How to Make a Barrette Out of Leather

With a little bit of creativity and time, you too can turn a piece of ordinary leather into a beautiful barrette.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piece of leather
• leather cutting tool
• leather stamps (your choice for pattern)
• hammer or mallet
• wooden dowel w/sharpened end
• leather punch
• leather lacing (optional)

1. 
    

   You can if you choose to, buy an already precut piece of leather. If not, its rather easy to do, if you have the proper tools. All you need is a template of the shape you want (think oval, rectangular etc) and a tool that cuts leather. Certain craft shears or a heavy duty rotary tool will work just fine. You are going to want a fairly thick piece of leather for this so it holds its shape in your hair, nothing too flexible.

2. Lay your template onto the underside of the leather and outline it w/a pencil. Then take your tool and cut out the shape. Voila! That simple and you have your leather cut to the desired size. Easy right? Great now lets move on to the fun part!

3. 
    

   Next take your leather hole punch and punch out a hole on each side of the leather. You want to punch the holes on the short ends and make sure its the right punch size for your dowel to fit into.

4. 
    
   4 n 1 hole punch

   If you choose you can add a lacing effect on the edge of your burette and continue to wrap the entire circumference. The hole punch pictured here gives you a great way to make sure the holes for the lace are evenly spaced and since it 4 holes at once makes short time of your work. You just punch around the leather piece and then weave your leather lace into each hole until you reach the end and tie it. Make sure the tie is tucked back into the underside of the barrette into the lace so its not noticeable. Gives it a nice look but will look nice with or without it so depending on your time you might give this option a consideration.

5. 
    
   leather stamps

   Some of the ways to add effect to the leather are to use a leather stamp and a mallet. You very simple put them on the end of your stamping tool, place it on the piece of leather where you want it to be and tap the end with the mallet. The harder the hit the deeper the imprint.
   Whether you want a subtle look to your barrette in form of your monogram or something more detailed and intricate the option is yours. Get creative but most of all have fun doing it!

6. 
    

   Once you have the desired look to your barrette just insert your wooden dowel into the holes on each end. That is it, your done!

[francisfour]

on 8/28/2009 This is very creative. I am trying this out. Thanks!!!!

[blakeurban]

on 8/11/2009 Always a pleasure to read. Evern more wonderful ideas, I can do with the kids. 5 stars, you know your stuff.