Details
This listing is to add laser etched or silk screened artwork to a plain leather guitar strap, and is intended to be used in conjunction with an order for the strap. and should only be ordered on its own if you have already purchased a strap that has not yet shipped, or you have shipped it back to me to have the artwork added--and in that case, please be sure to contact me first, and reference in "note to seller".
Two options exist for adding artwork to a plain leather strap--laser etching or silk screening. Both options are best on smooth leathers only, though some textured leathers can have decent results with etching.
The images 5-8 are on the distressed brown cowhide, 2 & 3 on different greys, 1 is showing various colors currently stocked (Sept 2024) and the last image is customer supplied artwork on Nutty Brown. I am including a variety of leathers and designs to demonstrate fonts as well as designs. As long as the image is black & white, laser etching is a great option on many leathers, though some leathers do respond better than others for image contrast, and it is harder to see on black.
My silk screen capability is quite basic, and more than one color possible only if registration is not critical. One image shows silk screening in silver ink and similar font laser etched, but many colors are available for silk screen ink, and ink can be applied over some of the patterned/layered leathers in some cases--or as shown in another image, printed on a "patch" that is then sewn onto the strap. But please inquire before ordering so I can confirm.
The artwork can be most file types, png, svg, pdf or jpeg, and 2 color (black & white) is best, since etching is either etched or unetched, and shading is not possible on leather.
The price includes some basic file editing & preparation as necessary for etching/printing, though if it's a significant amount of work, such as converting from a color photograph, there may be extra charge for my time to create a laser-ready file. The cost of silk screening is higher too, since there is the physical screen and ink involved, too.
And if you want text on its own, or with an image and it's not part of any artwork already, I am happy to work with you to find a font you like if you don't already have one selected. What is shown in the images in the listing are only samples of what are available! I currently have a couple hundred in my computer, but any font that can be downloaded I can use--though if it's a designer font that requires purchase, I will ask you to cover part of that cost.
The price includes a mock up or "proof"--a test print on the same leather as the strap--and once you have approved that and the placement/orientation, the strap will have the artwork applied. And I will provide a photo of the finished strap for your approval prior to shipping to verify it matches the proof that was approved.
What is also be key with text is to identify is ORIENTATION. Please refer to the image of the grey leather etched with the words, and my drawing to show how I define them for 1) "Lengthwise", 2) "Across" and 3) "Lengthwise Stacked". For #1, let me know if the person does not play right handed--want to make sure any text is right side up as they wear the strap! (image is in direction of a right handed player).
For an image, this may be a factor, too. But no worries, if you're not sure, I am happy to help and will also ask for confirmation and with the tests/proof before the final work on the strap, or if you forget to specify any details, I will ask!! (partial refund likely if you know exactly what you want & name the font or provide laser-ready artwork!).
If this is text & you have not named a specific font, I will prepare a sheet with a variety of fonts for you to choose a few for test etching the name/phrase you want. And if it's an image you have asked me to find, such as butterflies or cats--I will work with you to find the image you want before any etching or printing starts on leather.
SIZE/Quantity:
Laser Etching:
Quantity of 1 covers an image that can be as long as about 9" x and less than the strap width anywhere on the strap. One image shows a recent order with a very long image--this was done in multiple set-ups, but can appear seamless!
Silk Screening: Quantity of 1 for the silk screening is for single color and maximum 6" x 2.25" area (or 2.75" if a 3" wide strap). Based on my current process, I can't accurately register a second color, but if just an accent or overlay, a second color is possible, and requires a quantity of 2. If you want the same image but printed multiple times, please use Quantity of 2 and message me the details.
If you want to have a longer image, or two separate images in different areas outside of the dimensions noted for each process, please make the Quantity 2. Pending the amount of work for preparing the second set up for laser etching, the the fee for the second item may be partially refunded.
LOCATION, I recommend the artwork about "heart" level, between the player's shoulder and the guitar's shoulder so it's in the most visible area. But do let me know the location you prefer!
MAJOR CHANGES:
If you change your mind during the sample/proofing stage to add to or significantly alter the artwork, this may incur an additional fee, since this service is mostly labor, as well as could cause the ship by date to move out. Text changes or resizing or orientation change are usually not "significant" and covered by the fee.
SAMPLES in person--during process:
I am happy to arrange to ship etched or inked leather samples to you in the leather of your strap (or variety of leathers, if you're undecided which leather), since I know it can be hard to judge what a leather looks and feels like via electronic devices! I'd only ask that you cover the cost of shipping, but this is usually under $5, and I will set up a custom order for this if you want samples at any time, or the proof itself, in person.
SHIPPING & PROCESSING TIME:
This listing should itself be "free" and not add any additional shipping for the strap that you have ordered. But if for some reason it has, then the overage will be refunded. I can also change the shipping to first class and refund you the difference from the Priority that is often used for smooth leather straps.
If the processing times are mismatched, the longer time will apply to both items (if separate orders) to allow for the review and approval cycles! If you want physical samples, I'll need to move the ship date out, so if the order is urgent, please let me know and understand that I will need responses back from you very quickly to create the custom strap for you!
REFUNDS/REPLACEMENT/EXCHANGES:
Please understand that this is a custom order for you--this has different return/refund options than my "stock" products. You are paying for my time to create your custom artwork as well as the leather that is forever altered by etching or silk screening.
If you change your mind during the sample/proofing stage to add or significantly alter the artwork, this may incur an additional fee, since this service is mostly labor, as well as cause the ship by date to move out. Text changes or resizing or orientation change are usually not "significant" and covered by the fee
REFUND options:
The custom strap itself cannot be used for any other customer once it is etched, and since this is a commitment in labor and material for your custom order, extra effort will be made to ensure you like the sample(s) and accommodate any revisions to get to a final version that you like, since at most only partial refunds.
If you DO NOT approve the proof, and a revision cannot be settled on to get a version you like, you may receive a partial refund for the artwork--you'd receive a refund for the strap only if you decide you don't want it either.
But if you have APPROVED THE PROOF, and etching on the strap has been finished--there will be no refund for the artwork portion, but possibly for the strap:
1) you don't like the finished strap based on the photograph (it has not yet shipped to you):
If we can't come up with a solution, e.g. modifying the artwork on the strap, or a different leather/color strap, you may get a partial refund on the strap itself only.
2) You have received the strap, and you do not like it--pending the reason, a return & replacement is an option with revised artwork, or none. Note that there will not be any refund on the strap until it's been returned to me at your cost.
If you have any question on any of the steps to create your strap, or "what if", please ask me!