Rings are almost always meant to be eye catching. They have big giant jewels or precious metals. Why can't people have a simple, spartan ring? Well they can if the follow this Instructible!

Step 1: Materials

This is simple enough that no special leather tools are needed, but they can be used

Leather
Knife
Cutting board
Stitching punch or nail
Hammer or mallet
Edge beveler (optional)
Two large, blunt needles and thread
Beeswax (optional)

Step 2: Measuring and Cutting

Pick the finger that you want to wear the ring on. I will be using my ring finger (surprise!). Wrap the leather around your finger and see how it fits then cut it to the length you want with the knife. I used a piece of scrap that was the perfect size already. Now if you choose to bevel the edges you may do so. Beveling is basically trimming the edge so it has a nicer shape. I chose to bevel the grain and flesh side. I am leaving the edges raw for a natural look. You can burnish them if you want to.

Step 3: Making the Design

If you want to add a design to your ring now is the time to do so. I am doing some decorative stitching on my ring in the shape of an X, but feel free to use stamps or carving to decorate. Mark out the stitching holes you plan to use with the punch or nail. Then settle the punch in the hole and use the mallet to tap it through the leather. Once all the holes are made you can begin to stitch. I like to wax my thread by hand with beeswax before stitching, but this is optional. I just pull the thread over a ball of wax until it is coated in wax. Now push the thread through one needle and pinch it against itself. I find this keeps the thread secure enough for a few stitches which is all I need. Now thread the other end in the same manner with the other needle. If at any point you are confused either ask a question in the comments or refer to the pictures

**note: the grain side of the leather is the rough fuzzy side and the flesh side is the smoother side**

Step 4: Stitching the Design

Once the needles are threaded you can begin to stitch. Push one needle through any of the holes and pull the thread through until there is an even amount of thread on both ends. Take the needle that is through the flesh side of the leather and push it through the hole that is diagonal to it. repeat with the needle that is on the grain side. Now pull the stitch pretty tight so it is snug against the leather. Now Take the flesh side needle and push it through the hole that is next to it. Repeat on the other side. Once again push the needle through the diagonal hole. Do this to both sides. Now take the needle on the flesh side and push it through the hole next to it. Both needles should be on the grain side now. Take the two pieces of thread and tie them in an overhand knot. I tie two just for safety. Then snip the edges of the thread off. Now admire the finished design.

Step 5: Assembly

Now all that's left is to stitch the ends of the ring together. Mark two stitching holes on each end of the ring then use the punch and mallet to make the holes. Wax another piece of thread and thread a needle on both ends. Secure the same way as before. Now push one needle through one of the stitching holes and make sure the thread is even on both sides. Bring the ends of the ring together and push the flesh side needle through the opposite hole. Now take one of the needles and push it through from the grain side so it comes out one of the bottom holes. Next take the same needle and push it through the hole next to it. Both needles should now be on the grain side which is inside the ring. To finish just tie of the threads in the same way as before.

Step 6: The End at Last

Voila! Now you are done. Your very own simple, leather ring. Just one suggestion: don't use it as an engagement ring, that might not go over so well, but it's up to you. Any questions, comments or concerns can be posted in the comments section below.

I am entering this in the Rings contest so please, if you found this helpful or interesting vote for me!