LiveCreative: Bronze Leather Jacket

I was given a really great leather jacket, fun style, but an ugly finish that was very scratched and rough, as well as a color I would never wear. I love the metallic leather finishes, so I decided to upcycle my leather gift and make it fabulous!

I shopped around on ebay and ordered some metallic leather dye/paint. I choose a metallic bronze color that would match the original color of the jacket as well as the lining.

To clean the jacket and prep it for dye, clean it with alcohol or lemon juice. The acid prepares the leather to accept the dye. Make sure the leather is dry before starting. I cleaned on one day, and dyed the next. I used a sponge to apply the dye. I also dyed the zipper fabric, the top stitch thread, the leather folded in and sew to the lining, the leather turned up into the edge of the sleeves, as well as the edges of the leather – everything so it looks like it was always the beautiful metallic bronze. I applied the dye, let dry a bit then added a second coat to even out the color to be uniform in color and texture. I then let it dry overnight before wearing. I have gotten a ton of compliments on my upcycled jacket. Admirers have no idea the jacket was not always this color and effect!

If you do not have a jacket in your collection that needs a new finish, just go to a resale shop and see what you can find. Goodwill has nice stuff for reasonable prices. I wanted a silver jacket, did a bit of shopping before I found one I liked the style and fit, and got it for $5! If you are not in a hurry you can find really wonderful things to personalize and make your own one of a kind creation!