15 DIY Leather Craft Projects and the Tools You'll Need To Get Started

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The history of leather crafting extends all the way back to prehistoric times—when early man used leather for clothing, shoes, and even shelters. We don’t depend on the smooth and durable material for survival anymore, yet it remains a major commodity to this day. Prized especially for its versatility, leather can be cut, dyed, painted, stamped, or molded to your heart’s content.

The options are truly endless as to how creative you can get with leather, which also makes it a great material for DIY projects. If you’ve ever wanted to try out leatherworking for yourself but were too intimidated, then these simple DIYs are the perfect place for you to get started. Requiring little to no prior skill or knowledge of the craft, each individual project can even be completed in a day or less.

Not sure what tools you’ll need? We’ve got you covered there as well. And, if you prefer a more animal-friendly material, you can also complete these easy projects with leather alternatives—such as PU leather or other vegan leathers.

Read on for a varied selection of DIY leatherworking projects and tutorials for both novices and experts alike.

Want to try leatherworking? Here are 15 DIY projects to get you started.

Wrap Around Leather Heart Ring

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This cute little ring is ridiculously simple and probably one of the quickest leatherworking projects you'll ever find. It requires no sewing or tools, aside from a pair of scissors and a pen to trace the pattern. Find the instructions and downloadable pattern here.

DIY Leather Plant Hanger

This leather plant hanger is absolutely ingenious and offers another unique way to suspend your plant-babies in the air. Find out how to make one of your own here.

Leather Tassel Keychain

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This stylish keychain is deceptively simple to make. With just a pair of scissors and some glue, you've got yourself a new accessory! Visit this crafting blog to find out how.

Leather Earrings

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These earrings are a simple yet inventive way to make a statement. Creative Fashion Blog compiled the ultimate guide to crafting leather earrings of your own, so there's no need to wonder how it's done.

Leather Bird Ornament

These leather birdies are so cute and incredibly easy to make. Though they are used as an ornament originally, they would make for great keychains as well. There are no written instructions on how to make these, but this video makes the process very clear.

Leather Vase

Better Homes and Gardens never ceases to supply gorgeous DIYs that bring an eye-catching accent to any room. These clever vases are no exception, and they're not too hard to put together.

DIY Leather Desk Organizer and Catchall

Catchalls are very handy when it comes to organizing your cluttered desk. Why not class it up a bit with a leather one? In this tutorial, they even customized theirs by stamping it with a subtle reminder to “werk.”

DIY Leather Cord Organizer

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Though most people have transitioned to wireless headphones, there are still a few chords we have to deal with. Keep them from getting tangled or lost with these handy and cute cord organizers.

DIY Triangle Leather Pouch

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These leather triangle pouches are small and adorable, while also being functional. If you want to make one of your own, head over to Almost Makes Perfect for the instructions.

DIY Leather Envelope Clutch

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These envelope-shaped clutches offer you a convenient and cute place to stash all of your necessary items. The decorative interiors also give you a variety of ways to express your creativity with this DIY.

DIY No-Sew Leather Jewelry Pouch

These leather jewelry pouches would make a great gift, and they can easily double as a really cute coin purse. Honestly, the options are endless.

DIY Sewn Leather Pouches

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These three chic pouches are quite versatile. And, though they do require a bit of sewing, the assembly shouldn't be too complicated. In case you haven't done it before, this blog offers a few tips for sewing leather on a regular sewing machine. If you prefer, there is also the option of doing the sewing by hand.

DIY Leather Travel Tissue Pouch

It's always best to have tissues handy, but now you can add a little style to the necessary staple with these gorgeous travel tissue pouches. Leather seems to elevate this functional item almost to the level of an accessory.

Leather Wallet

This classic accessory is surprisingly easy to make. Though this project might be a little more advanced than the others on this list, it is still well within the reach of a beginner. Find the very detailed tutorial here.

Leather Bag

This project requires quite a bit of hand-sewing, but it is still quite simple—especially for such a stylish bag. People will be astonished to find out that you made it yourself.