is thick, but BOY does it STICK and QUICK!!! I use it in my bracelets when backing to a metal plate. But I really hesitate to use it unless I have to... I can't seem to learn that a little bit goes a long way..... I do wonder if it would hold the bead work on strong enough without requiring so much stitching??? Thanks

I am a bit tight with the funds... but I sure can dream... I am having so much fun working on these projects- ah, maybe some day in the near future I can post back and comment on how some new tools work also... Thank you for all your suggestions. I will be looking and pricing the tools you have suggested- now if only I sold a whole bunch of my stuff( or win the lottery)--- ah, maybe one of these days..... It's rough being on a budget with big ideas... !!!

The ONLY concern I would have is an allergic reaction, but I don't think so since you're probably wearing jewelry finished with this glue. Try working out with your jewelry. If there isn't a reaction to your sweat, I'd use it on a horse's browband.

I have worn bracelets using this, but you certainly bring up a good point. I think I might hold off on the glue ( at least any excessive amount of it...)- I am sure with a little more practice/patience/ and persistence.. I can ultimately make a fine product and have it be glue/adhesive free. As a pet owner, I only want the best for my pets, and wouldn't expect any other persons want anything less...

Yeah budgets suck for sure and I know how you feel. Just a bit of advice though if your looking at buying tools/supplies and are looking at tandys make sure you look around and price things out from some of the smaller supply shops. I know up here in Calgary, Alberta that Tandy's in most cases is more expensive then the smaller leather shop that I buy most of my tools and leather from and the quality of tools and leather is far better.

Good luck and we all start out some place and accumulate tools as we go.

Also I was going to ask do you have a website that a person can go and look at your stuff?

I will shop around, for sure...

If interested Please do visit my shop. I just opened March 11 2012. I have been beading since January 2011 and having so much fun doing projects and meeting new people like yourself. Please visit my profile- my link is there, or visit Etsy.com and type in newdaydesignbylisa under the "shop" catagory This is the first forum I have ever gotten involved in, and made the mistake of posting my link on the threads, and it was brought to my attention that I should not "advertise" in this way.

Another great site that is more leather working related that I am on is at www.leatherworker.net and there is a ton of information on there for people interested in anything leather related.

Thanks, I browsed this site just about an hour ago... and was looking for a local supplier in the area of which I live. I will take more time later this evening and do a "serious" search. I appreciate the link and all your help/supportive comments!!! Have a wonderful evening!