Want to be more classy and refined? Leather is a mark of class and style. Even the aroma is enjoyable unlike our current day plastics smell. We will make a simple leather holder for earphones and USB cords. It will be universal but in the example Iphone cord and Iphone earphones will be used. Things you will learn are:

1.How to make a pattern 2. How to cut leather 3. How to dye edges. 4.How to hole punch and cut holes. 5. How to install and fit a stud closure

Step 1: Supplies Needed:

Tools & supplies needed (and an option of where to get them):
1. Shearing Scissors (Joan’s or any craft store)

2. Hole puncher with multiple sizes (Amazon)

3. Leather scrap 4-5oz any color (Tandy Leather Scrap Bin)

4. Edge Coat\finish (Tandy Leather)

5. Wool ball applicator (Tandy Leather)

6. Stud (Tandy Leather)

7. Awl

8. Ruler

9. Compass

Step 2: Marking the Leather

How to putting the pattern onto the leather. I use a compass, you may also use a mug or upside down cup to draw the circle the size you need. I chose a 3” diameter circle for my Iphone application. Place the compass on a ruler to get the right radius of 1.5”. Picked a spot on the leather that has room for the complete circle. Mark the leather by twisting the compass putting more pressure on the center leg so it doesn’t slip off center. It usually helps to tilt the compass when turning. Practicing on the backside of the leather first can help. Be sure your leather is dark enough in color it can mark by scratching otherwise use a pen and paper pattern.

Step 3: Cutting the Pattern

Get a long sharp pair of 6” shears. Cut out the circle (using the shears) that was traced in the last step. Try to cut right on the line as possible. The edges will look best if few longer cuts are made.

Step 4: Cutting the Cord Holes

2 Holes are needed. Using the Awl to mark. Start by folding the circle in half and drawing a line down the center (or fold in in 2 different directions and mark to find the center then draw a line through it across the circle.) Using the hole punch cut 4.5mm holes. Measure in ½” from each end.

Step 5: Cutting the Stud Holes

On the 90 degrees from the line of the cord holes measure in ¼” in and cut a 2mm hole for the screw part of the stud. Then on the opposite side measure in 3/8” in and cut a 4.5 mm hole. Using the scissors make a slit a ¼” long coming from the hole. This better helps the stud to enter. Screw the stud and nut onto each other.

Step 6: Finishing the Edges

Apply edge coat to the edges using a wool swab. Just dab it on lightly avoiding getting any on other place than the edge. Let dry and enjoy. Note: my leather was chrome tan. Edge burnishing process can be done if vegetable tan leather is used.

Step 7: Summary

The stud was used for closure because it could hold better then and snap and was easier to install. The holes can be modified to fit any cord. Enjoy using your new classy and organized cord holder!