SPORRAN TASSEL CAPS (make your own)

**Tarheel** · 21st July 16, 12:10 PM

I was given a groundhog (marmot) pelt this week. I made plans for a sporran that will have tassels (a first for me). I was sitting in my den, pondering tassel construction. I leaned back in my chair and let the ceiling fan wash cool air over my heated and frustrated brow. There above me was the solution.

Here is the pull from the controls of the fan.

Since the wife won't let destroy anything in the house without replacing it, I drove to the market to get new pulls. I opted for chrome.

Out of the package, I found the center to be ceramic.

They break quite easily.

I taped up the metal, placed one end into my vice and unscrewed the small end using a vice grip wrench.

I removed the chain (with the locking device inside the cap) and saw that there is ample room for the tip of a fur tassel and the leather thong that will pass through the same opening and connect to the sporran.
Here is the cap without the fur or thong.

The dimensions and weight are ideal for my needs. I plan to construct a sporran based on a design by our member Mike S. I'll show the finished product when done.

**cck** · 21st July 16, 03:31 PM

Several years ago, as a bit of a tongue-in-cheek venture, I made a fur sporran with tassels done with shell casings.

**Mike S** · 22nd July 16, 11:52 AM

Someone posted on the forum awhile ago the excellent suggestion that one could utilize nickle plated cake decorating tips as tassel caps.

**Tarheel** · 22nd July 16, 05:41 PM

Here's the update. The tassels before I finish the sporran.

**uncle remus** · 24th July 16, 06:40 AM

Those are beautiful tassels. I can't wait to see the finished product!!

**Tarheel** · 25th July 16, 07:43 PM

The bag is finished and here are the tassels attached. The flap will be brown (more a roan color).

**Bluescelt** · 27th July 16, 09:17 AM

I like the way you think Tarheel! I have repurposed some items in my sporran projects too. Keep a sharp eye out for items that might possibly be useful in the future.

**Tarheel** · 27th July 16, 12:17 PM

Now that the flap is attached, I am thinking through the clasp. Here are the loose pieces of hardware.

I plan to arrange them thus; bolt through large washer then piercing the sporran from the inside. The small washer and small lock washer tightens the bolt to the bag from the outside. The section of rubber tubing slides onto the bolt to hide the threads and protect the loop of leather strap (yet to be attached to the flap). The brass (threaded cable end) barrel attaches to the bolt. This will prevent the loop of leather from slipping off.
Here is the bag and flap before the clasp is on.

I'll have several belt (waist strap) options available all ready.