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‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

working with leather

Leather 2

Leather 3 

Leather 4 

Leather 5 

Leather 1 

I found an old craft book a while ago from 1978 ('Crafts', edited by Mary Harding, Book Club Associates, London) and in it was a section about working with leather. I've not been drawn to leatherwork before, mostly because of my vegetarian tendencies (although I do eat meat occasionally and buy leather shoes but I make sure I'll wear them for a long time to get maximum use from the leather!) But then around the same time I bought a bag of recycled leather scraps from a leatherworker that would otherwise have been thrown away, and I really like the sturdy smoothness of the material. I've been slowly making various things from it: pencil cases and purses mostly. I like the way vintage lace looks when sewn onto the dark brown leather- it's a great contrast of textures. I made some new bags for this week's shop update from vintage fabrics, and added strong leather handles to them.

If i have enough scraps left over I might have a go at the plaited leather belt from the 70's craft book. The plaiting part looks fun but I'm not sure about the buckles, etc.

Hope you have a great Wednesday.

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25 responses to “working with leather”

  1. Ella Avatar
    Ella

    That first bag is amazing – I adore the fabric! I have loads of leather scraps that have been given to me and I’ve found thrifting and you’ve inspired me to actually do something with them… Some of them are quite small so perhaps I’ll experiment with some leather patchwork.

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  2. pneuwarum Avatar
    pneuwarum

    I’ve been making leather things recently, too. Like you, I’m a mostlyvegetarian but I confess that I love the feel and smell of leather.
    My old Kenmore sewing machine stitches through thick leather like a champ, though the leather needle certainly helps! I’d love to see a belt if you decide to make one. 🙂

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  3. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Last time I worked with leather was 1994, I was 14, and trying to make shoes for the rag-doll I was making in my sewing class. I think I broke 4 or 5 of my mum’s sewing machine needles before realising I needed leather needles! Oops!
    Love the idea of lace on leather, and am loving that striped cardigan in the top photo.

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  4. felicity.lingle@gmail.com Avatar
    felicity.lingle@gmail.com

    I love the juxtaposition of the leather and lace, really nice!!

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  5. Cinnamon Avatar
    Cinnamon

    We have a shoe maker in town that gives there scraps away for free. I had just read this post
    { http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2010/03/leather-leaf-cuff-how-to.html}
    from mayamade, who also just made a project with leather, and wanted to give her project a try. I think I’ll add purses and lace to the list! Yours are so lovely.

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  6. Gaby Avatar
    Gaby

    Oh, I have the same book! It was my mother’s but now is mine. I love your blog!

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  7. Gaby Avatar
    Gaby

    PD: mine is in spanish, of course :).

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  8. Daria Avatar
    Daria

    How beautiful your works with leather! I like the touch and precious sturdiness of that material.
    I took some leather scraps from some samples, but I don’t know how to sew them… do you work with a special needle? or just with your sewing machine?
    My mom has the same 70’s book… so vintage and inspiring!

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  9. caireen Avatar
    caireen

    That green bag is G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S !! cx

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  10. Margaret Oomen Avatar
    Margaret Oomen

    i have been thinking of working with leather and suede, repurposed from the thrift store or rummage sales. I think I should go to the fabric shop and get myself some new sewing machine needles for the job.

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  11. Eyecatchers Avatar
    Eyecatchers

    Just love the contrast of leather and lace (who would of thought? – but it works well!!!) – It kinda reminds me of that famous song by Stevie Nicks “Leather and Lace” – “tough” and “soft” (so-to-speak) working together to make something amazing!

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  12. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    very cool link- thank you!

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  13. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thanks, daria!
    i think a ‘leather needle’ from the sewing shop would be best. my leather was quite soft, so i could use a strong ordinary sewing machine needle without any problems, although i did sew very slowly. 🙂

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  14. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you c!

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  15. Nancy Cook Avatar
    Nancy Cook

    the little leather pouch with lace is really a unique look. i like it
    i too was thinking that is a song
    i’ve been a vegetarian for 24 years but have never been able to not buy leather shoes and bags

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  16. Yvette Avatar
    Yvette

    Beautiful Melissa – you always seem to come up with just the right combination of materials. It looks like the strands of leather for the belts are cut like ric-rac …
    I’ve found vests at the thrift shops where the fronts are leather. It is the raw leather, no smooth side, but that fits into the western life style in my area. Hmmm … now I think I can figure out something to make …

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  17. Hadley Avatar
    Hadley

    Oh, so, so awesome! They are gorgeous! Are you using your regular sewing machine with a special needle?

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  18. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    Your little leather creations are very easy on the eye Melissa – it’s interesting to see this slightly new direction. I agree the combination of leather and the vintage trimmings is lovely but it leaves me itching to hold them! I have always been tempted to try working with leather. I am now off to have a little browse x

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  19. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    Love it! my sister gave me an old pair of leather pants and I cut them up and made a purse out of them. It is my favorite bag now.

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  20. kaylovesvintage Avatar
    kaylovesvintage

    next time I see a good vintage craft book , I send it to you…will go hunting

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  21. Ami Avatar
    Ami

    I have a book with this exact page in it although it is not the same book. Mine is a book in a series I am trying to collect called ‘easy sewing and crafts’. I own 6 books currently in the series. they are fabulous! love your crafts:)

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  22. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar
    Denise | Chez Danisse

    I like the leather + lace combination. Very nice.

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  23. Jesselli Couture Avatar
    Jesselli Couture

    Handbags are not only to carry some stuff with yourself, these are status symbol these days. Bags are available in many colors and design, as you can have bags of same colors matching to your cloths. Here i am giving a link where you can have handbags of your choice http://www.jessellicouture.com/

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  24. Irmhild Avatar
    Irmhild

    i cut up P’s old leather jacket (bought 2nd hand and then worn to bits) because i couldn’t bear to throw out the soft buttery leather, bag handles are a great idea! if only my creating mojo came back…
    love your style!

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  25. auto glass Avatar
    auto glass

    Great find. I love the fabric of the bag. It’s gorgeous.

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