{ What I MAde #24 - Leather Sketchbook }

What I Made # 24 - Leather Sketchbook.

I got a sketchbook for my trip to Cambodia. It contains lots of memories and has also became some sort of an art journal - sketchbook - idea book. When I came back to Hong Kong, I decided to make a leather cover for it since it is a very good size to work with, small enough to carry around all day, and can be replaced at a reasonable price. Here is what the end result looks like. I have also included a rough sketch of the pattern used here.  Material needed: a piece of sturdy leather, sketch paper, scissor or cutter, wax thread, leather craft tool for punching holes, sewing needles, embellishment and snap button.  Take measurement of your notebook or sketchbook, mark down on a piece of paper. Mine is roughly 11.5cm x 15cm. Add 0.5cm margin to both the top and bottom. Wrap a piece of paper around the sketchbook and make sure you have enough material before cutting the leather. Take a rough measurement of your pens to determine where the cuts for pen slot are going to be, the width and length of the cut. (Part E of the sketch) Also determine where you would like to add embellishment on the cover, then mark down the measurement for the snap button strip  to be cut from the back cover ( Part F of the sketch ) Cut out the paper and trace the measurement and marks onto a piece of leather. Punch holes and add on the embellishment, cut the pen slot and snap button strip.  Add the snap buttom, fold along the two lines and glue the margins together. (Part A and B together, same for part C and D) Wait till completely dry. Then punch holes along the 0.5cm margin line to sew the cover together. Finish!! Enjoy :) Experiment and see what different designs you can come up with.

{ What I MAde # 23 - Two Face Zipper Pouch }

What I MAde #23 - Two Face Zipper Pouch.

I call this "two face" coz I used different leather pieces and designs for the front and back. (Well honestly I was trying to use up some of my leather scrap...) I made this before Christmas 2011, but forgot to post about it. I use it mainly as a small pouch for my rings, bracelet and other things to keep in my bag.  I didn't write a tutorial for it since it is quite simple and easy to make. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. Take Care :)

{ What I MAde #19 - Leather Bookmark Nov 24, 11' }

What I MAde #19 Inspired by Cliprite.

What you need: a piece of scrap leather (mine is about 19cm x 2.5cm and 1mm thick), ruler, cutter, needles, nylon thread, some sort of punching tool. (I use a set of leather craft punching tools, but they can be easily replaced with other house hold items.) Decide the words and font you would like to use before cutting the leather strip. You may need a larger or smaller piece. Leather strip can be replaced with fake leather as long as it is sturdy but not too thick.

Punch holds along the side of the leather strip. Sew. Decide which side is the front side of the bookmark. Punch holes on the front side. Depending on the size of the strip. The distance between the punch holes is 4mm for mine. Sew in the letters. Cut a slot at the back, put a paper clip in. Sew at least 4 holes at the middle of the bookmark to hold it together. Done! :D Sew in any letters you like and this will make a great gift for book lovers in your life.