This is a quick and easy leather project. In fact, it’s a great beginner project for leatherworkers just getting into the craft. You can make one shelf in about 30 minutes. Plus, only a handful of tools and supplies are needed, making this a great budget-friendly leather project. Make these shelves for yourself, or make them as a gift.
While making these leather strap shelves, you'll learn some essential leather crafting skills that you can use on future projects. Here are just a few of the techniques you'll quickly master:
- How to cut leather.
- How to glue leather pieces together.
- How to dye and condition leather.
- How to sew decorative stitches.
- How to bevel and finish leather edges.
These DIY leather straps are completely customizable. We chose to dye and sew our straps for a more finished look, but if you like the look of natural veg tan leather you can skip these steps.
Sailrite® stocks undyed vegetable tanned leather in several weights and hide sizes. Choose from leather sides, leather panels and leather belly. We even offer a one-pound bag of leather scraps so you can practice dyeing, tooling and stitching without sacrificing your project leather.
What did you think of this beginner leather project? Do you have suggestions for more leather craft DIYs? Leave your project ideas in the comments section below. Your suggestion might become a future Sailrite Workbench video!