Occam’s razor @Cicadalady, @TAH’s suggestion would certianly be the simplest, quickest fix. There was a bit of trial and error for me with my crafting of a new belt with both widths of leather.
Be sure to let us know how it works out!
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Okay, Aaron, I had to look this one up. 
“Occam’s razor is a problem-solving principle that suggests, when faced with competing explanations, the simplest one is usually the best.”
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Leave it to me to provide @Cicadalady with the two most involved, complex solutions. 
I’m reminded of an Einstein quote, “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.”
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Yes, but your alternatives are exquisite. And nice to have as a fallback if the simpler one doesn’t pan out. 
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Aaron, the two options you provided would be most favorable, but after making a few leather backings myself, I can’t imagine making 13 or more all at once. 
Of course, this is coming from a person who doesn’t have nearly the amount of patience or talent as the Navajo, so my opinion and experience doesn’t hold much weight. 
@Einstein 
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Update: In this case the simple solution worked well! It will take some use to determine whether/where to trim the end of the leather, depending on the application. I have extra conchos and butterflies if I were to want to wear it lower than my waistline.
Many thanks to those of you who chimed in .
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Looks great, @Cicadalady! Is this the Etsy belt?
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Yes, it is. Nice, thick leather and good screws for the buckle/keeper.
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Congrats @Cicadalady! It came out beautifully! I’m glad @TAH chimed in and provided you with such a great solution.
There’s definitely nothing wrong with giving the old Navajo’s a nod and leaving the excess. 
A longer tail and a taper cut are great elements of a concho belt, and will be made even more lovely after you input some serious wear ino it!
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@bboyko135 Thought you might enjoy seeing this example, as well.
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Is it hallmarked? Has an Effie Calavaza look.
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@Ziacat Yes it is an Effie, you have a fantastic eye 
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I’ve looked at her stuff a lot, because I have a belt buckle that my dad bought in 1971 that I believe was made by her husband, Juan. Cool belt!
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@TAH So sad its missing a stone! But none the less still beautiful! Wish the hallmark was a tad clearer. Thank you for sharing
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@Ziacat I believe because of the jeweler that my family purchased from had a relationship with Effie we ended up with quite a bit of her pieces. Everything from cuffs, earrings, rings, necklaces, to the concho belt.
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A couple of weeks ago, I saw a belt buckle on LiveAuctioneers that I thought was pretty cool. Two days later, my comrade in “trouser retention systems & waist adornment ”, @Ravenscry, messaged me and asked if I had seen the auction buckle. Then, he proceeded to give me a friendly nudge to place a bid. A week and $110 later, I became its next caretaker! 
This buckle is completely different than the rest of my collection and will serve as a dress buckle for work, church, and special occasions.
As it seems to be the case with most buckles I acquire, this one needed a customized belt. It accepts a 1 1/8” wide strap between the swivel bar brackets, but the bar itself only accepts up to 1 inch, so the belt I chose needed to be reworked and tapered on the buckle end.
Navajo, 3” x 1 3/8”, 45 grams, overlay construction, handmade swivel bar, thunderbird turquoise inlay wings, ca. 1950s
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…trouser retention systems… . $110 is a sweet deal for that buckle. It goes handsomely well with your suit & tie. Congrats on winning that auction.
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Wow, that’s too cool. Love the sleek modernish look to it. Looks sweet with a suit! My dad would’ve approved
So…if buckles are TRS&WA systems, what fancy name can I give my cuffs 
And that Aaron, he can be a trouble maker 
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Snazzy and classic. I really like it. Congrats.
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