Leather Spectacles Kit - yes, kit, not finished spectacles!
Re-enactors who wear glasses can't always just pop in a pair of contact lenses which is why I developed a kit to enable them to make their own period specs. Based on the oldest discovered leather frames, this very basic kit takes away the need for accurate leather cutting.
First make sure you have your prescription lenses to hand: the cheapest option is to take a pair of plastic lenses to an opticians to get the centres marked, and then shape them to fit the frames. Alternatively ask your optician to make you a pair of circular lenses.
Start out by marking out the stitching holes. Spacing is a very personal choice; some people like them close together while others prefer them wider apart. I tend to think that 3-4mm spacing is about right.
Give some thought to the way you plan to stitch the two parts of the frame together. Will you stitch round each lens in a circle or do you intend to use a ‘cross stitch’ and stitch over the edges of the frames to hold them more securely?
The next step is punching your holes. The preferred tool is an awl, but if you don’t have one to hand then find a very thin wire nail and use that instead. Alternatively, use a Dremel or similar tool and a very small drill bit; this is even easier if you have a pillar drill attachment.
Now stitch round the frames by hand. Add a wire stiffener over the nose piece and pop the lenses in before completing the stitching. A little glue will help to hold the lenses in place during final construction.
Punch a couple of holes at the sides to attach a lucet cord or leather lace to keep them on your head or extend the ‘nose wire’ and make the loops from that.
At this point, you can dye the leather if you wish. The leather is un-dyed natural veg tan so you can choose what finish you want to apply. A couple of coats of a good Leather Cream will give a durable finish.
Please note: Check with your authenticity officer before wearing!