How to Make Small Leather Scrap Projects

Leather's supple texture and sheen adds a luxe touch.

Leather adds a durable and luxe touch to everything from apparel and accessories to home decor, but it can be pricey. Leather scraps are a versatile material you can use to create your own high-end leather items inexpensively. You may have leather scraps from previous projects at home. If not, you can purchase leather scraps inexpensively at many craft and fabric stores, or from online leather suppliers.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Pencil
• Leather punch
• Hammer
• 6.5 mm jump rings
• Pliers
• Chain
• Clasp
• Spray adhesive or stapler

Instructions

Scrap Leather Necklace

1. Cut your leather into five to eight interesting geometric shaped pieces. The size and shapes are totally up to you. Go big and bold, or small and delicate. Lay the pieces out on a flat surface and move them around to get a configuration you like.

2. Mark holes with a pencil where each piece connects to the next. Mark a hole on the outer edge of the two end pieces where they will connect to the chain.

3. Place your leather punch on top of each pencil mark and hammer the end until it breaks through the leather.

4. Connect each piece to the next by looping a jump ring through the hole, then through the hole of the connecting leather piece. Close the rings with pliers.

5. Connect the two outer leather pieces to the chain by running jump rings through each hole and through the end of the chain. Close with pliers.

6. Attach the clasp to each end of the chain using jump rings. Close with pliers.

Leather Picture Frame

1. Cut leather scraps into geometric shapes or strips. Use leather in different colors for an eclectic look, or go with sleek black or brown for a more modern frame.

2. Remove the glass and backing from an inexpensive or old picture frame.

3. Spray the frame with adhesive spray and place each leather shape or strip onto it, pressing down and stretching to get a tight fit. Overlap shapes or strips slightly so the frame is completely covered.

4. Wrap pieces around to the back of wooden frames, pull tightly and staple in place. For metal frames, spray adhesive on the side of the frame and press in place.

5. Trim any excess leather.

Tips & Warnings

• For an earthier looking necklace, hang your leather scraps on a hemp string or piece of twine instead of a metal chain.

References

• Wanted Again: Leather Scrap Necklace Tutorial
• Steve's Digicams: Making a Leather Picture Frame at Home