Leather ID cuff!

My oldest son is four, and recently went on a field trip.  He was very concerned about 'losing' his group, and wanted a way to contact me if he got lost.  I debated some of the ideas I'd seen, but beaded bracelets don't really seem like something most boys would gracefully wear, nor would I trust the beads to stay on for months of use.

I finally figured out the idea the other day:

Leather ID Cuff.

I bought this set of leather stamps, the 1/4" Letters/Numbers kit from Tandy Leather. I looked at other kits that were fancier, or cheaper, or prettier, but the price point was good on this one, and I was able to find it at my local craft store.  Also, this set comes with the stamp handle - most others didn't.  Anyway, I got mine at Hobby Lobby - I prefer instant gratification to waiting on the mail.

I bought the smallest size of cuff available, which was tight on me and perfect on A. Mine were packaged by ReaLeather Crafts, at Hobby Lobby as well. It's about 7 1/2" long, and the snaps are set in a bit from the edges, so maybe 7" wrist diameter.

First, you dampen the leather, so it's soft and malleable.  I just wiped mine down with a damp paper towel until it flexed easily. The leather will darken a bit, but don't get it too wet.  It could dry in a potentially warped shape.

Then you line up your stamps how you want to on your leather.  Check your spacing, whether it's centered, the order of the letters, etc.  Make sure your letters/numbers are turned the direction that you want them.

Attach the handle to the first stamp you want to use. It just snaps on the end.

Then, you want to gently thwack (yes, scientific, I know) the top of the stamp handle, applying downward force to the stamp.   If you hammer too hard, you may get the outline of the edge of the stamp (in this case, a square).  I didn't let that bother me, but if it bothers you, keep that in mind. Note - the dents on the white are just dents in well loved foam board, don't fret. You don't hammer that hard!

You'll be holding the handle with your hand to do it - I had to take this picture with my other hand.  

Continue with each of the stamps you plan to use.

I put the name on the cuff, as well at my phone number where I can be reached at all times. No, you can't reach me with 411 - but I'm not sharing my phone number!

At this point, you can continue on and stain the leather, or any technique you like. I haven't worked with leather before, but on the first bracelet, I decided to use a blue marker I had on hand to color the top of the leather.  I picked a non-permanent one, but did made sure it wouldn't rub off when it was done.  The pigment soaked in pretty easily.

On the second, I used a silver Sharpie, and it gives it a nice, Army dog-tag style edge to it. Really cool.

Then just let it dry! You can seal it with something like Modge Podge if you like - I haven't, but I'm considering it.

My oldest is overjoyed (seriously!) to have this. He wants to wear it to school every day, in case he gets lost.  We've talked about looking for a security person/policeman if he gets lost, so this is an extra layer of help and security for him.

I think it's a great idea to ID your child and provide your phone number, any way you choose.  But for a boy, I have to say, the cuff looks awesome.

Thanks for coming over!

PS - I shared this at these great parties!