Instead of using a hole punch to make paper lacing cards, we’re using an eyelet tool to make vinyl lacing cards!
It doesn’t take much.
Some vinyl or leather scraps, some scissors, some string/yarn/shoelace, etc. If you don’t have vinyl scraps, you can pick some up for pretty inexpensive at Jo-Ann or even cut up an old leather purse!
Oh and of course, you need a snap/eyelet punch tool like this one here.
I admit it can seem like a big investment for such a small project if you don’t already own one. It’s a great tool to have on hand for other sewing projects though, like for the details I added to the jacket I made here and the baby shoes I made here. My punch tool doubles as a snap tool, I just couldn’t find the link to it, but you can get it at Jo-Ann.
Okay, back to our lacing cards…Cut your vinyl or leather in the shape you desire. (I ended up only using my vinyl here, because I guess I am stingy with my leather ;)).
And then punch.
The punch tool is very easy to use, but requires some strength and coordination. My eight year old had a blast punching away with both hands unassisted. For my four year old, I ended up doing all the punching. (wow…out of context, this would sound very wrong… haaaa.)
You may have to pull off the hanging bits (or chads? ha) that don’t always completely break off with each punch.
I highly recommend using a shoe lace or some kind of cording to make lacing easier. You can also wrap a piece of tape around the end of whatever string you are using to prevent the end from fraying.
The unique aspect of these vinyl lacing cards is that it creates a lacing experience that is more akin to sewing, because it flexes and moves as you stitch. It can also make the task a little bit more challenging for the child who gets bored zipping through regular paper lacing cards.
Reid had a blast with his lacing card, as long as I didn’t try to instruct him in how to lace it. ;)
(Had to hold my tongue here…) :)
As we were making our cards, I thought it might be fun to make a quick little wallet with my oldest as well.
I helped with the cutting and punching this time, but let Owen work his perfect whip stitch magic on it and…
Ta da!
It has since become the favorite play wallet and has gotten filled with everything from play money to hoards of LEGO legs (don’t ask why Lego legs, because I don’t know).
We actually made these projects back in January, but I didn’t get around to blogging about them until now. The lacing cards have since become a staple boredom buster in our church busy bag. I admit that over the last few months, the novelty has worn off a bit, but if I hide them for a few Sundays and then bring them back out and “sew” with them, their interest often renews.
On another note…
With heavy heart, I give my thoughts and prayers to those affected by the senseless Boston bombing. I pray we may all embrace the goodness around us and love each other a little more fervently.
I hope today is a better day for you.
What a great idea, Delia! My boys would love this and it might even keep them busy for more than five minutes :)!
Oh, this looks like fun! I love the simple wallet idea… I wonder if my daughter would be old enough to make a little purse. =)
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This is a great idea. My son gets OT therapy at school and I think this will help at home.