I recently picked up a leather stamping kit and I'm pretty pumped about the possibilities! Wallets, purses, journals, bracelets—I want to stamp everything (!!!).
So, it's a set of metal stamps with a metal setter tool that you use to hammer each stamp into the leather to leave a permanent impression. Basically, it's just short of magic (really, really loud magic!).Supplies:
-leather stamping kit (letter stamps, setter, hammer)
-leather or faux leather
–Crop-A-Dile tool (or any heavy duty hole punch)
-scissors (and/or an X-Acto/ruler depending on how thick your leather is)
-twine To make a stamped leather tag:
Step One: Measure and trim rectangles of leather. I made mine all different sizes!
Step Two: Trim two corners off the top of the leather to create a tag shape.
Step Three: Punch a hole in the top of the leather, creating a tag! I like the Crop-A-Dile tool because it can punch though almost anything (plastic, metal, leather, or a small stack of paper!).
Step Four: Use your stamps, setter, and hammer to stamp phrases on each tag!
Tips for stamping leather: Test how many hammer strikes you need to make a good impression on a scratch piece before you begin. I find that stiff leather only needs about 10 strikes per stamp, while softer leather needs about 20. This is loud, so put on some headphones and listen to your favorite song so you can tune it out! 🙂
Tips for sourcing leather (and faux leather): I like to collect lots of small pieces of colorful leather. The sources that I stalk include our local leather store (they have a remnants' bin and will also sometimes cut me smaller pieces), our local Michael's and Hobby Lobby (they sell small pieces and some leather stamping tools—this alphabet set actually came from HL), and thrifted finds (look for damaged pieces that you can salvage leather from). Step Five: Add a piece of twine to each tag. You can make a bunch to use on your own gifts or a set to gift to a friend.
If you make a To: + From: tag like I've done here, use a fine Sharpie or a set of rubber stamps with permanent ink to add the names! It's a fun way to mix it up! Have fun stamping! I'll definitely share more projects with this tool in the future. xo! Elsie
Credits// Author: Elsie Larson, Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with Lila from The Fresh Collection.
Omg! Love this site.. where has it been all my life. Great idea.
I love the colored leather ones!
I love this idea and I’m officially convinced that I should get a stamping set!
Erin, beingerin.com
Very cute! I love all the possibilities that this project holds! I can just picture my Christmas presents this year wrapped with leather tags!
Where do you find leather? I’ve been wanting to buy some, or faux leather, but in a small size. Any ideas?
Love the project!!
This looks like fun! And like the perfect project to lose yourself in while you listen to some good music and hammer away. I love that you also included ways to find leather pieces, because I was thisclose to asking before I got to that part of the post! haha.
xoxo
Taylor
beautiful project! lovely colours! love it!
xo
what a cool idea! love the colors!
xxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
These are great. I am still searching for a good local leather source for my daughters Easter dress. I am really hoping to put brown leather sleeves on the rose print dress. Once I find some good (or faux) leather I like I can use the scraps on this!
oh i love love love this, what a great idea, and they are super colorful!
super cute and soooo easy, love them.
zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk
these are lovely – I’d fill the indented letters on the leather with black ink and wipe off so it is easier to read… just a thought, use it or don’t use it 🙂 its up to you 🙂
Betty Bake
These are a super cute idea! 🙂
Hi Kathy,
Nope- I just “eyeball it” 😀
Thanks so much for your encouragement! 😀
Elsie
Hey there!
I buy it locally at our leather store (on Glenstone if you live here!) and also little packs at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby sometimes. 😀
Thanks! Elsie
Thanks so much for the advice Kate! 🙂
Elsie
I love how many fun colors you made!
This is such a fun way to personalize a gift tag and i’m sure it would impress the receiver. Good Job! <3
www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
YOU COULD take a long strip of leather (probably 4-8 inches in length or longer depending on your tag), the leather strip should about 1″ to 1.5″ more or less thick depending on the type of leather you’re using, and slice it down the middle leaving about a 1/4″ between the slit and the end of the leather and make your own tabs from the same leather. Just make sure your hole will fit the excess leather when you create your slip knot to your tag and then to your luggage!!
That way the leather will be sturdy and still look lovely at the same time. Or you could use large hair ties!
Just a thought!
It’s so cool how they look store bought!
http://everydayingrace.blogspot.ca/