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These are nickel plated steel screw posts. They come in black, brass or nickel colors.
Since this belt buckle is removable, screws should match the belt colors.
Patinated copper would be a good match for the brown-red shades of the belt.
It may be better to copper electroplate screws first, and then do the patina.
But I decided to experiment with a supersaturated solution of copper sulfate.
I poured the copper sulfate into water, and boiled the screws for a few minutes.
That made a copper layer quite resistant to physical impact.
Polished with a Dremel, felt discs and polishing paste.
To prevent copper from future oxidation I covered screws with the Renaissance wax polish created by British museum staff.
Now the belt loops are ready. I carefully removed them from the wooden bar.
The leather dried and remembered the shape. The loops become almost rectangular in cross-section.
Punching holes for screws.
Now you can see why it is necessary to move the loop connection line from the center line.
Otherwise we'd damage the thread.
Getting all parts together.
I made two belt loops to close the two screws.
Usually belts have only one loop because the second one may interfere with the jeans or pants loops.
Screws inserted easily, but not too loose. It is better that they are tightly inserted because the leather will stretch over time.
This is a classic brass buckle, nickel plated.
That buckle is quite different, and to my taste it is not very suitable for this belt color.
But tastes differ, and future belt owner can choose any buckle of the same width.
Tightening screws.
Now, when the buckle is on, it is easier to accurately mark the holes.
This is done by measuring the old belt's length from the beginning of the buckle to the most used hole.
The belt is done.
The holes are punched with an oval punch - oval holes are more convenient.
Holes are polished with a lace and saddle soap, and then painted with the dye previously used for the edges.
Now the work is completely finished.
Let's see what in the beginning of this May, the judges will say about it at the annual meeting of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft (CSCL).