How to Make a Leather Portfolio

A leather portfolio is like a large file folder used by artists to hold paintings, drawings and photographs. The use of the portfolio protects the artist's work so it is not damaged in transport. A leather portfolio ranges in size from 8 by 10-inches to 36 by 48-inches. The closure on a portfolio is either a tie or a zipper. The simplest portfolio to make at home is one with a tie closure from tooling leather. The tooling leather is stiff enough to protect the work, yet light enough to carry.

Things You'll Need

• 18-by-48-inch, 1/4-inch thick tooling leather
• Tub
• Luke warm water
• 2 18-inch long 1-by-2s
• 3, C-clamps
• 1-by-24-inch, 1/4-inch thick tooling leather
• Yardstick
• Water soluable pencil
• Leather punch
• Leather strapping

Instructions

1. Submerge the 18-by-48-inch piece of tooling leather in lukewarm water. Press the leather to remove all air bubbles. Allow the tooling leather to soak for 30 minutes.

2. Remove the leather from the water. Match the two 18-inch edges. Place the tooling leather on a clean, flat work surface.

3. Place an 18-inch 1-by-2 on each side of the fold. Clamp the boards in place using three C-clamps.

4. Position the leather portfolio so the C-clamps are along the top edge. Place the yardstick along the bottom edge. Position it 1/2-inch above the bottom edge. Locate the center, which is 9 inches. Place a mark at 6-, 6 1/2, 8 1/2, 9 1/2, 11 1/2 and 12-inches. Flip the portfolio over and repeat the process on the opposite side.

5. Punch a hole at each marked location.

6. Measure and cut the 1-by-24-inch strip in half to make two 1-by-12-inch strips. Place the edge of the ruler one-half inch from the 1-inch edge. Place a mark at one-quarter and three-quarters inches. Repeat the process on the remaining three 1-inch edges.

7. Punch a hole at each marked location.

8. Measure and cut four strips of leather strapping 12 inches long and two strips 18 inches long.

9. Line the holes on the end of one 12-inch strip with the holes on one side of the leather portfolio at the 6-, 6 1/2-, 11-, 11 1/2-inch marks. Thread a 12-inch strip of leather lacing through the leather strip, and the portfolio at the 6- and 6 1/2-inch mark. Thread from the front to the back, then from the back to the front. Pull the ends even and tie in a knot to secure. Repeat the process with the opposite end of the handle. Flip the portfolio over and repeat Step 9. These step creates the handles for the portfolio.

10. Thread an 18-inch strip of leather lacing through the holes of the top piece of leather at 8 1/2 and 9 1/2 inches. Thread from the front to the back, then from the back to the front. Pull the ends even. Tie a knot to hold in place. Flip the portfolio over and repeat the process on the opposite side.

11. Remove the clamps and 1-by-2s after 48 hours. This ensures the crease in the bottom of the portfolio is permanent.