4 Easy DIY Leather Scrap Projects (No AI - Handmade from me)

I often hang out on Pinterest and share a lot of my work there. I understand how algorithms work and how clicking on a pin will flood your feed with similar ones. What surprises me - and not for a good reason, is the amount of AI generated images that usually direct viewers on some blog post, titled as handmade, DIY, handcrafted, supposedly giving you ideas for crafts you can try.

But they are impossible to make. Because they are not real.

I'm not anti-AI - AI is a tool and the result of your work depends on how you use your tools (obviously) but it drives me nuts seeing this. I have been a beginner (who hasn't?!) and landing on pages with DIY crafts that are AI generated and therefore either impossible to make or the outcome has nothing to do with what's shown, is discouraging, frustrating and unethical too. Why waste people's time, dude? Give them somehting they can truly make.

Anyhow, here are 4 easy DIY crafts you can make with your leather scraps.

The thing with leather, is its price. It's an expensive material and sitting with a box of scraps with no future it's sad! There are tons of small leather goods you can make. Today I'm going to show you 4 of my most recent projects.

They are not perfect at all and it doesn't matter. They're flexible ideas that you can use for inspiration and adapt to fit your own skill level, scraps and other materials you might have.

(Well done Kate, very professional of you. Me googles the names of the tools to add more credibility to my post - Heavy Duty Leather Hole Punch Hand Pliers, Snap Button Fasten Setting Tool)

Complementary materials: High-quality leather glue, magnets, Posca pens, waxed/macrame cords.

Let's Go!

1. Boho Slide-On Loop Bands

These are my favorite "fidget" bracelets. They combine the rugged look of leather with the cheerful vibes of macrame. They are simple, stackable, and super fun to wear! They have no bulky hardware or clasps, you just slide them on. If they have an official name, let me know 🤭

Quick Steps: Cut a strip of thick leather approx. 25-27 cm long (this fits most average wrists 16-17 cm) The thicker the strip, the better. Punch one hole at each end of the strip.

Thread a strong waxed cord (or macrame cord) through both holes to form a loop. Tie a secure knot.

Decorate: Use simple square macrame knots over the cord and the connected edges. You can cover the entire band, half of it, or swap colors. 

2. Scrap-Leather Flower Magnets

Teardrop is possibly the easiest shape you can cut with your scissors. I usully draw the underline and follow the design to cut it. You can make them in any size you want, depending on how you're planning to use them. 

Quick Steps: For the base, take a small round wooden craft circle (the thin plywood kind), but a thin leather circle works too.

Cut 5-6 teardrop shapes from colorful leather remnants for the petals.

Glue the petals around the wood circle.

Glue a smaller leather circle, another wood piece, or even a fancy leftover button in the middle to hide the petal ends - I used a failed keychain attempt, a small, badly cut circle with a laser engraved calligrapchic "believe" on it.

Glue a strong magnet to the back if you want to decorate your fridge or any otherwise boring appliance. Skip the magnet and punch a hole on one of the petals, attach a cord and make it a bag charm.

Pro Tip: Mix textures and colors! A metallic leather petal next to a matte suede one adds amazing depth. Just make sure you use the thinner scraps you got.

3. Custom Flower-Shaped Snap Buttons

Why use a plain metal snap when you can turn it into a design feature? This is a great way to add a fresh look to a plain pouch, small bag, wallet or even to create fun cuffs, like this:

Quick Steps: Cut a simple flower shape from thin suede or upholstery leather (hint: a cookie cutter makes a great stencil!). I used a cookie cutter as a stencil, and drew the smaller flowers by hand. Depending on the thickness, you can make your flowers with 2 or 3 layers.

Punch: Make a hole exactly in the center of your leather flowers.

Set: Install the top part of a snap button set through the flower.

Attach: Install the bottom part of the snap onto your project (a wallet, cuff, or bag).

That's it!

4. Hand-Painted Shoelace & Hair Charms

These little oval tags add a "boutique" feel to your sneakers or hair accessories. They are tiny canvases for your creativity.

Why You'll Love Them: First of all, you don't need to cut your tags in oval shape. You can make them rectangular too. The size is again a matter of personal taste, materials availability and use - smaller for shoelaces, bigger for scrunchies etc. They are super easy, super fun and super cute. Yes, super versatile project! 

Quick Steps: Cut small ovals from light-colored leather.

Use acrylics or Posca pens to add a floral design, or let your imagination do the work for you. Simple polka dots with contrasting colors, abstract geometric shapes, stamps - your choice.

Punch one hole on each horizontal side of the oval (3.5mm and above works best if you want to use them as shoelace ornaments).

For Shoes: Thread your laces through the holes at the bottom or top of your sneakers.

For Hair: Slide a hair elastic or scrunchie through the holes, a silk ribbon, or leave them without holes and glue them on plain aligator hair clips.

Real Projects, Real Results

Unlike the "perfect" (and fake) AI images going around, you can see the simplicity and versatility of each one of the 4 DIY projects using your leather scraps. With just the basic tools, small remnants and a creative mind, you can come up with many more ideas to make your own beginner friendly leather creations.  

I’d love to see what you make! If you try one of these, tag me in your socials or leave a comment below. Happy Crafting!

[Read Next: Truly Handmade VS "Handmade" - The real deal!]