The summer travel season is almost upon us and I can’t wait to pack my bag and head off on a tropical vacation. Not that I have one planned, but I am heading out to Los Angeles in a few weeks and needed a serious luggage tag upgrade. My current paper one from my past flight just won’t cut it anymore! So I created a watercolor leather luggage tag to use instead. Plus they can double as keychains, which is super awesome if you ask me. And they are a perfect quick gift, too!
If you are planning any trips at all this summer, don’t you think your luggage deserves a pretty tag?
Materials:
-leather rounds (these are 3″ ones I cut from a sheet of craft store veg tanned leather)
-watercolor paints (these gels are available at the craft store and work so well on leather)
-paintbrush and palette
-keychain clasp
-pliers
-hole punch
-gold paint pen
-colorful tassel (optional – available at the craft store)
Step 1: Begin by adding your watercolor gels to your palate (or paper plate in my case!) and add a few drops of water to each color to start to dilute them and turn them into more of a watercolor pigment.
Step 2: Use your paintbrush to draw up a bit of the watered down paint and gently add brushstrokes of color to your leather rounds. If you want a very light color wash, spray the leather rounds with a bit of water first. Then when the paint hits the water, it will swirl and create a watercolor effect. Feel free to use just one color or pick a few different colors to add to your tag.
Step 3: Once painted and dry, use the gold paint pen to add your initial or monogram. A regular pen can be used on the back to add your name, address, and phone number.
Step 4: The final step is to punch a hole with your hole punch and use the pliers to add on the keychain clasp and tassel with a jump ring.
As you can see, they are quite simple to make. Now it’s time to plan your next vacation so you have an excuse to make a few new watercolor luggage tags! xo. Kara
19 Comments
This would make such a lovely gift for my parents. They travel monthly for leisure and their suitcase could use a little makeover! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Never seen a more stylish luggage tag, I need to make that one!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Wow. It will be unique accessories for bag. I will do it in my leisure =)
So cute and simple! I’m quite boring and just use the luggage tag that comes with my grey luggage. LOL!
Eva | http://www.shessobright.com
Love these! So cute; where did you get your tassels and ring/clips? Thanks so much
I got them at Joann stores in the jewelry section.
These luggage tags are so cute!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
OWN WATERCOLOR LUGGAGE TAGS look so beautiful!
These are so cute! I love the marbled effect too!
Wonderful!
Debs @ https://tiger-mint.com
Oooh I’ve been looking for some cool travel crafts to do with my younger cousin this month and this one is perfect – so cute!
Gorgeous!! What a fab DIY to make as gifts!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
What a cool idea! On my last vacation, I just bought unique luggage tags but these are SO much better and more unique! I just bought a stamp kit that I’m stupid-excited to try out… could I stamp leather rounds?
Sure! That would give it such a fun look!
“palette”! “palate” is in your mouth, your sense of taste so to speak. Sorry, but I’m compulsive about spelling.
Love this tutorial because I’ve been wanting to “paint” some leather, and now I know how. Thanks!
Really cute idea and so pretty too!
These are so pretty! Thank you for sharing the tutorial.
Love these, they are really cute!
Hi! These are so cute! I would love to do a DIY Class for my international residents who travel a lot. How did you cut the leather Keychain into 3inch circles? Do you have a tool that you used?
I am making these luggage tags as gifts for girls going on a senior trip. It is so fun & they are beautiful!