DIY Graphic Leather Dog Leash
Homemade gifts are a great way to add a personal touch to your gift giving this holiday season. If you are looking for a DIY gift idea for a dog owner, this DIY Graphic Leather Dog Leash is the perfect Christmas craft to make. The neon twine is bright and fun, but you could also substitute in red and green twine for a more traditional holiday look. You can also change the paint colors to fit with the dog's (or dog owner's) personality. Stylish and simple to create, this DIY dog leash is a great way to include your furry friends in your gift giving this Christmas.
Materials:
- Leather Strap
- Black Paint
- White Paint
- Neon Twine
- Brass Swivel Ring
- Jewelry Wire
- Leather Crafting Tools (punch and awl)
- Paintbrush
- G-S Hypo Cement
Instructions:
1. Start by measuring out 6" sections and marking them lightly on the leather. Paint them alternating black and white. Be sure to use a high quality paint so that the color is nice and solid and really pops. When applying the paint use more of a pouncing motion than brushing so that the paint stays on the side of the leather and doesn't get onto the top or bottom.
2. Use a hole punch on its smallest setting to punch a series of 12 holes in 6 rows of 2. You can measure (and probably should), but you can also just eyeball it and mark where to punch by using the awl to poke a small hole.
3. After punching each hole, use the awl to get rid of any remaining leather bits that got stuck. This makes the lacing process much easier.
4. After punching the 12 holes on the end of the leather fold it over to where you want to attach it and use the holes as a guide to mark where to punch the matching holes. On this side fold over about 3 1/2" just enough to leave room for the clasp. On the other side, fold over about 9" to make a larger loop to use as a handle.
5. A note about lacing - it's really helpful to have a something to help thread and pull the twine through the holes. Cut a piece about 32" long and starting on the inside (unfinished side of the leather) thread it through the top two holes to the outside of the leather. The result should be that the center of twine is on the inside of the leather and two equal sized pieces are on the outside. Then switch those to pieces and bring them back through to the inside.
6. Next, bring each piece through the corresponding hole on the other side of the leather.
7. The next step is to make an X by crossing the two sides and threading them to the front side (the side with out the Xs) using the next lower set of holes.
8. On the front side, cross the two sides and then thread them back through the same holes to the back side (the side with the Xs).
9. This is one complete X. Continue by crossing the twine to make an X using the next set of holes and continue down the remainder of the leather. It's much easier if you let the twine + leather stay loose while you're working and then tighten the whole thing up like you would a pair of sneakers when you are finished.
10. At the end, tie a nice tight double knot and then trim the excess twine. Secure using glue - G-S Hypo Cement is perfect for this project because it has a needle thin applicator than can reach into the right place.
11. Repeat the lacing process to make the handle and then you're done! Take it outside and test for doggy approval!
Health Benefits of Dog Walking
It may seem obvious that walking the dog is healthy for your furry best friend and you, but you may not know all the benefits that come along with just keeping your pet in shape. Aside from keeping your pet’s weight controlled, walks also maintain a healthy digestive system. It will also decrease your dog’s destructive behavior if you find little Max or Buddy chewing up your shoes or running around knocking over furniture. Walking your dog more often will release that energy in an outdoor space rather than inside your home. While you may love your dog’s attention-seeking behavior most of the time, it can be distracting during meals or while you’re trying to work. Walking your pet will provide them with extra attention from you and make them feel loved and needed. These are also great ways to bond with your pet. You can’t forget about little fluffy’s mental health! Make this leash craft to give to your dog or a fellow pet lover for Christmas to promote doggy health.
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EditorLP
Jan 20, 2016
This is such a great idea... I want to make one for my own doggy and all of the other dog-lovers in my life!
thatismyusernamesy stemgoof
Dec 15, 2013
I don't know that I could do this one...but my niece would love it!
momsoncrafts
Dec 14, 2013
I don't have any domesticated beasts But if I did, I would make this leash.
Katclaws
Dec 14, 2013
Having lots of dog parent friends, this will be great for giving next year.
qtlilmisfitdoll 91 43475
Dec 14, 2013
I wuld love to make this for my little pup! I love making her things!
dmhanchur 9557756
Dec 14, 2013
What a cool idea. Its simple and easy to make so that anyone can start working with leather, This is definitely something I'm going to make!
fancylucy
Dec 13, 2013
This would be perfect for my dog Bugsy, who really could use a new leash, and what better than this stylish one.
dawnbon
Dec 13, 2013
What a cute idea to personalize a leash! I am sure any dog owner who received this as a gift for their dog would be pleased with the thoughtfulness.
ruthechidley 94193 94
Dec 13, 2013
Oh my goodness! Just what I've been looking for. We rescued a little toy poodle this year and we are so in need of a new leash. To make one for him would be great fun.
mbrentp 0069416
Dec 12, 2013
Our Dog Dixie would look so smart with a new lead. Fun to make and great gift idea for others too.
bporter795 3875414
Dec 12, 2013
my dog likes to chew on her leashes, this one would be more difficult to chew through....
melissahamlin 5597 756
Dec 12, 2013
Nice, I bet it is stronger than the leashes the pet store offers.
beautyinthegeek 96 73497
Dec 12, 2013
I've never worked with leather before, but it looks surprisingly doable
Weezie40
Dec 12, 2013
If I win this I would have to give it to my granddaughter since I don't have a dog but she does. She is also into crafts.
zekezac 2965335
Dec 12, 2013
I want these for my dogs and you could make them as long as you wanted!!
nlclouser 6329714
Dec 12, 2013
I do have a couple friends with dogs, and it probably would not be hard to finish before Christmas. Looks like it would be a fun project to do.
panhead61 4142198
Dec 11, 2013
personalize and bling..........never hurts to add the personal touch
stockangela 357510 8
Dec 11, 2013
Great gift idea for the dog owner on your list, or furry baby of your own.
pawpawslilpixie 04 47586
Dec 11, 2013
don't own a dog myself but might make a cute gift for my niece
katfeverforever 29 50839
Dec 11, 2013
What a terrific gift idea for all the animal lovers in my life.
yarning4asmile on Ravelry
Dec 11, 2013
this is really cute.. My yorkie would be stylin in this... as long as I can keep I from chewing on it... that dogs chews everything lol!!
kimella42 4205725
Dec 11, 2013
My cats would claw my eyes out if I put something like this on them, but it would make a nice gift to my sister for her little dog!
lorahelms 9515088
Dec 11, 2013
I think I could actually make this, and my little wiener dog would like it.
chanyebon 7064061
Dec 11, 2013
Since I don't have a dog, I would not make this for my family, however, I do have other family who have dogs and would love something like this. The instructions are very clear to follow, also.
ncephas07 4782331
Dec 10, 2013
i dont have a doggie but the basic idea can be used for making something else..
halona
Dec 10, 2013
I have 4 mini doxies and I need something like this for those short legged walks! The ones I have now are old and could use some revamping.
lisaroot 2156453
Dec 09, 2013
Not having a dog, I will probably adapt this idea to use as a purse strap, but I like the idea of using a fun and funky contrast color for the lacing.
schoolhouse57 0705 271
Dec 09, 2013
this looks like a wonderful dog project but I need some cat projects, everyone we know seems to be phasing out dogs and getting cats!
donaldsg 8508250
Dec 08, 2013
My dog would look so cute with one of these. A matching collar would be great too.
cimbri 0654920
Dec 08, 2013
I'd love to make this! My little Ginger would really sport this like a queen! *S*
allatti2d 0113179
Dec 08, 2013
Wow! I used to do leather crafts as a kid, made a bunch of wallets and things, but never thought about a dog leash! :) My daughter works with rescue dogs and dog-sits, plus she has 4 of her own (which count as my first grandkids). I'd love to do this, and get a little extra leather to make a matching collar. It would certainly look better than the sweater I attempted to make for one of them, that ended up making the poor dog look like a whirling dervish!!
barbabooie 0232740
Dec 07, 2013
As noted by others, it appears there is a bit of investment in leather working tools required prior to making this leash.
szajis 7195680
Dec 07, 2013
This would be a great craft to make but I believe I heard that leather tools are very expensive. I wonder if there is a place to buy used tools?
FoxannaDee
Dec 07, 2013
I have always liked to work with leather, but never thought about making something for my dog! This looks like fun, and I like the clean, contemporary look.
catskinner45 27610 35
Dec 07, 2013
We are thinking of getting a small dog as a companion. This would be a fun project to try.
normaellen 8082933
Dec 07, 2013
This looks so cool, some leashes are so flimsy but this one looks sturdy and fun to make.would love to win
dutchrvv 7408570
Dec 07, 2013
Not sure about the color scheme, but my dog would be stylin' with this!
Member 2136613
Dec 07, 2013
I like the idea of using special colors like for a sports team theme leash - cause we just can't seem to get enough sports team accessoreies around her (Hmm), Anyway, very cool priject
scubababs 8433908
Dec 07, 2013
This looks doable! Love the bright color stitching with the dark leather.
smallvillegirl56 7 109823
Dec 07, 2013
This is a cool way to give a more personal touch to the dog-walking routine.
Ma1030
Dec 07, 2013
I would make & give this to my Great Nephew who's getting a puppy for Christmas
misha327
Dec 07, 2013
My little Molly told me she want to be seen with this one-of-a-kind leash in our neighborhood, so all the gossiping old biddies will be jealous.
JackieF1017
Dec 07, 2013
This project looks so easy and fun. I would love to be seen at the dog park with my friend Scout with this lovely handcrafted leash.
Knittingdancer on Ravelry
Dec 07, 2013
The project looks great but don't think I would take the time to make it.
esbtucker 9764493
Dec 07, 2013
I don't have dogs anymore, but if I did, this looks like a great project.
thatismyusernamesy stemgoof
Dec 07, 2013
I've never done something like this. Looks interesting to try.
karenlacomb 080444 4
Dec 07, 2013
not sure if i don't like the finished product or just don't like the colors, but some cool techniques
rachelchocogirl358 6375479
Dec 07, 2013
This is a cute and simple gift for any dog lover. The best part is that it can be customized to fit the personality of any dog or owner
mkheadley49 074448 4
Dec 07, 2013
I would make a dog sweater for my Basset Hound, BooHoo Boone.
CSherry
Dec 07, 2013
Looks simple enough. Would make a very nice gift for that dog owner on your Christmas list.
jshel58 9885720
Dec 07, 2013
What a great idea for a pet gift. I would make one for my dog banjo and one for my moms dog pooky.
Member 4518751
Dec 07, 2013
I would love to make this. Would make a great project to work on like a snow day today. Thank you
macaskillbarbara 2 542091
Dec 07, 2013
This is so cool! Would absolutely love to make this!!! My goofy dog needs a ROCKING leash and collar to reflect his personality! Thanks for the chance to win these awesome prizes!!!
Granny Bobby
Dec 06, 2013
This is wonderful. Thank you for putting an elegant project on here for our 4 legged children. Now to get busy making them before Christmas.
alienpsychomom
Dec 04, 2013
Oh, I have a small poodle named Oliver. I would love to make this for him. It would be quite fun too. Looks like a new hobby.
elainejdick 605932 2
Dec 04, 2013
What a fab idea, not seen anything like this before, and so easy to do :-)
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