make and give // diy leather bow belt
I’m so stoked today, because it’s the first installment of a super-fabulous holiday series that I’ve got for you, stuffed with DIY gift tutorials for everyone on your list: Make and Give!
If you’re like me and haven’t started shopping yet (or would prefer to give something handmade anyway), boy did you ever come to the right place. Check back often over the next few weeks, because you don’t want to miss any of these gems. And to top it all off, you know I love a low-cost DIY, so they’re all pretty easy on the pocketbook. (Today’s cost me $2.)
So we’re starting with something that would be perfect for your sister or best friend (or a kiddo, if you want to make it in a mini size!). We’re getting all kinds of fancy and making a leather belt. Boom. You’ll need:
- leather strip 30″ long and 1/2″ wide
- leather scrap 6″ long and 1/2″ wide
- leather scrap 2 1/2″ long and 1/4″ wide
- scissors
- leather punch
- screw-back button stud
- strong thread & needle (and thimble, if you wish)
FYI, definitely see if you have a leather store nearby and check in their scrap section. They gave me my leather for free and I bought the hardware, which was my only cost. I had the leather punch and sewing materials at home.
Start by trimming your leather to the specified sizes. Keep in mind that these measurements are the ones I used for myself — I wear a size 8 (Gasp! I told you!) and a small top, and this belt fits comfortably around my waist. You may need to alter the length, but no other measurements will need to change.
Once your long piece is trimmed, punch a hole on one end large enough for the button stud to fit through. On the other end, punch a small hole and attach the button stud.
Sew the 6″ piece into a bow by folding both ends in toward the center and securing. Sew the remaining piece into a loop.
Insert the bow and the belt through the small loop and arrange the bow so that it hides the button stud when it’s fastened. The small loop should keep the bow taut in place.
Make it and give it! Merry Christmas! xoxo
This is such a cute DIY! I love this one and hopefully I can replicate it! =D
xo,
nancy
Thanks Nancy! Definitely try it out — it was so simple!
This is such a sweet DIY. Who wouldn’t love to receive this as a gift?
Love the photos too. So clear 🙂
x Elena @ Randomly Happy
this is so adorable. i can’t wait to make one for my sister! and ok, one for myself too. 🙂
Just found your site via PapernStitch. Love all your DIY, especially this one. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Esther! Glad you made it over to look around. 🙂