Then I used a pencil to roughly trace my arm's shape on the paper and based on this rough shape I sketched a rough shape of the bracer.
The paper is then fold on the center line and cut following the sketched lines:
After a few tests, during which I wrapped the template around my arm, I realized that it's quite long and at the same time too narrow to cover my arm well enough, so I taped another sheet to the first one and enlarged the design by approximately 3 centimeters:
After a few more rounds of taping, cutting and wrapping it around my arm I came out with this basic template:
However while I liked the initial result, I wanted something with a more fantasy looks, so I traced the template to a new sheet of paper and started modifying it:
Next thing I needed was a template for a few overlapping pieces which would form the gauntlet. The initial size was easy to figure - I wanted them to overlap by about 2 cm, so I decided they needed to be 5 cm long and the width was measured at the foremost end of the bracer - 7 cm. However a measure of my hand showed that they need to be 9 cm wide to adequately cover it. So I drew a 9x5 cm rectangle and started playing with it:
Finally I came up with this shape:
It is now time for a mock-up. For this I needed a few more scales, so I traced the scale template and cut 5 more scales:
When I finally liked rivet locations after a few hours of punching holes, taping them, punching more and taping them again and again and again, it was time to trace the shape to the leather I have chosen. Actually "leather" is quite a strong word, as it is pure 2mm thick PVC. However I chose it, because it looks enough like leather with its leather-like texture and meanwhile is ways easier to obtain and about a hundred times cheaper than thick leather.
I tried to trace the shape using white chalk, but it wouldn't leave a clear line on the PVC imitation leather, so I had to use white tire marker
Then I cut all the pieces, punched the holes and of course I couldn't wait for the first mock-up assembly of the bracers:
Now it's time for all the straps and buckles that will hold the entire thing on my arm. I cut the straps from the same material.
Then I fold about 2 cm from the end of the strap...
...and punch a hole near the folded end using a 3mm drift.
The result is two holes almost touching each other:
Next step is to cut the material between the two holes using a scalpel, thus forming an oval hole:
Insert the buckle:
And punch another hole for the rivet, that will hold the buckle in place:
The finished strap:
A minute later cut to size and with a hole for the rivet that will connect it to the bracer:
Repeat 5 more times:
Next thing I needed were the straps with the holes for the other end. First I cut them:
Then I punch the holes:
And voila - there's a set of straps for the bracer:
I also needed two straps for the finger loops. I cut them and punched some holes in them to match the holes in the foremost scale of the gauntlet:
And finally the time for the final assembly:
With the two bracers assembled the only thing that remained was to hammer the rivets. Finally I've got a pair of leather bracers, which also protect my hands:
