15 Ways to Transform Leather

Have an old leather purse that does nothing for you? Wondering what to do with scraps from another project? Check out 15 methods from pyrography to knitting that will change the look of last year’s accessories.

1. No-Sew Arrow Applique Tee

Make this nautical applique tee  in less than an hour with one of my favorite tools– Mod Podge! If you aren’t afraid of needle and thread, use a blanket stitch around the edges for extra durability. (Source: See Kate Sew)

2. Branded Purse

Woodburning (pyrography) tools work just as well with leather. Drastically change a blah purse into a statement accessory (but definitely practice on a scrap first!) (Source: Make Magazine) 

3. Triangle Earrings

 These rustic painted earrings are a perfect use for leftover leather scraps. Get in on the geometric craze. (Source: Behind my Desk)

4. Lanyard Bracelet 

Go back to camp with this grown-up take on the plastic lace necklaces that so obsessed us in Arts & Crafts!  (Source: Love Megan)

5. Color Block Moccasins

Put new coat of color on an old pair of shoes. Try the Pantone Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid.  (Source: HonestlyWTF)

6. Simple Circles Necklace

This elementary shape necklace requires little more than scissors and a sewing machine. Substitute faux leather or vinyl for a vegan  alternative. (Source: FashionRolla)

7. Intaglio Necklace

Along the same lines, cut a design from a single piece of leather for a fantastic bib. Design your own on paper first, or take advantage of the downloadable pattern. (Source: A Matter of Style)

8. Leather flowers 

Design your own flowers from scratch with this beginner leathering-work tutorial. Attach them to barrettes or as an accent on a solid-colored clutch. (Source: Tundraberry)

9. Leather-wrapped ring

If you enjoyed the lanyard method, this quickie ring will have a home in your jewelry box. Size it up to make a woven bangle. (Source: The Perfect Pear Pair)

10. Leather Feathers 

This is another great project that makes use of small pieces of leftover leather. Create sturdy feathers to adorn necklaces, cardigans and more. Leave the feathers natural or pair them with metallic paint. (Source: Beautifully Contained)

11. Half leather/half knit gloves

Save yourself a trip to Fifth Avenue with this simple mix-and-match idea: leather gloves lengthened with a knitted sleeve. Use a sweater or cardigan you already own.  (Source: Selfish Seamstress)

12 Fringed Scarf

You can easily add these embellishments to a scarf you already own, or use the pattern to make a new one. Experiment with contrasting color! (Source: Eyes of Style)

13. Woven stack bracelets

You don’t need a loom to make these colorful stack bracelets. If you need to clean out your embroidery thread stash, this is the motivation you need. (Source: El Cuaderno de Ideas)

14. Embellished cuff

You can embroider anything you want with this cuff tutorial, but we really love this take on geometric string art. (Source: Julep)

15. Studded Collar

This faux Peter Pan collar is all grown up with the addition of metal studs. (Source: Creme de la Craft).

Eat your veggies!

Here are a couple of new, luxury veggies to lead you into the burnt umbers and crunchy browns of fall. I’ve made a new pumpkins from a satin-like orange and a stretchy, soft velveteen carrot. Both are available in my store and ready to ship!

I’ve moved! [UPDATE: Just Kidding]

[Update: I am bad at making websites, so I am leaving my blog here. But JumboJibbles.com will now direct to a new front page. I hope you are not let down.]

I made myself a new website! (still kinda under construction).