Waxed Cotton & Leather Mens Apron

This project is about six months in the making. I intended to make a mens canvas and leather apron, and have it ready to present to El Granto for our 3rd anniversary (the leather anniversary). That came and went, and I hadn’t moved beyond…well…thinking about making it. Fast forward to the beginning of February. Winter had officially set in in Canada, and it was so bloody miserable, one couldn’t fathom leaving the house. There is only so much Netflix and takeout a girl can handle before snapping and dragging out the sewing machine.

Only six months late, I was finally able to give El Granto his waxed canvas and leather apron. Perfect for wrenching on his motorcycle, or tinkering in the garage.

DIY Mens Leather and Waxed Canvas Apron

DIY Mens Apron DIY Mens ApronDIY Mens Leather and Waxed Canvas Apron

How To:

Cut a 36 1/2″ x 25 1/2″ piece of canvas. Fold it in half lengthwise. Measure 5 3/4″ from the fold on one short side. Mark with chalk. Measure in 15 3/4″ in on the long side, starting the measuring from the same short end you previously marked. Draw a concave curve between the mark on the short side and the mark on the large side. Cut through both layers of fabric along your curve.

Using an hot iron, roll and press a 3/8″ double hem (fold in 3/8, iron, then fold it over again and iron) on all the raw sides. Top stitch a 1/4″ hem all around the edges with a matching thread. That is now the base of your apron complete.

Using a mixture of melted beeswax and paraffin, wax the canvas. **I will be back with a whole post later in the week on how to wax canvas**

Cut your leather pieces to size (see cut list below). On the small pocket of leather, fold in one short side 1 1/4″. Stitch through both layers of leather on the folded side, 1″ in. This will make the pencil pocket.

Place the small pocket 4″ below the top of the apron, and centered. Topstitch with a 1/4″ hem along the pencil pocket stitch line, then the bottom and the other side. This pocket will hold a carpenters pencil or sharpie, as well as screws, nails or nuts and bolts.

Leather Waxed Cotton Apron

Place the large bottom pocket 18″ from the top of the apron and centered. Topstitch (1/4″ again) around the sides and bottom of the large pocket. Measure in  1 1/2″ from the right side hem of the large pocket, and mark. Mark again 1 1/2″ from the first marked line. Continue this another two times.

Topstitch along the marked lines. This will make the smaller pockets to hold wrenches, screw drivers and other long skinny tools. The larger pocket will hold an assortment of miscellaneous stuff (i.e. a rag, a notebook, an Allen wrench etc.)

DIY Mens Apron

Fold the D ring pieces of leather (see measurements below) in half and punch two holes on the end of each piece. Punch two corresponding holes in one side of the apron as well as one side of the top of the apron. Place two D rings on each piece of leather. Line the holes in the pieces of leather with the holes in the apron. Place a rivet post through each set of holes, and using a rivet tool, hammer in place. [Rivets are easy! Just place the post of the rivet through your materials, then set in the concave rivet setting tool. Place a rivet cap on top of the post. Using the setting part of the rivet tool, hammer the rivet in place.] The D rings will allow you to thread a piece of leather between them, to easily secure the leather apron straps.

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On one end of the neck and waist apron strings fold the ends over 1/2″ and punch two holes. Rivet to the neck strap to the top of the apron, on the opposite side of the D rings. Rivet the waist strap to the opposite side of the D rings.

Punch holes and rivet where the pockets meet the apron. This will ensure a long life to the apron, and take the abuse your man is sure to hand it.

Thats it! The waxed canvas and leather will weather and patina, growing nicer with age. The man in your life will thank you for making him such an awesome man apron, and for saving his clothes from motorcycle grease or saw dust. Not to mention having a place to stash a tape measure or screw driver.

DIY Mens Leather and Waxed Canvas Apron

Now…I want to make one for myself.

 

SOURCE INFO:

Materials:
Navy Blue Cotton Canvas – Designer Fabrics
Scrap leather – Designer Fabrics (all pieces were purchased from their scrap and trip leather bins, for a grand total of $1.50 spent!)
Bees Wax – The Bee Shop
Paraffin Wax – Michaels
Rivets – Michaels
1″ D Rings – Amazon

Cut List: (for a large mens apron)
36 1/2″ x 25 1/2″ piece of canvas (body of apron)
6 1/2″ x 13″ piece of leather (large pocket)
5″ x 7 1/4″ piece of leather (small pocket)
2 – 1″ x 2 1/2″ piece of leather (D Ring holds)
1″ x 25″ piece of leather (neck strap)
1″ x 30″ piece of leather (body strap)

Tools:
Fabric Scissors
Measuring Tape
Square
Leather Punch
Rivet Tool
Double Boiler
Blow Dryer

Difficulty Level (on a scale of 1-5):

three out of five

 

Total Time: 1 day

Total Cost: $27

 

 

10 Awesome Handmade Gifts

Holy cow, December is upon us, and I am slacking in the Holiday department. I better get off my tush and start making my handmade gifts for this year. If I am this far behind in my holiday gifting, I thought you may need a hand. I have rounded up a few of my favorite DIY gift projects that we have made in the last few years. Happy crafting!

Kristen’s Awesome List of Handmade Gifts

 

Maple and Oak Cutting Boards

Maple & Oak DIY Cutting Boards

These boards are a fab gift for the foodie or the entertainer. You can make them a traditional shape, or simple & modern. This gift also goes beyond the holidays, and is great for a house warming. Check out the how to here.

 

Cutting Board Oil/Wax

Cutting Board Oil and Wax

While you’re making your cutting board, make up a batch of Cutting Board Oil/Wax and a pretty tag, and give it along with the cutting board. This oil/wax is the perfect wood conditioner for all your wooden items. From Grandmas vintage salad bowl, to your every day wooden spoons. See the how to here.

 

House Shaped Candle Holder

House Shaped Candle Holder

This makes for a perfect housewarming or hostess gift. Its a small gift that you can give in addition to a bottle of wine, or just a little something for a teacher or coworker. Check out the how to here.

 

Beer Can Carrier & Custom Pint Glasses

beercarrierWEB

This is the gift for the beer lover in your life. You know you have one. Pair it with their fave beer, or better yet some new microbrews. Check out the how to here.

 

Wood & Nail Bottle Opener

DIY Wood and Nail Bottle Opener

This is another good man gift. Its also a small enough that it can slip easily in a stocking, or pairs well with a six pack at a holiday party. Check out the how to here.

 

Chevron Cheese Board

Chevron Cheese Board

Another awesome board, but this time just for cheese. This chevron cheese board is perfect for setting up a cheese tray. You can arrange one or multiple boards along the center of a table and let your inner foodie out. This is the perfect gift for the entertainer in your life. Pair with a nice cheese knife, and a bottle of wine, and expect to be invited over for the next party. View the how to here.

 

Custom Door Mat

Custom Door Mat

A custom door mat is a great for the newlyweds, or a first time homeowner.  Heck, its even a great gift for the in-laws. For a classic look, use a monogram, or for the hipster in your life consider a cheeky saying. Check out the tutorial here.

 

Custom Mailbox

Custom Mailbox

A custom mailbox is another great home owner gift. You can personalize it with their address, or their family name. See the how to here.

 

Wooden Bath Table

DIY Bath Table

This is a gift perfect for the overworked, stressed out people in your life. Bathtime (when you’re over the age of 8) is a time for relaxation, and a moment of peace and quiet. Pair the bath table with some swanky bath products or a fluffy robe and a bottle of time, and the Moms, sisters, or athletes in your life will love you forever. Bonus points if you offer to take the kids/dog/whining husband out of the house so they can really enjoy their bath. Check out the super simple instructions here.

 

Concrete Clock

DIY Concrete Clock

Last but not least is the awesome concrete clock project we showed you earlier this week. It would be a great gift for your secret santa, your city dwelling brother, or surprise your spouse with it for their office. See the full tutorial here.

 

I hope these ideas help you out with your handmade gift ideas! Happy gifting!

10 Awesome Handmade Gifts

 

DIY Concrete Clock

I’m so excited to share today’s project! It’s something I’ve wanted to make for over a year. When I first started talking to Jeremy at Buddy Rhodes about making our concrete counters, he told me to take a look at his portfolio of work. He wanted me to be inspired by the awesome stuff you could do with artisan concrete, and to brag a bit about how awesome he is.

One of the first projects of his that caught my eye was a series of concrete clocks. I sent him an email saying something along the lines of “omggggg I need to make a clock!” said in over excited girl squeal. He kept saying clocks were easy, and after we pour our kitchen including a badass one piece waterfall countertop, I will be able to make a clock in my sleep. But clocks seemed like such a big project. So much so that I never tried to make one. Then a few buckets of Buddy Rhodes 10lb artisan mix showed up at my door a few weeks ago, with a few curse words gentle push from Jeremy to get off my butt and make something. So I made this:

 

DIY Concrete Clock

DIY concrete clock! It was so easy. Really truly so easy. Here’s how I did it:

Milwaukee M18 Hammer Drill  + Mixing Paddle + Small Bucket + 10lbs Buddy Rhodes Artisan Mix

 

photo 3(3)

I sourced a mold in a shape I liked. I went with a $1 Christmas Snowman cookie tray from the dollar store.

photo 1(3)

The only other item I used for my mold was an empty plastic screw container. It was the perfect size for a inset in the back of the clock for my clock works. Note, you don’t even have to do this, your clock works can totally stick off the back of your clock.

photo 2(2)

I mixed up a small batch of the BR mix, with a teaspoon of coal coloring & a dash of water reducer. This is also optional. The water reducer will let me put less water in the mix, but still get a nice workable mix. I used coloring to get a grey color, but the BR mix is bone white, and If you don’t want to tint it, you don’t have to. The mix has no large aggregate (gravel) so it can be made into tiny or thin molds without issue. I mixed up my concrete with a paint mixing paddle from the hardware store. My Milwaukee Hammer Drill made quick and easy work of mixing.

photo 3(1)

Once it was to the viscosity of a milkshake, I poured it into my mold. I filled it 3/4 full. I inset in the screw container, and weighed it down with a jar of Vaseline (Vaseline can be used as a mold release, so I had it on hand. I’m not a creepy weirdo who keeps Vaseline in their basement workshop for no good reason).

photo 5(3)

I gave it a shake to level everything out, and a bit if vibration from a palm sander. I covered with plastic sheeting, and left to cure in our nice warm basement.

I had a bit of extra mix left over, and I also had some simple silicone molds nearby, so I poured the excess in to them. (I will show you how they turned out next week.)

The next day I unmolded it by very carefully flexing the tray until it popped out. This is what it looked like after unmolding.

concrete clock demolded

It was almost perfect, except you could just slightly see the outline of the snowman design. To remedy this I lightly wet sanded with 400 grit diamond hand sander. In hindsight, I would have not sanded. The finish was even more perfect before sanding, and I don’t think you would have seen the snowman after a quick buff. Where I did need to sand however was the back of the clock. I evened things out and took off any roughness around the edges.

Next we drilled out a hole for the clock works. Note, each brand requires a different size. We used one from Lee Valley, and it required a 5/16 hole. We purchased a masonry bit, marked the center of the clock and got drilling.

Drilling hole in concrete for clock works

I applied four coats of Buddy Rhodes satin sealer with a lint free cloth. After the sealer dried, the clock & hands were quickly installed with the provided hardware (read the directions for your brand). My clock works came with a hanging attachment, which wrapped around the clock works. It saved me figuring a way to attach a hanger to a piece of concrete. I opted to not apply any hour indicators to keep it more modern, but adhesive ones are sold in the clockmaking isle at your local craft store. For my next clock I think I may just put one number on. Perhaps a three? You can also make your own with adhesive vinyl. If you’ve got a craft cutter, you can easily make anything you’d like. Heck, even make an Alice in Wonderland clock with wonky numbers. (Storing that idea for LATER!)

The clock has a nice polished concrete surface, in fact, it’s so polished its hard to photograph. I have tried the clock in a few places in the house. Here is is against the black wall of our powder room. I love the contrast.

Completed DIY Concrete Clock
The concrete surface is nice and uniform with a few tiny bubble holes where I could have given it a bit more vibration. Honestly, if it was any more perfect it would look like plastic, so I don’t mind the imperfections much.

detail shot of concrete clock

Overall I’m very happy with the results, and am itching to make concrete clocks for everyone for the holidays.

DIY Concrete Clock

SOURCE INFO:

Materials:
Clock Works $5.40 – Lee Valley
Clock Hands $1.95 – Lee Valley
10lb bucket Buddy Rhodes Artisan Concrete Mix – $18.95 (one bucket would easily make 3-4 clocks)
Buddy Rhodes Water Reducer – $25 (optional)
Buddy Rhodes Coal Coloring – $9.85 (optional)
Buddy Rhodes Satin Sealer – $45 (optional – this will last you for a ton of projects, we did our countertops and still have a bunch left over)

Tools:
Milwaukee M18 Hammer Drill
Bucket
Paint mixing paddle – Paint isle at the hardware store
Buddy Rhodes diamond hand sanding pads
Trowel for scraping bucket
Dust mask (wear during mixing)
Rubber Gloves (concrete dries out your hands)
Plastic drop cloth
Masonry drill bit (the size recommended for your clock works)

Difficulty Level (on a scale of 1-5):

two out of five

 

Total Cost: $25

Disclosure: Buddy Rhodes sent me a sample of their new mix, with no obligation or compensation for me to post about it.

Handmade Holiday – Custom Beer Glasses & Carrier

Handmade gifts are one of my most cherished things. When someone spends time creating me the perfect gift, it means more to me than if they were to have bought me the most expensive gift around (except maybe an Audi R8, I’d jump in front of a bus for one of those.) Creating the perfect gift is rewarding both for the giver and the givee. Nothing is more awesome than the look on someones face when you give them the most badass gift around. To give you a helping hand on your quest for the epic gift, today a group of Canadian bloggers are showing you their best handmade holiday gifts for under $25. Check out #CDNHandmadeHoliday on social media to find some great gift ideas. Want to see what we made?

Custom Monogram Pint Glasses & Beer Carrier.

 

Wood Beer Carrier & Monogrammed Pint Glasses

This gift is a remake of an old classic. Starting with our simple beer carrier plans, we made a pine carrier with brass nails, and added a brass bottle opener.

Wood Beer Carrier

The holder will hold six short or tall cans, six bottles, or three bottles or cans and two pint glasses.

beercarrier3WEB

Next we created some custom monogrammed etched glasses. Using our Silhouette SD and a piece of adhesive vinyl, we cut out vinyl stencils.

Cutting Vinyl with Silhouette Stencil made with adhesive vinyl

The stencils were applied to the pint glasses, and firmly burnished in place. Masking tape was applied around the stencil to make sure no errant etching cream got on the glass.

glasses ready for etching

The etching cream was applied with a paint brush while wearing gloves, and left on for ten minutes.

Applying etching cream to glass

Then it was washed away and glasses dried. The simple yet classic monogram is the perfect addition to the classic pint glass.

Custom Monogrammed Beer Glass

The carrier & the glasses were all made for under $25! Just fill with your friends fave beer, and show up to your Holiday party like a boss.

SOURCE LIST:

Beer Carrier:

Materials:
Pine (1×6 x 2′) $3
Poplar (1/4″) $2
Dowel (3/4″) $2
Brass Finishing Nails $1
Bottle Opener – Target $5

Cut List:
2 – 9″x5 3/4″  – 1″ thick Pine
2 – 2″x 9 1/2″ – 1/4″ thick poplar (sides)
2 – 2 5/8″ x 9 1/2″ – 1/4″ thick poplar (bottom)
1 – 9 1/2″ dowel (handle)

Tools Used:
Miter saw – Milwaukee 12″
Combination Square
Drill – Milwaukee M18
3/4″ Spade Drill Bit
Orbital sander – Milwaukee
Measuring Tape

 

Etched Custom Beer Glasses:

Materials:
2 – Pint Glasses – The Bay $4
Etching Cream – Lee Valley -3oz $8

Tools Used:
Vinyl stencil – Silhouette SD
Paint brush
Gloves

 

Difficulty Level (on a scale of 1-5):

two out of five

 

Total Cost: $25

Wood Beer Carrier

What do you think? Would you like to find this gift under your tree?

 

Check out the #CDNHandmadeHoliday projects from other awesome Canadian bloggers:

Mason Jar Leather Lantern – NorthStory

Fabric Handmade Gifts – Rambling Renovators

Needle Felted Wool Socks – Fynes Designs

DIY Winterberry Branches – Vin’yet Etc

Homemade Sweater Mittens – Life is a Party

Pottery Barn Inspired Advent Calendar – New House New Home

Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph Towels – SewCreative

Mini Yarn Wreath Christmas Tree Ornaments – A Pretty Life in the Suburbs

Santa’s Sleigh Gingerbread Cookie Garland – Kitchen Counter Chronicles

DIY Anchor Fridge Magnets – Swell Conditions

Cranberry Pear Relish – Time with Thea

Burlap Photo Frame Display – Joy in Our Home

DIY Felted Bowls – Bear & Lion

DIY Beaded Star Ornament – lifeovereasy

Handmade Clipboard Photo Book – Personally Andrea

Handmade Holiday Decor – Brooklyn Berry Designs

DIY Housewarming Candle Holder

Nothing says housewarming like lighting things on fire… right? It is called houseWARMING after all.

No no, this post isn’t about burning your friends house down, but I will show you how to warm it with a small (controlled) flame.

Meet my adorable housewarming gift idea; the DIY Housewarming Candle Holder.

Continue reading “DIY Housewarming Candle Holder”