Okay, friends, I’m pretty stoked about this necklace I’ve been working on. See, I’ve been obsessed with tiny music boxes lately (oh, don’t even ask) and I’ve been trying to find a way to turn one into a DIY locket. Well, as it happens, I’m having trouble finding something big enough to fit the half inch deep movement (and if you know where I can find the right sized case, I’m dying to make a steampunk-style musical locket) so in the meantime, I decided to create my own leather covering for this tiny musical necklace. It’s less than 2 inches tall, and just under 3/4 inches thick. And yes, it plays music!
Pretty cool, right? I found some tiny music boxes, and ordered one that plays “You Are My Sunshine”. (That’s not an affiliate link, but I’m sure some of you will want to know where to get them.) And here’s what else you’ll need to make a music box necklace.
- Tiny music box with 5/32″ winding key
- 5-6 inch square (ish) of leather (I bought upholstery remnants at my local Tandy Leather, all oddly shaped and around 6 inches wide)
- Leather-appropriate glue (I’m loving Gutermann)
- 1/16 inch hole punch and scrapbooking brad
- 1/4 inch hole punch
- Pen or marker
- Scrap paper to trace a template
- Scissors
- 36 inch chain
- Needle and waxed linen
So, making your leather pouch will be up to you. Trace it out and practice on paper first, and choose your dimensions and how to shape it. I opted to make a slim top flap that tucked into a slit in the base of the pouch, But after wearing it for a few days, I got annoyed when it came untucked. I will recommend that you glue it closed – after a few days, I did just that. So don’t fuss with straps and flaps, just make a basic closure. When you’ve decided on your template, trace it out. The only hole you will need to mark off (don’t mind my photos) is the hole to accommodate the winding key, which will need to be a 1/4 inch hole (a standard hole punch size).
Cut it out, and wrap it around the music box, forming a 3-sided pouch. Glue it closed. For extra security, you can also punch a tiny hole through all 3 layers, and add a little brad, or a rivet. The glue will do most of the work, but the brad will make sure no stress gets put on it. Then, attach the chain at the top of the pouch with waxen linen (you will probably need a needle for this).
Slip your music box inside, and embellish the front, if you like! Some leather glue will do the job, or feel free to rivet or whatever you like. Glue the flap down. Then, all you need to do is add the winding key to the backside.
It’s pretty, it wears well, it’s not too heavy, and you can listen to a sweet song anytime you like!
The plastic casing on the music box is actually removable, so I’ve been shopping for a pocket watch case to slip the movement inside! I have found a few that are wide enough (it needs to be 1-3/4 inches wide) but everything else I’ve found is about 1/8 inch too shallow, boo! I want to put it together so that you can see through to the movement inside. If I find a source – you better believe I will share it (and if anyone out there knows where I can find such a case, leave a comment or drop me a note). Meanwhile, everyone will just have to be happy with this pretty leather pouch! UPDATE: I DID IT! I used an empty miniature Altoids tin for a perfect fit. You can check out the new musical locket by clicking here.
This little purse is adorable! I have one similar (no music coming from it) but I have been thinking about working on some similar little purses. This is a great idea for using the leather and how to assemble. Pinned for later, thanks for sharing!
Just so cool, I love ???? music boxes! I’m not to sure exactly what you need for your idea but I had the idea to use one of those new “Dome Pendants”. They are larger than the glass jewelry viles and you can see all around whatever you decide to put in it to decorate. Just a thought?! I think you get them at Beaducation, I ???? think. If it really is Possible this late?
Anyway, love your ???? idea and the clever YOU! I think we must be related or something. We would get along way too well and never stop laughing ???? when we were together. Whoa, I better go to bed. I’m getting weird again! ???? Take care and you probably better not print this to your site but, it’s ???? up to you?
Teresa Dalton
This is just too clever! I never would have thought of this.
Have you tried using a tin?…You can cut part of the top out and replace it with clear plastic, You would also be able to decorate the rest of the tin in steampunk There seem to be so many sizes and shapes available, either new or repurposed.
A friend of mine suggested just that yesterday! I can’t believe I didn’t think of it. and I think the mini Altoids tin will work perfectly. I just have to decide whether I want to make it over, or keep the up-cycled look. Thanks so much for the suggestion – I knew if I asked, I’d get more ideas!!