I have jars of buttons all over my studio and I’m always brainstorming different unique ways to use them. I recently ordered some leather cuffs from Dharma Trading and thought the buttons would be a great way to embellish them.
These leather blank cuffs are a great base for a project since the hardware is already attached. The best part is they are really inexpensive and precut!
I used Angelus Leather Dye and Dye Reducer to dye the leather:
I mixed the leather dye and reducer in a small bowl:
Then I used a cloth to apply it to the the leather. Two coats worked perfectly:
I recommend using gloves when dyeing…..I’m always too impatient, but I don’t mind walking around town with discolored hands.
Once the leather was dry I took a sanding block to distress it. If you want it smooth and supple you can add wax or softener and buff it. I left mine plain because I wanted it slightly dry and distressed:
I sorted out a selection of buttons in a tan, brown and muted palette:
To apply the buttons I used an small 1/16″ scrapbook hole punch, a sharp needle type tool, an embroidery needle and DMC thread:
I placed my first button on the cuff and used the sharp tool to mark where I needed to punch holes:
Using a skinny scrapbook punch I punched the small holes using my marks:
It’s easiest to mark several buttons at once……
……and then move them off the cuff, but keeping them in the same order as you punch your holes:
It only took me about an hour to sew all of these buttons on and I love how eclectic and earthy the cuff turned out!
More leather cuff ideas to come soon!
Super cute! Good to know the hole punch will work through the leather too!
These are great! And I LOVE Dharma trading! I’ll have to go take another look around their site!!
Love this idea….now to find some leather bracelets that are close by..
very clever! and they are beautiful
love it!
this is awesome – i too love how earthy is. once again, i’m amazed by how many different talents you have!
love it and want it!!!!
i love it! I think this might be my Christmas present this year to all the girls in the family!!!!!! I always give handmade!!!
Wonderful!
Another great idea and tutorial: thank you!!!
This is fantastic. Thanx!
Esther.
I love how you are a down to earth girl who doesn’t mind getting her fingers dirty! Can’t wait to make this.
Blessings!
Hello Ashley
I have just discovered your blog and I love it! This is a great tutorial too. I had a go at making a cuff myself and published it on my blog . I plan to add your blog to my blogroll as I think you do fabulous things 🙂
Keep up the great work 🙂
Martine
I have jars of buttons all over my studio and Iâ€m always brainstorming different unique ways to use them. I recently ordered some leather cuffs from Dharma Trading and thought the buttons would be a great way to embellish them.
It’s sure nice to know there are affordable ready made cuffs. My hands have a hard time doing things (darned old arthritis) but I still like to make things like your awesome button cuff. Just think of all the objects you could put on those puppies, get that thinking cap working. (Of course I’ll have to allow for some senior moment interruptions.)
Great tutorial and project.