DIY Project

Fabric and sewing · Christmas · Adults

Stamped leather keychain

A rugged leather key fob with stamped initials and a brass rivet, a quick personal gift that ages well.

Stamped leather keychain
LevelBeginner
Time45 minutes
Cost$15 to $30 for several

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Cut along a metal ruler with the blade moving away from your hand.

  1. Step 1: Cut the strap
    1

    Cut the strap

    Cut a 6 in piece of strap. Round the ends by trimming the corners.

  2. Step 2: Dampen the leather
    2

    Dampen the leather

    Wipe the front with a damp sponge. Wait until the color starts to return to normal. That's the moment it takes stamps best.

  3. Step 3: Stamp the letters
    3

    Stamp the letters

    Hold a letter stamp straight up and give it one firm whack with the mallet. Don't double tap.

  4. Step 4: Punch the holes
    4

    Punch the holes

    Fold the strap in half around the key ring and punch a hole through both layers, 1/2 in from the ends.

  5. Step 5: Set the rivet
    5

    Set the rivet

    Push the rivet through, cap it and strike it with the setter on a hard surface.

  6. Step 6: Finish the leather
    6

    Finish the leather

    Rub on a little leather oil to darken and protect it. Clip on the keys.

Edie's tip

Practice your letters on a scrap first. Each letter set strikes a little differently.

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