DIY Leather Tote + Tassel | Giveaway

Today I'm sharing another DIY Christmas gift idea - a leather tote! Thanks so much to The Leather Hide Store for providing the leather! I don't share a lot of non home decor related projects, but today, I'd like to introduce you to my second love - handbags. Over the years, I've developed a collection (second only to my chair collection, David just counted and we have around 28 .. yikes! Time to finish projects, figure out what we're keeping and sell the rest!)

 




Making your own tote is simpler than you may think! Since the material is a little thicker than normal fabric, you have to sew a little slower, but overall, it's actually pretty easy!

Want to make your own? Here's how:

First, pick out your leather, I'd definitely recommend samples first, so you know exactly what the color looks like. The Leather Hide Store has a large selection in the remnant section, so I started there.

1. Draw your template on a piece of paper with a ruler and pencil. (I tape a few pieces of 11x17 printer paper together). Cut it out, fold and confirm the scale and dimensions are to your liking. (Inside lines on drawing above represent the sew line, 1/2" seam allowance (3-1/2" sections fold on top of 6" section to form the bottom)).

2. Either trace your template or redraw on the backside of your leather with a pencil. Measure twice and cut once!! I used Lemon Meringue leather.

3. Cut out your pattern.

4. For both top sections, I used pinking shears for a zig zag line. Ours were pretty dull, David helped me cut it out (I'd definitely recommend ones that are sharp!)

5. Once you've cut out your shape, cut a 45 in the innermost center section, .5" in (there are 4 total) I also notched the outer corners in the center section (there are 4 total), so that there would be less material when sewing.

6. Start sewing your bag. Grab the 2 outermost corners on the right (or left, wherever you'd like to start) (right side inside) and hold together - sew straight down the side (15 1/2")

7. Next, sew the bottom. Grab the end - pull the two 45s out so that the end is flat.

8. Smooth the leather, line it up and sew across the end. Repeat on the other end.

Flip the bag so the right side is out and start on the straps!

8. Cut 1-1/2" wide x 29" long pieces of leather (x2) for the straps. 3" at each end will be used to attach the strap to the bag. Next, cut 23" piece of 3/8" cording or smooth rope.

9. Wrap the cording (leaving 3" of leather at each end) in the leather and sew as closely to the edge of the rope with the zipper foot.

10. Trim the excess leather close to the line previously sewn.

11. Measure and mark your strap placement (mark with low tack tape - to avoid pulling up the leather)

12. Sew a box around the strap and an x across the middle for added durability. Carefully, remove the tape.

Finally, work on a tassel! If you don't want to tackle sewing your own bag - this is the perfect way to personalize your existing bag in just a few minutes!

13. Cut a piece of leather (mine is 9" wide x 5" tall)  - using an xacto knife and metal ruler with cork backing, cut thin strips (I eyeballed it) scissors would work as well (leave about 1" at the top uncut)

*Note: I added a thin piece of cardboard, tag board at the bottom of the bag to keep it from looking too slouchy.

14. On the backside of the leather, place glue along the top - (I used Aleene's Turbo Tacky - it dries super fast) - Tightly roll it up.

 

15. Add two piece of thin leather strips in the center for the ties (add extra glue there).

16. If desired, add a trim around the top, securing with glue.

I wanted my tote to be large enough to be used for weekend trips, but small enough to carry around everyday.

Wouldn't this make the perfect Christmas gift?

Orange concrete wall was taken in front of a fountain that has been turned off for winter. Love the color! 

A special thanks to David for taking these photos!!

Also, The Leather Hide Store is also giving away a $50 credit to one reader! Enter on the widget below! Open to US & Canada only, giveaway will be open for 1 week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Good Luck!
 
This post is in collaboration with The Leather Hide Store - I was provided with materials for this project, all thoughts and content are 100% my own. 

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Gift Guide | Cozy Finds

Today, I'm sharing my first gift guide for the season! I'll be sharing a few over the next couple of weeks, stay tuned! 

It's been a rainy few days here .. so that has me thinking about cozy finds! Here are a few of my favorites! 

First up, cozy gifts for women! 

1. plaid flannel scarf (LOVE the long tassels!!) // 2. wide cable knit hat (the larger scale is great, I also love that it covers your ears!) // 3. polka dot gloves (how great are these!? I love the large polka dots!) // 4. tweed vest (I've been loving vests this season, this one is definitely on my list!) // 5.  asymmetrical fleece wrap (Cassie recommended this wrap, and I just ordered one, can't wait for it to come!!) // 6. large buffalo check flannel  (this flannel looks SO cozy, I also love the large buffalo check!) // 7. Sam Edelmen Penny Boot (love the back zipper and snap details, the look of the leather is great too)




Next up, men!

1. marmot drop line fleece (David has this and loves it! The fleece is super thin, but has a wool look, it's SUPER warm! // 2. original penguin hoodie  (perfect for lounging (or diying) around the house!) // 3. marmot park ave jacket (David loves his Marmot coat, it's super warm and the quality is really good .. his is a few years old, but this one is similar) // 4. burton mittens (David had about a mile walk from the parking lot to work last winter (right on Lake Erie brrr!) these (and his Marmot coat) helped him get through it! // 5. ugg slippers (looks super warm!!) 6. lounge sweatpants (who doesn't love sweats? )

Don't you want to curl up with a blanket and hot cocoa now? I know I do!

So, do you do your shopping in the summer or are you a Christmas Eve shopper? I'm always a last minute shopper, but I'm going to try to get my shopping list done early this year! Wish me luck!

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My 2013 Holiday Wish List

Would you believe me if I said I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet? I haven't ... guess I better get busy! ha!

If you're behind like me, here's a few things on my holiday wish list! Hopefully David's reading ;)

Here's what I'm loving at Anthro - guess I'm loving white, gold and neutral :)

White chevron wallpaper - love the subtle pattern | Gold and white monogram mug - perfect for holding  pencils or your morning coffee | Script bracelet - this would be great for layering - love the simplicity | Gold polka dot pillow - enough said :) (original anthro is out of stock so I added PB Teen) | Measuring Hedgies - oh my cuteness, I suppose you could actually use these to measure things - I'd probably use them to hold odds and ends on my desk | Wishbone stamp - again super cute!

The cold weather in Ohio has got me craving cozy things! Here's my top picks!

Monogram throw - I'll take one in white and black please! | Mint glittens - how great is the color!? | black pom hat - who doesn't love a pom pom :) | Stripe infinity scarf - perfect for throwing on as you head out the door | Riding boots (or if you're a 6.5 they're on sale at Piperlime!!) - I've been looking for the perfect boot for years, yes I'm picky :) I just ordered these, fingers crossed! | Love a long sweater, this one looks so cozy - long version out of stock, boo! but here's the pullover!

Happy Friday! I hope that you have a great weekend - full of relaxing, yummy food and maybe a little shopping! :)

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DIY Christmas Gift: Framed Prints

Today I'm sharing with you a super simple last minute Christmas gift that you could easily get done in 30 minutes. All you need is a frame and a printer (or kinkos, staples, etc)!

I'm including a few prints that I made last week for my gallery wall to download.

They are sized at 8.5 x 11 and can be used in a mat for an 8x10 photo. The file includes high resolution images, so just download, print and frame. It's that easy! Click HERE to download the PDF.

Please let me know if you have any issues downloading and I'll send it through email :)

Enjoy!

and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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DIY Christmas Gifts: Jewel Coasters

Today I am sharing a simple DIY gift that is easy to make and airplane carry on travel friendly. We are headed for Maryland on Thursday and it got me thinking about how hard it is to get gifts home without checking bags. These coasters are compact, sturdy, and lightweight - all must haves for carry on! 

Last week I found these jewel coasters from Kate Spade and instantly fell in love with the simple design, as well as the gold accents that make them extra special! These would be a great hostess gift, or something that your mom, sister or friend might enjoy!

While $20 for the Kate Spade coasters isn't terribly expensive, these only took about a hour and a half from start to finish, plus you can say that you made them yourself! Also, making them out of wood instead of paper (like the Kate Spade ones) will increase their durability.

Here's what I used:

1. 1/4" MDF squares (mine were 4")
2. craft paint/spray paint or acrylic paint
3. gold paint marker
4. polyurethane or clear spray paint 

Another plus for this project was that I had everything on hand, so it ended up being free!!

Here's how we did it:

David cut 4" squares with 45 angles cut 1" from the corner using the chop saw. We used MDF that we had left over from the credenza shelves. 

I then painted them with craft paint. Once dry, I drew the faceted design with a pencil and ruler.

Then I traced the lines carefully with a gold paint pen. Again, once dry, I repeated with a second coat to get better coverage.

Finally, I gave it three thin coats of polyurethane to protect it from water and then let it cure/off gas in the garage for a few days.

Wrap with a pretty bow and you are good to go!

Aren't they fun?

Tips for supplies:

Wood: Don't have extra wood laying around? Ace Hardware often has scraps that they will sell for under a dollar (depending on size). They may even cut them out for you for free or a small price per cut, depending on how many cuts you have. 

I also found these squares from Michaels for $1.99. Use a holiday coupon to get them for 40% or 50% off. I've also seen an extra 20% off your whole order coupon floating around!

Paint: Any fast drying paint should work fine, I used cheap craft paint that I had from projects past.

Gold paint pen: I purchased mine from Michaels (Craft Smart brand) for about $2 (I've also used some from Wal Mart, but they dried out too quickly)

I had all of these items on hand, but if you didn't, expect to pay:

Wood: $1-3 (if you are lucky and Ace Hardware has scraps)
Craft paint: .50 a tube
Paint pen: $2
Polyurethane/Clear coat spray paint: $3-7  

Don't like the jewel look? Customizing with polka dots, chevron, stripes, or maybe a name/favorite quote would look great too!

Hope you enjoy!

Next week, I'll have one more super last minute DIY Christmas gift that would be easy to put together the day before or even the day of!

Looking for more ideas? Click here to see my other DIY Christmas gift ideas :) 

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Linking up to The 36th Avenue

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DIY Christmas Gifts: Gold Lettering Print

This week I am sharing a super simple Christmas gift that you could easily make several in an hour or two! 

I've been eying a lot of fabulous gold letter prints recently, such as here,  here or here. They are a great way to add a simple statement piece to a gallery wall or to brighten up a dark corner. 

I thought it would be relatively easy to make my own. I'm so glad that I tried it,  I love how they turned out!

Here's how I made my own:

I started with thick paper, water color is what I had on hand. I laid the letters out in Illustrator (any program to lay out lettering would work).  I then cut the letters out on the Silhouette ...

If you don't have a Silhouette, an Xacto knife, cutting mat, and ruler will work well too. 

I've spent a lot of time cutting things out with an Xacto knife. Between lots of projects in my undergrad, presentation boards in Grad school, all of my wedding invitations. I've had a lot of practice! Getting clean cuts can be frustrating, but with a little practice, can be very easy.

Here are a few of my tips: 1. Hold the metal ruler (with cork underneath) tight with your non dominant hand. You want the pressure to be next to where you are cutting (keep your fingers clear, always watch where you are cutting!), for longer cuts, pause from cutting and adjust your hand. 2. Keep your cutting hand on the table and drag your hand, not the tip of your knife. Also, keep the blade fairly even with the surface (don't just press with the tip) This gives you more control and a straighter cut 3. Protect the side that you are cutting with the ruler. You can see in the photo above that I am protecting the outside of the J, since I am throwing out the J. This way if your Xacto knife slips, you will most likely not damage what you are keeping. 4. Change your blade often. A sharper blade will help a cleaner cut. 5. Keep your blade parallel and tightly against the ruler. This will help keep the cut straight.

Above all, make sure that you go slow and watch your fingers!

After you've cut out your letters, put them to the side and cut a piece of paper to go behind the letters to attach the gold leaf to. I cut mine slightly smaller, to line it up easily. If you would like the back to be perfect, you may want to make this piece a little larger and trim the edges at the end.

Lightly spray with spray adhesive

GENTLY apply gold leafing sheets to the tacky paper. It is VERY fragile. I used the paper sheets that it came with to place it down and then gently press it to the surface. Hold with two hands when applying, not one like the photo (guess I should of gotten the tripod out :)

Spray with a thin coat of clear to protect it. Once dry, place your piece of paper with text (lightly sprayed with spray adhesive) on top. Apply a thin layer of craft glue to the center of O, R, D, etc and place on top.

Trim any excess of the back piece of paper and frame!

 I love how different it looks depending on the angle of the lighting

and how the wrinkled texture looks a little like leather.

I moved the mirror temporarily to put up a boxwood wreath, I love the texture against our stenciled wall. 

I also made one for our entryway, it is my new favorite spot in the house!

The gold leaf was $6 with a 40% off coupon at a local craft store, and came with 25 5x5 sheets. I used 2 sheets per 8.5x11, so you could easily make about 12 for only $6! 

Click here to look at all of my DIY Christmas ideas.

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and don't forget to enter for a chance to win {4} prints from my Etsy shop, click here to enter

Winner will be announced Thursday!

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DIY Christmas Gift Round 2: Wooden Tray

I love big trays, but they can be hard to find and even harder at a price I want to pay. Thinking about it, I decided that it couldn't be too hard to make my own, so I decided to give it a try! 

The thing that I really like about this project is there are a few ways to do it depending on the tools that you have. We used a chop saw, drill, screwdriver, screws, and wood glue, and wood but you could do it with with just wood glue and wood.

First we gathered supplies and cut our wood for a 2' x 14.5" tray.

Two pieces of 4' 2.5" thin popular hobby board, 1 sheet or half sheet of 3/8" to 1/2" Plywood or MDF. Ace Hardware lets you buy half sheets or if they have a scrap in your size they could charge you as little as .50! We used plywood since that is what we had left over, but the key to this project going well is having everything straight (especially if you are gluing) MDF is much straighter than plywood. Also make sure to pick hobby boards that are straight. You will thank yourself later! 

Two pieces of 4' 2.5" thin popular hobby board (purchased at Home Depot) and a 3/8" to 1/2" base. The base was cut to 23" x 14", primed, painted and stenciled with a smaller version of my trellis stencil. The poplar boards sit flush with the base, and a frame is built around it.

The first poplar board was cut in half and then a 45 degree angle was cut with the chop saw on the edge. Then it was held up to the side of the board (as it would sit) and the other 45 was marked with a pencil and then cut, this was repeated for all four boards.

If you are using just wood glue. You can get all of your cuts done at Home Depot / Lowes / Ace etc. You would get 1. the base cut to size and 2. for the two side pieces get the hobby board cut to the width of of your base 3. for the front and back you will need to overlap the two side pieces so each front and back piece will be the long side of the tray base plus the thickness of the hobby board twice. Confused? hopefully the diagram underneath will make it a bit clearer.

Essentially it is just building a frame around the outside. If using a chop saw/miter bix, the 45s will meet on each corner. If using another saw or getting the pieces pre-cut,  the front pieces will overlap the side pieces. 

Next we measured and drill holes for the screws to go through (note: since we used a screw driver by hand we also drilled through the base too lining up the holes. We used three small brass screws for the front and back and two for the side. 

The hole was then counter sunk for the screw head to sit it. We used a drill bit the same size as the screw head and lightly drilled enough that the head would sit flush.

We applied wood glue around the outside for added strength (this would be your only step if you weren't using screws) If you are only gluing, hold it until the glue holds (about a minute) and then secure the corners and around the bottom/sides with masking/painters tape until completely dry.

We purchased tiny brass screws (flat head) so they would blend in. We used the screw driver since they were so small. Please ignore my paint filled hands. I am known for getting paint all over myself when I work on projects. The other day I was checking out at the grocery store and the cashier asked if I had been painting, I said yes and embarrassingly explained myself. When I got to the car I noticed a big paint mark on my face, yeah it was pretty embarrassing! 

anyways back to the project ...

a thin layer of clear wax was applied with a cloth to seal and protect it. 

and after attaching the screws on all four sides that was it!

I found this amazing hand made recycled glass vase at Marshalls for only $5. I love the subtle blue and the imperfectness of the shape. 

I cut a smaller version of my trellis stencil  and painted it with the same color as the credenza Sherwin Williams Glimmer. You could also use fabric and spray adhesive (like I did for the original tray I made for the credenza)

Price Breakdown:

4' x 2.5" poplar hobby board ~$3.50 x2

3/8" - 1/2" MDF depending on how much you buy whole sheet ~$15, half sheet ~$7.50, left over piece .50 to 2.00 (Ace Hardware will sell half sheets or left over pieces for less)

Total time invested: about and 1 hour or 2 (depending if you are stenciling, which takes about 30 minutes)

This project could easily be under $10! Trays this size easily run $50, so pretty good!

Trays are such versatile pieces that they make great gifts! and of course great presents for yourself too!

Let me know if you make this, I'd love to know how it turned out :)

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