Fancy strapwork with pinked border

[Alexis1234]

Graduated strap of 29 antique sleigh bells, approximately107 " long x 4" wide( including billet). Largest bell is a #15. Wavy cut, tapered harness leather strap, hand stamped border, crimson colored pinked wool felt edge,raised billet, fully lined in chestnut bridle leather. I don't think I'll be making another one- this was a bear to get stitched up. I had to rearrange my shop to be able to do so. I hand punched almost 4 yards of felt for this one.  On a side note, finally figured out how to resize pics for this site. Thoughts, critiques always welcome!

[Chux]

That looks incredible!! Can I ask what the end use is? Decoration? Actual horse tack?

[Alexis1234]

It's a body strap of bells- draft sized. I made up 2 short keeper straps as well for attaching to harness to help keep it in place

[Chux]

I'm really interested in learning how to make equine items, but that's way, way outta my league. Beautiful work!!

[Alexis1234]

Thank you! My advice is to go for it! Don't be intimated. If it's something you want to pursue- just start

[Samalan]

that's very cool "He gave his harness bells a shake to ask if there's been some mistake " no mistake on this beautiful work.

[Alexis1234]

1 minute ago, Samalan said:

that's very cool "He gave his harness bells a shake to ask if there's been some mistake " no mistake on this beautiful work.

Thank you

[DaveP]

Very nice! What tool is that you used for the felt scallops (lack of better term)?

[TomE]

Beautiful craftsmanship and LOTS of stitching.  How are the bells attached to the strap?

[Alexis1234]

6 minutes ago, DaveP said:

Very nice! What tool is that you used for the felt scallops (lack of better term)?

It is antique " pinking" punch

5 minutes ago, TomE said:

Beautiful craftsmanship and LOTS of stitching.  How are the bells attached to the strap?

They are attached using brass wire  bent in  figure eight pattern