I love the idea of incorporating unusual materials into a party, from acrylic cocktail signs to clay save the dates and everything in between. I was super excited when Sakura of America asked me to come up with a fun project featuring their Pen-touch paint markers. I expect you’ll be seeing these markers in many future tutorials (they can seriously write on anything), but today I’m sharing the first project – DIY leather napkin rings perfect for a dinner party any time of year!
Sakura recently added a color line to the existing collection of white and metallic Pen-touch paint markers. We combined jewel tones – green and blue – with white and copper for a beautiful seasonal color palette. Carolyn from Matine kindly let me raid her leather scraps, including the most gorgeous navy and gold leather – but you can also find leather in your local craft store. I love love love the combination of the copper Pen-touch markers with the navy leather! Sakura’s Pen-touch markers are completely opaque, so you can write on dark surfaces (anything from paper to wood to leather) and the lettering will still be visible. We wanted a short, fun phrase to write on our napkin rings, so Michele from Meant to Be Calligraphy lettered the phrase “yum!” in our color palette.
Supplies
Sakura Pen-touch Paint Markers
Leather
Ruler
Rotary Cutter + Cutting Mat
Awl (not shown)
Twine + Scissors
Step 1: First you’ll need to cut your leather into strips (mine were approximately 6″ wide and 1.5″ tall) using your rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat.
Step 2: Write your desired phrase in the middle of the strip. You could also write a name instead of a phrase to transform these napkin rings into place cards!
Step 3: Using an awl, punch a hole on either end of the strip big enough to thread twine through (approximately 1/8″ in diameter).
Step 4: Thread twine along the back of the leather strip and through both holes. Tighten as desired and tie closed. Done!
Michele and I had so much fun with this project! I’ve always struggled with using paint markers in the past – the paint wouldn’t flow evenly, causing the paint to pool or splatter in places – but Sakura’s Pen-touch markers write so smoothly! They didn’t ask me to say that, it’s just the truth. I’m also a big fan of the fact that Sakura offers their markers in different weights, from extra fine (great for hand lettering!) to medium (for large scale projects). I’m hoping Sakura develops a chalk marker next!
Sakura is also kindly offering a giveaway to one lucky OSBP reader! One lucky reader will win a Pen-touch package including a 3 pack of Metallic Markers in Extra Fine Point and a 7 pack of Color Markers in Fine Point. To enter, just leave a comment below letting us know what you’d do with your Pen-touch markers! You’ll have until midnight EST on Wednesday, December 17 to enter before we pick a winner at random!*
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED – Congratulations to the winner, commenter #6: Tiffany!
Calligraphy: Meant to Be Calligraphy
Leather: Matine
Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper
This post is sponsored by Sakura of America. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help make Oh So Beautiful Paper possible!
*Limited to U.S. and Canadian readers only. Limit one entry per person. Please do not leave your email or web address in the body of the comment, only in the allotted boxes. $40 approximate total retail value. Winners will be contacted via email after comments close.
