It's all about the belt, 'bout the belt...

Heh-heh, got a tune stuck in your head now? (sorry, couldn't resist)

About a year ago I began playing around with alternative seating. I LOVE my traditional chairs..cane, rush, wicker...but sometimes I just love to PLAY!

I have been a forager and saver for years, and I had a small stash of belts in the closet Yeah, I'll admit, some because they didn't fit anymore and some because I saw them at a tag sale or flea market and bought them and put them into the "someday" pile. Some I begged and cajoled from family.

The first sets of chairs I did were stools. I wove the belts on the top, and gave them a huge tug underneath, poked a hole with an awl and made them as taut as could be.

Then I wove the next set and did the same.

Thanks for the photos of the finished stool, Susan Waite! This stool originated from a call to recyclers to donate materials at the 75%+ ReUse Art Show and Sale . Northampton ReUse is doing a great job keeping things out of landfills! Remember, DON'T THROW GOOD STUFF AWAY! If you can't use it, someone can. If there's no place near you to recycle/repurpose, check out their ReCenter in Northampton MA. You can pay $10 for a transfer sticker. You don't need to be a Northampton or even a MA resident. Donate items or pick up something to re-love or re-do.

The next adventure was with a drop-in seat.

Belts were woven horizontally and then secured underneath. The weavers went in the opposite way and were also secured. This was a simple over/under pattern.

This seat went into a bar stool that was pretty hum-drum to begin with, but got a coat of black laquer and a HAND ILLUSTRATED back by Kathleen Lepak Design and Calligraphy!

I'm so glad to have a sister that loves to be creative as much as I do. She has been my inspiration for years. (yeah, hit "control +++ to zoom in on that artwork!!)

Amazing, right? That is 14 hours of pen and ink.,..what she calls "Doodling"

I sure don't doodle like that. Visit her website to see all the other amazing artwork she designs. Kathleen Lepak Design and Calligraphy

Last project! "Mutt and Jeff" Well...they are 2 bar stools that had been gently gnawed on by a couple of playful pups. A lot of plastic wood later and a couple layers of paint and they are (almost) new-like. (and not in the landfill!) They just have a couple of barely discernible "love marks" if you get on your hands and knees and look close. C'mon, it adds character and now you know the back-story.

Charm is the unofficial inspector. She is making sure all the screws are tight and have the grommets underneath for additional strength.

The excess belts will be cut. I now have a box full pf pieces/parts that I know will be something, someday. I have a few ideas already.

Now a pair of handsome and unique chairs! I'll admit whan I work with this much older material, I wonder about it's history. Was it a belt for a special occasion? Wedding? For work? Casual attire? Some are pretty detailed, some are much-worn. How did they end up at the Thrift shop...because you no longer needed them? Or because you were clearing out a house? Because I am sensitive to a lot of different energies, Iwhen I finish the chairs with used materials, I give them a quick "smudge" with Sage to remove any lingering energies on them. It may not be something you do, but it works for me.