Organizing jewelry can be a challenge. Organizing tools can be expensive. Well, this DIY solves both of those problems. AND, it’s fun! This organizer could also hold important items, small toys, office items, vitamins and more….go crazy with it! Make it in any color you want, with any color string and it’s your own! This also makes a great gift!

Step 1:

Okay here’s what you’ll need: 12 piece of leather or artificial leather. I used the latter for cost effectiveness. A bowl to trace. I used one about 10 inches across. Pencil Ruler Cutting mat (optional) Knife Leather string (or synthetic) Grommits and tools (hold punch, grommet punch, hammer and grommets)-Readily available at craft stores or online. I had these from scrapbooking.

Step 2:

Put the bowl down on the inside of the leather and trace around it with the pencil. At this point you can remove the bowl and cut on the line you just draw, or cut around the bowl. I did a combination of both to make sure I got the line as close to a perfect circle as possible.

Step 3:

Once you have your circle cut out, use your hold punch to punch holes are the outside of the circle. You can measure this out with a pencil, but make sure you have an even number of holds. Make them as far apart or as close together as you’d like. I made them about an inch apart. Place the grommets in the holes one at a time and use the grommet tool to affix them in place. Don’t pound too hard or they will damage the leather. If you don’t hammer them enough, they won’t stay in. If you can, practice on a piece of material that never needs to the see the light of day.

Step 4:

I used blue grommets as a contrast to the silver “leather”. Here’s what it looked like with the grommets done. I folded it over so you could see it clearly.

Step 5:

The next step is easy….just thread the string through the holes…go back and forth until both ends come out holes next to each other. You’ll want to start pulling it together gently, gathering the excess string. Once you have it completely threaded, determine the amount of excess you have and cut it off.

Step 6:

Tie it in a bow or knot and voila, you have a travel jewelry pouch! These are great for carry on luggage, keeping earrings together, keeping necklaces untangled and they make great gift bags. Make a few and give them as a gift!