DIY Steampunk Gun Holster

For those who know me, my fetish for hip holsters (regardless of who’s wearing them–men & women alike are somehow more attractive to me with a hip holster strapped around their waist & leg-I blame Han Solo for this) but I digress. I’ve always wanted a hip holster and this Halloween I was determined to steampunk one of my very own.

Steampunking on a budget can be tricky and oftentimes we have to sacrifice quality for fit. I found a really great holster for 9.99 at a local Halloween store. It was imitation leather, but that worked to my advantage. I was able to easily manipulate the fabric and sew on accessories. So let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need:

Imitation leather gun holster (sourced from your local Halloween store; mine is a kid’s Indiana Jones holster–very appropriate, since I seriously love both Solo & Dr. Jones!) Mine came with a gun too; if yours does not, then you will need to purchase a toy gun. Water guns make excellent steampunk guns when painted. Here is a DIY that I love on steampunking toy guns.
Needle & Heavy thread (to match your leather and preferably, the kind used for coats)
Long Springs (upcycled from a local flea market)–You can substitute any straight metal material here: wire, typewriter keys, or even chain
Medium Grandfather clock gear (or reproduction gear)
2 large jump rings (and flat nosed pliers)
15-20 small Clothing Snaps (sourced from flea markets, but you can also go to any Fabric or Sewing store)–Mine are black, but you can also use silver
1 large Clothing Snap (optional)–I used mine to disguise the modern plastic snap on my holster. You could also substitute an ornate button here if you wish
1 Long metal pin (optional)–This gives your holster a little feminine flair. Choose any pin or brooch you like.

Steps:

Before sewing, lay out your springs on your holster & figure out their placement. I wanted mine to create a striped pattern so I spaced them a 1/4 inch apart. Once you’ve got all of your springs placed, sew your springs onto your holster. Be sure to tie sturdy knots & cut off any excess thread. Hide all of your knots on the inside of your holster. (Side note: I wanted one of my springs to curve a bit, and so I placed a couple of stitches in the middle of the spring so that it would keep a curved shape.)
Place your pin above your springs. A large, long pin works best because it covers the tops of your springs.
Next, sew on your clothing snaps. Sew them in a pattern that you like. I alternated larger & smaller clothing snaps for a more textured look.
If desired, sew on your large sewing snap or button (over the holster’s plastic snap to hide it). This step is optional.
Last, using your flat nosed pliers–attach your gear to your pin with your 2 jump rings. Now hook to your belt & rustle up some trouble like the airship cowgirl (or cowboy) you are!