This weekend I got busy with some of my leather scraps and whipped up these keychains. They’re unisex and pretty classic, so I think they’d make great little gifts, perhaps for someone heading off to school this fall. Or just make a set for yourself to help you keep track of your keys.
Materials:
Leather scraps (thick leather)
Scissors
Pen or marker
Rivets
Rivet-setter (similar to the kit I used)
Hammer
Leather hole punch tool (similar to the one I used
Key rings (similar to the ones I used)
Printer
Keychain templates
Click to view full size and save.
Methods:
1. Print out the template and cut out the one you wish to use, then trace it onto the back of the leather. Cut out slightly within the marker lines, so the back of the finished piece won’t have pen marks.
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2. Fold the leather tab around the keychain, and faintly (mine is enhanced so you can see it) mark where you’ll punch the holes.
3. Use the leather punch to make holes in the size appropriate for your rivets. You want to make holes through both layers of the leather tab.
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4. Place the rivet through your holes, then set it according to the directions that came with it. Mine just requires a couple of blows with a hammer.
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That’s it! Attach your keys, and you’re good to go. These keychains are simple and cute as-is, but later this week I’ll share a couple of ways to embellish them a little more.
Wow! Thanks for the templates and everything! Do you think leather takes paint very well if i wanted to decorate them? I saw your post on craftgawker right above mine and had to come visit! Now I’m a follower!
Lindsey – http://www.HelloHydrangea.com
Lindsey, there are dyes and paints specifically for leather, but you can also use diluted acrylic paint. Here’s a link that goes into detail about how to do it: http://shesonehotmama.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-tos-of-stamped-leather-cuff.html
Tomorrow I’m going to post about how I decorated mine a bit, so check back! And thanks so much for visiting! 🙂
Ah, so good! Thanks for sharing the templates! Can you recommend a place to get the leather?
Rachel, my local Michaels has bags of leather scraps, or you might try Joann Fabrics. There’s also http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/
Thanks! There isn’t a Michaels or Joann’s in SF, but I’m sure I can find some around. This DIY is a perfect intro to working with leather 🙂
Rachel, if you in SF, go to SCRAP! http://www.scrap-sf.org/ I actually used some leather scraps I got there for this project.
Ah no way, cool! I used to visit the one in Portland before I moved here. I had no idea, thanks for the info!
You’re welcome! Oh yeah, the downtown location of Discount Fabrics had some leather scraps, too (although the last time I was there was two years ago). http://www.discountfabrics-sf.com/