What are some of the dynamic uses of leather in DIY projects in Nigeria?
Leather is an interesting material, and there are creative ways it can be used. It is regarded as a luxury no matter the quantity or use. Whether it is a leather belt, bracelet, bookmarker, etc., it is seen as valuable and highly regarded.
You may have access to a leather shop or have a piece or more that you bought. Therefore, you are seeking ways to make them into items that will serve you as fashion accessories, home accessories, etc. There are many do-it-yourself leather projects you can execute at home.
These projects do not require a specific type of leather; therefore, you can use full-grain, top-grain, or genuine leather and still have useful items.
Leather is produced using animal skin and is also known scientifically as collagen protein. In this article, we will discuss the five creative uses for leather in DIY projects in Nigeria.
1. Mouse Pad
The first on our list is a leather mouse pad. I believe that every user of a computer mouse has at least once had a time when the mouse couldn’t work perfectly because the surface was too smooth. At that point, you wished there was a way to have the perfect surface for your mouse.
A leather mouse pad does the job excellently, and you can easily make one for yourself.
To make a leather mouse pad, you would need:
- A piece of leather
- Needle and a strong thread
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil or chalk
- Sandpaper
How to make a mouse pad
Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the size and shape of your mouse pad. Mark the dimensions with a pencil or chalk and cut it out with a cutting tool. Smoothen the edges with sandpaper. You can customize it and then test and start using your mouse pad.
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2. Key Holder
Many of us have been in a situation where we misplaced a key because it was not on a holder. The smaller the key is, the more difficult it is to safely keep it without a key holder.
But the positive news is that you can easily make a beautiful leather keyholder for yourself at home with simple tools and a piece of leather scrap.
To make a leather keyholder, you would need:
- A piece of leather scrap
- Keyrings or keychains
- Hole puncher
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Pencil or chalk
- Leather glue
- Snap fasteners
- Sandpaper
How to make a Keyholder
Use your measuring tool, either a measuring tape or ruler and a chalk or pencil to measure and mark out the dimensions you want for your keyholder on the leather. Always use a cutting tool to cut out the marked dimensions. Use a hole puncher to create a hole in the strap for the key ring.
Fold the leather straps and hold them together with leather glue, and then fix your key ring in the hole. Use sandpaper to smoothen the edges and add snap fasteners. Customize your keyholder if you want, and it’s ready for use.
3. Bracelet
Your appearance can be greatly improved with a leather bracelet. No matter how tiny a leather piece is, it can make your appearance better because it is perceived as a luxury material aside from the fact that it is beautiful, durable, and reliable.
A tiny piece of leather on your wrist can be all you need to grab that attention; therefore, easily make one for yourself at home.
When making a bracelet, you would need these items:
- A piece of leather
- Measuring tape
- Hole puncher
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Snap fasteners
- Pencil or chalk
How to make a bracelet
Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your wrist and add about 1–2 cm extra for fastening. Place a tape on the leather and mark it with your marking tool. Cut the marked area out with scissors. Smoothen the edges with sandpaper. Create a hole at both ends of the strip with a hold puncher and attach the snap fasteners. Your bracelet is ready.
4. Belt
The belt is another leather DIY project you can try. A belt is an essential item. It doesn’t make you appear smarter but also makes you comfortable.
Making a belt is not as tasking as you might have imagined. With a few tools and your leather, you can make one for yourself at home.
Below are the items you would need and the steps to follow to make yourself a leather belt that will not only be fashionable but also a confidence booster.
- Leather strip
- Belt buckle
- Leather hole puncher
- Rivets
- Sharp utility knife
- Sandpaper
- Ruler and measuring tape
- Pencil or chalk
- Stitching needles and threads
How to make a leather belt
Use measuring tape to measure your waist circumference and add between 6 and 8 inches for overlap and possible adjustments.
Use a ruler and pencil to mark the length of the leather. Cut out the marked area using a utility knife. Fold the end of the leather and create a hole with a hole puncher. Use the leather hole also to create belt holes after marking out the points with chalk.
Smoothen the edges with sandpaper. Test it, and your belt is ready.
5. Smartphone Case
Smartphone case is one of the most creative DIY projects you can design with leather in Nigeria. This is one of the leather projects that doesn’t easily come to mind but still fascinating.
Making a leather smartphone case is fascinating for many reasons, such as the luxury look and feel it would give to your smartphone how many smartphones use a leather case?
Also, leather is a durable and reliable material; therefore, you will get better and longer-lasting protection for your phone.
It is rare to see a leather smartphone case, but that doesn’t mean it is difficult to make one.
In fact, with a few tools and your piece of leather, you can conveniently make one for your phone at home.
Below are the tools and steps for making a smartphone case using leather.
- Leather
- Sharp utility knife
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Stitching needles and threads
- Leather glue
- Scissors
- Hole puncher
- Pencil or chalk
- Sandpaper
- Your smartphone
How to make a leather smartphone case
Place your smartphone on the leather sheet and mark out the dimensions. Factor in the camera holes.
Use a hole puncher to create holes. For stitching, use a needle and thread to stitch the leather pieces together. Apply leather glue between the pieces to strengthen the bond. Trim off the thread remnants with scissors and smoothen the edges with sandpaper.
Your smartphone case is ready.
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Conclusion
There you have them—five creative uses for leather in DIY projects in Nigeria that you should try out today.
Get the needed tools for your projects, such as sandpaper, scissors, leather glue, ruler and measuring tape, a hole puncher, a utility knife, etc.
Optionally, you can use a leather conditioner to brush the surface to give it that shining effect. Also, if you know how to dye leather, you can dye it.
Leather may not be cheap, but it is durable and would probably serve you for many years.
Would you like to purchase upholstery fabric, leather or tarpaulin in Nigeria? Contact any of the Nestken Masters’ offices in Lagos or Aba. Call or send WhatsApp message: +2348039388366