How to create a leather case

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A woman’s handbag is more than just an adornment; try a bank, filing cabinet, make-up counter, pharmacy, security blanket and a record of her daily life − all wrapped up in one rather spunky package. Mary Poppins would definitely win in the capacious handbag stakes, but not by much − an army of women with bottomless carryalls are hard on her heels. The only negative aspect of a roomy tote is the wear and tear inflicted on items such as cameras, mobile phones and documents. These leather cases are easy to make, can be colour-matched to your favourite bag and are perfect little gifts.

Handmade gifts become unique and personal treasures.

Download a template that can be adjusted to size, here (PDF). 

You will need
Soft leather (calf, goat or pigskin); one piece of fabric for lining; fusible webbing;
1 rivet; ruler; scissors; leather punch; hammer; pencil; iron; scalpel (all from craft stores).

1. Use our template to cut the leather to size. Lay the leather flat as a diamond, with the suede side up. Place the relevant object, such as a camera, on its back so it lies along the horizontal line between the two side corners. Fold the sides in to the middle so they just overlap and mark with a pencil. Fold up the bottom and top corners so they also just overlap and mark. Rule a straight line between each of the four marks so you have either a square or rectangle, then cut to size.
2. Layer the lining fabric and the fusible webbing together then place the leather on top with the suede side up. Trace around the leather then cut the fabric and webbing together. 
3. Place the leather flat with the suede side up. Layer the webbing and lining fabric, pattern side up, on top. With the iron set to a low heat, press the layered materials until the three layers have fused.
4. Place the sandwiched leather flat on the table and lay the relevant object on the centre of the square. The corners of the object should lie approximately halfway along each of the straight sides and slightly to the centre. Mark where each corner lies, use the ruler to draw a V from the corner point to the edges. Cut the V away − you should be left with an elongated cross.
5. Use the hammer and leather punch to place a hole in each of the four points. If you have used a thicker leather, use the ruler and scalpel to mark a crease between each of the inner corners. Bring the two side corners in to the middle, then fold up the bottom corner. Use a rivet fastener or prominent leather stud to secure the three points together. Place the object inside, then slide the hole in the top corner over the stud to close.

For more ideas of things to do this month, pick up a copy of the November 07 issue of Notebook: magazine.