Maybe when you think of tassels, your mind conjures visions of curtains, heavy window coverings or erotic dancers, but in reality they can be used for so many more things. Hang tassels from your handbag, your shoes, from a necklace, on your dog... okay, maybe your pooch wouldn't dig it, but pretty much anywhere else is good to go! Because let's be honest, who doesn't love tassels? They are fun to play with and are a cinch to make. Here's how to whip up your own snazzy leather tassel key rings.



MATERIALS:

Leather or vinyl scraps
Strong fabric scissors
Ruler
Chalk or fabric marking pencil
Extra hold or leather glue
Key ring/split ring



INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Measure out a 14cm x 4.5cm rectangle of leather from your scraps.



2. Using the chalk, measure and mark a line 4.5cm from each end.



3. Starting from the top of one side, cut slits in the leather (from the end and finishing at the line you drew) to create the fringe. Try to keep them a uniform thickness.



4. Repeat on the other end so that both sides have a fringe.



5. Cover the centre of the leather with an even coat of glue.



6. Carefully fold in the leather from the bottom (around 2cm from the edge). Hold and let dry. Fold in from the top, over the first fold and hold firm.



7. Slip the leather through the split ring and set aside, then cut a skinny strip of leather, around 5cm long and 2mm wide.



8. Fold the leather in half, lining up the bottom of each set of tassels, with the split ring in the centre of the fold.



9. Drop a little dab of glue just above the fringe on one side and press the middle of the skinny strip of leather into the glue. Hold to secure.



10. Wrap the skinny piece around the whole tassel and pull firmly. Glue the two ends together and hold to secure. If you feel you would like extra hold, sew a couple of stitches through the wraparound piece.



Not only will your friends be jealous, you'll never lose your keys again.