Belt dyeing mistake with unusual results

[spacedog]

Awhile back I tried dyeing a belt by coiling it up and submerging it in dye. I am just a hobbyist and don't have big containers of dye so I added water to increase the volume enough to cover the belt. The effect was fairly mottled and I was disappointed with it, but my wife told me to hold on to it since she thought it was interesting and kind of looked like camo. So this week I pulled it out and carved a pattern from an Al Stohlman book I own on it.

 

Edited August 17, 2021 by spacedog
Spelling

[spacedog]

Normally I would get the tools out and bevel and shape the leather, but with the different shades behind it the efforts would be lost. Instead I got out the hobby paints and gave it some color to try and make it stand out.

 

[spacedog]

Eventually I coated it with some pro resist before using the antique dye to go in the cuts, without staining the paint and leather. All in all, it worked out surprisingly well.

[HaloJones]

Good recovery, now looks intentional:)

[Old Coach Saddlery]

Looks great. 

[immiketoo]

Some of my greatest finishes are mistakes.  Document your process because I guarantee you someone will want that exact look again in the future!

[rleather]

Adding the paint really brought  it all together. 

[garypl]

I like it!

[JaySea93]

You rescued that belt - good save! 

[JayEhl]

When life gives you lemons, you made a very nice lemonade belt!   Love how the colors pop out.  I'm sure you'll get lots of nice compliments.  And what @immiketoo  said,  a very good idea should be documented!!