DIY Pet Name Tags

Personalizing our pets is a fun way to not only showcase our love for them, but also to make them look even more adorable. There are a range of colors and styles nowadays on the market to personalize your pet in vast array of accessories from head to toe. I have been searching for leather nametags and when I couldn’t find them, I created my own. It turned out to be so fun and simple that I had to share it. Leather is such a rich looking material with a great texture that will showcase your pet’s name beautifully, along with elevating their look. Below are step-by-step instructions for upgrading your pet’s nametag to a personalized leather tag, to fit your furry friend perfectly. -Lindy
Click through for the full how-to after the jump!




Materials
-small piece of leather
-individual letter metal press made for leather (These stamps work well, too!)
-one key ring
-drafting tape (Note: This type of tape will not ruin the leather.)
-leather hole punch
-matte finish spray paint
-scissors
-one piece of paper (8.5” x 11” is perfect)
-hammer
-pencil
-damp cloth
-stencil template (Note: Standard size is for small to large dogs and smaller size is for toy dogs or cats.)

Steps:
1. Download and print the stencil template. Cut out the shape(s) you want to use.
2. Gather your material and set up on a flat, hard surface. (Note: Make sure your surface is not a surface that can crack when hammering such as stone, concrete, tiles, etc.)

3. Place the stencil you choose over the smooth side of the leather and trace it with a pencil.

4. Cut the piece of fabric out. (Note: It can be hard to cut such a small piece of leather, so use very sharp scissors.)

5. With a leather hole puncher, punch a hole at the top of the piece of leather. You want a big enough hole for the ring to go through, but not too big to overpower the piece.

6. Using the drafting tape (and ruler if you need), tape where you want the bottom of the letters to lie. This is to keep the letters straight when pressing them.

7. You may want to do a test run first. Using a damp cloth, rub the leather where you are placing the letters. This will help the letters press more easily into the leather. Set the letters up how you like. Using one letter at a time (check packaging if you need to), place the letter on the metal handle then set the letter how you want on the piece. They are so tiny, so make sure the letter is placed to your liking. Then, hammer the metal handle a few times. I suggest doing a test run first to make sure you know how your letters work. (It took me a few times to perfect.)
8. Grab the piece of paper, the piece of leather you are working with and finish spray paint. Go to a well-ventilated area. Place the piece of the leather on the piece of paper. Shake the spray paint container to the instructions on the back. Gently spray one side of the leather. You will want to do no more than two coats for the smooth side and at least four coats for the rough side. This is because the paint will show up, especially on the dark colors. (Even though the paint is clear it will create a white waxy look.) The rough side should become stiff. Let it dry completely on one side before flipping over. Dry completely before you go to the next step.

9. You are almost done! Place the key ring in the hole and you have created a tag! Place on your pet’s collar.

Some lettering packages come with numbers to add your phone number to the tags along with the name, if desired. How will you personalize your pet’s nametag? These are not only a great way to personalize your pet, but can also be fun gifts for all the animal lovers you know!


 

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