Crafternoons are craft parties that can be thrown together quickly with projects that may be completed in four hours or less. You throw on an old movie, whip up a batch of cocktails, and lay some newspapers down. Each guest brings basic supplies with them and you provide the space, tools, and snacks. Allow 2-3 hours for snack prep and encourage help with the setup and cocktails from your crafty friends. Directions are good for 8 guests.

Spring has arrived and it’s time to dust off your party slippers. Before you and the crew head out dancing, how about a little jewelery making? This project is fun to make, unique, and quick to finish. So much nicer than the ones with studs. Plus, no sewing required. What could be better than that?

You’ll Need To Provide:

* 2″ paper strips (made of white letter sized paper)
* cutting mat (matteboard will work but should be secured to work surface)
* ruler (metal is ideal)
* awl or small hole punch (optional)
* pencils and ball-point pens

Guests should bring (you too):

* lightweight leather scraps at least 8×3″ (thrift store mens wallets are perfect)
* scissors
* oil paint markers or sharpies (optional)

Preparation:

Cut 2″ wide strips of paper to use as cuff templates using papercutter or artknife and metal ruler. Make at least 2 for each guest.

How To:

Guests need a partner for the measuring part. Wrap a paper template around wrist and mark measurement clearly with pencil. Repeat for other person with a new template.

Add 1/2″ to that measurement and draw a line. Check the new size. There should be “room to breathe” but not loose. Adjust fit to your preference. Cut strip to size.

Your cuff template is ready to use. If you want to get creative and make it zig-zig or wavy, go for it. Just cut it out the template before you proceed.

Place your leather rough side up (this is the back). Lay your template on top of your scrap leather, making sure to leave at least an 1″ to make long strips for the ties. Trace the pattern with a pencil. If you have dark leather, you might find that a ballpoint pen is easier to see.

Cut out the cuff with your scissors.

Take the remaining leather and cut out 4 narrow (1/4″) strips of for the ties. These don’t have to be exact.

Using the awl or hole punch, make 4 holes at the corners of the cuff. They should be approximately 1/2″ in from each edges.

Fold one of the ties in half and feed the loop through a corner hole. Bring the two ends through loop and tighten. Repeat at each corner. Tip: moistening stiff leather with a little water can help ease it into position.

Decorate it with oil markers if you like.

The cuff is done! Get a friend to tie it on for you. Or tie it loose and slip it on.

Variation: Use velcro or snaps as fasteners. Just be sure to add extra width to your template before cutting the leather!