Leather Binky Clip DIY Tutorial

My schedule has been so completely different now that I have a 3 month old and a 6 year old than it was with just the 6 year old. It normally takes me 2 days to get a post finished; one day to do the project and photograph it and one to edit photos and type it up. You know how long it took to get this one finished? FOUR DAYS! Man. But today was the first day of school for Abi so hopefully we'll get back onto a more set schedule and I'll be able to get into the swing of things again. Summer is a routine killer isn't it?



These days I spend a good amount of time looking around for binky's that are strewn about the house. It was high time I made a clip to keep it where it needs to be. Not only could I make something I really need, but I could show you my new favorite crafting tool. And I'm not just saying it's my favorite. I use it all the time. Probably once a day or so. It's the Magnetic Cutting Mat from We R Memory Keepers.



I'm sure most of you have used a self healing cutting mat before. I use mine so often and for some many different projects I have three different rotary cutters; one for fabric, one for leather and one for paper. But my problem is, even with the straight edge ruler I get a crooked cut a lot of the time. I could be one of those people on the infomercial that just can't get it right no matter what. Most of the time the problem is that I let the straight edge slide a little as I'm cutting. It's pretty pathetic. But this magnetic one is fabulous! The magnets are so strong there will be no ruler slipping ever again.

So here is the Leather Binky Clip DIY Tutorial I made for Isaac. I made mine using leather and a few leather tools. I'll also try to give instructions for if you don't have the tools so you can still make one.



Supplies:
Self Healing Cutting Mat with Straight Edge and Rotary Blade (scissors work too but aren't as fun:) )
Leather
*Leather Cement or E6000 glue
*Hair Elastic
*Suspender/Mitten Clip
Leather Punch (or nail and hammer)
Rivets and Rivet Setter - optional

* = not pictured above



First you need to cut the leather into a strip 1 inch wide and about 14 inches long.  Here is where the magnetic mat and ruler come in handy.  You could put the ruler over the leather and turn the mat upside down and it would stay exactly where you put it.  No moving at all.  I love it!



Next, measure down from one end about an inch. Centered from either side punch a small hole with either the leather punch or the nail.



Now, thread the hair elastic through the hole like above.  Then apply the leather cement or glue.



Next, fold over the flap so that the elastic is sticking out the top.  The leather cement is extremely strong so you should be ok to stop there. But I went a step further and added a rivet to keep the elastic from pulling through.

So I have no idea where the picture for the next step went (I probably forgot to take a picture - blame the lack of sleep) but it's an easy enough thing to figure out.

Take the suspender/mitten clip and slide it about an inch down the other end of the leather strip. Apply the glue then fold over the flap (basically follow the previous step only with the clip rather than the elastic). Then add a rivet if you would like.



Tada!! A great little leather binky clip.  Isn't it great?  So simple for something that can save your life :).



And don't forget, if you would like to purchase a magnetic cutting mat like mine (or the new cool folding version that will be coming out soon!) you can use the code below for 20% off.



Disclosure: I am a member of the fabric team for LifeStyle Crafts/We R Memory Keepers. I receive products of my choosing in exchange for tutorials and projects shared on MissyDear. But I only share products I really love and would be using and showing you guys anyway. :)