10 Creative Ways to Use Leather Scraps: Easy DIY Projects for Beginners

Do you have a bag of leftover leather bits sitting in your craft room? Don't let them go to waste! Leather is a durable, premium material that looks better as it ages. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or a total beginner, these leather scrap ideas are perfect for turning "trash" into treasure.

Here are 10 simple and chic leather projects you can finish in under 30 minutes.

• Step 1: Cut a leather strip roughly 1 x 3 inches. Trim the corners into a rounded shape for a professional look.

• Step 2: Use a leather punch or a sharp awl to make a hole about 1/4 inch from each end.

• Step 3: Install a metal snap fastener (button) through the holes using a setter tool.

• Step 4: Simply wrap the leather around your folded cable and snap it shut to keep your bag organized.

2. Geometric Corner Bookmarks

• Step 1: Cut two identical right-angled triangles (2 x 2 inches is a good size).

• Step 2: Place them perfectly on top of each other. Use a tiny bit of leather glue on the edges to hold them in place.

• Step 3: Using a thick needle and waxed thread, sew a simple straight stitch along the two shorter sides (the edges that meet at 90 degrees).

• Step 4: Leave the long side open so you can slide it onto the corner of your page.

3. Modern Leather Drawer Pulls

• Step 1: Cut a sturdy leather strip about 1 x 5 inches.

• Step 2: Fold the strip in half so the ends meet. Punch a single hole through both layers of leather at the top where the ends meet.

• Step 3: Remove your old cabinet knob. Insert a decorative bolt through the leather loop and then through the hole in your drawer.

• Step 4: Tighten the nut from the inside of the drawer to secure your new designer handle.

4. Boho Tassel Keychains

• Step 1: Cut a 3 x 4 inch rectangle. Use sharp scissors to cut thin fringe lines from the bottom, stopping about 1/2 inch from the top edge.

• Step 2: Cut a very thin strip of leather (3 inches long) and fold it into a small loop through a metal keyring.

• Step 3: Apply glue to the top (uncut) part of your fringed rectangle. Place the loop at one edge and roll the leather tightly around it.

• Step 4: Secure the end with glue and hold for a minute until set.

5. Durable Suede Cat Teaser

• Step 1: Cut 5 to 7 very thin, long strips of suede or soft leather (about 10 inches each).

• Step 2: Bundle the strips together and tie them tightly to a long piece of elastic cord or sturdy twine.

• Step 3: Attach the other end of the cord to a wooden dowel or a bamboo stick using a small drop of heavy-duty glue.

• Step 4: Ensure all knots are tight so your cat can play safely without the strips coming loose.

6. Essential Oil Diffuser Jewelry

• Step 1: Use a cookie cutter or a stencil to trace a small shape (like a leaf, circle, or star) on the leather and cut it out.

• Step 2: Punch a tiny hole at the top. Insert a jump ring and attach it to an earring hook or a necklace chain.

• Step 3: Rub a drop of your favorite essential oil into the flesh (the fuzzy back side) of the leather.

• Step 4: The leather will naturally absorb the oil and slowly release the scent throughout the day.

7. Scalloped Leather Coasters

• Step 1: Trace a 3.5-inch circle on a thick piece of scrap leather (use a wide glass as a template) and cut it out.

• Step 2: To create the scalloped edge, use a small coin (like a dime) to trace half-circles all the way around the perimeter.

• Step 3: Carefully trim along your marks with sharp embroidery scissors.

• Step 4: Optional: Rub a little beeswax on the edges to seal them and give the coaster a finished, premium look.

8. Loop Curtain Tie-backs

• Step 1: Cut two long leather strips, approximately 1 x 12 inches.

• Step 2: Fold each strip into a large loop so the ends overlap by about an inch. Punch a hole through both ends.

• Step 3: Position the loop around your curtain. You can either screw the leather directly into the wall stud or hang the loop on a decorative brass hook.

• Step 4: Adjust the "drape" of the leather to give your curtains a relaxed, modern aesthetic.

9. Mini Succulent Plant Wraps

• Step 1: Measure the height and the circumference of your small plastic nursery pot. Cut a leather rectangle to these dimensions.

• Step 2: Punch 3 small holes vertically on both of the shorter ends of your rectangle.

• Step 3: Wrap the leather around the pot. Use a thin leather cord or twine to "lace up" the holes, like a shoe, and tie a knot at the bottom.

• Step 4: This creates a removable sleeve that hides the plastic pot while adding a rustic touch to your shelf.

10. Braided Leather Wristbands

• Step 1: Cut a leather strip 0.5 inches wide and about 8 inches long.

• Step 2: Cut two slits down the length of the strip to create three strands, but leave the top 1 inch uncut to keep them joined.

• Step 3: Braid the three strands tightly. Once you reach the end, punch a hole through the braid and the top solid section.

• Step 4: Use a small metal stud or a simple knot to fasten the wristband around your arm.

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