Why handmade guitar straps? (Part 1)

In short, make art even if no one understands why. Make it anyway. For me, once I can imagine it, it must exist and become tangible.

The more complete answer for those curious why I hand make guitar straps...

I initially began tablet weaving without thinking about guitar straps. I was always drawn to fiber arts, and learning this was my pandemic hobby. As I grew my skills in weaving, I knew that learning more about leather work was essential to getting well made finished bands. And then, the realization came that guitar straps would be possible.

For me, making guitar straps is the result of a perfect storm. I am an artist that prefers to arrange, build, and manipulate materials more than drawing and painting, (I do draw and paint... I am an art teacher after all!), but working in 3-D is my preference. I also have a deep passion (read "obsession") for music and much respect for the dedication required to be a musician. And lastly, tablet weaving is a rare and ancient skill and that is half the appeal.

But why spend so much time and energy to make something that most guitarists can pick up for $10-20 at any music shop or Amazon?

Because, I knew that it was possible and I viewed this as an opportunity to make art that helped make music. Stay tuned... Part 2 of this blog will be about how my materials and process is just so different than what is sold!

Also, I had two main influences in deciding to hand craft guitar straps, the way I imagined with better materials and with having my aesthetic and artistic voice out in the world. They may never see this blog, but they both became catalysts for me to create Twisted Motif.

First, I watched a tour of Rajiv Surendra's NYC apartment where he spoke about many of the loved, beautiful, and handmade items he has acquired (Link to video). He knew the story of how pieces were made. One clothing item in particular spoke to me. It was his description of a wool sweater hand knit by a 93 year old woman in Yorkshire. The quality of her work was outstanding, made with care, and came with a story.

My second influence that became my catalyst was Willie Watson, but not because he is an amazing musician. (He is! Check out his gorgeous new song Real Love). It is because he has a line of denim jeans (his shop link) that he sews himself. You could buy jeans and wool sweaters from any clothing store you walk into, but artisan-made goods should always have a place at the table.

While I cannot speak for the Yorkshire knitter or Willie Watson's motivations, having passion, a vision, and art that you want to share with the world is enough of a reason to the question of "Why". And, that is why I hand weave and hand finish guitar straps.

Click to view and shop handmade guitar straps.

handmade guitar strap