Leather Crafting Ideas Singapore

Leather crafting is an enjoyable hobby that allows you to create unique personalised items.

If you live in Singapore, then you’re lucky, both in terms of the materials and the local crafting community.

If you’re a beginner in creating leather goods, you can choose from a wide array of other craft projects such as creating your own coin pouch, coin purse, bag, and key chains, to inspire you or try leather craft workshops – some of which require other crafting materials. In this article, we bring to you five amazing options for leather crafting Singapore enthusiasts can try.

Best Leather Crafting Ideas in Singapore

1. DIY Leather Tassel Earrings

Materials Needed:

• Leather or faux leather
• Earrings
• Jump rings
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Fabric glue or needle and thread

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Cut Leather Strips: Begin by cutting the leather into thin strips. You can use either genuine leather or faux leather depending on your preference and budget.
• Tie Strips onto Jump Rings: Snap the tie strips to jump rings, and that’s it. You’re finished.
• Attach to Earrings: Link earrings to the jump rings. Use pliers and make sure that they are snugly tightened.
• Trim to Desired Length: Cut the leather to handily useable lengths and you’ll all done in no time at all.
• Final Adjustments: Sew up loose ends with fabric glue or needle and thread.

Local Twist: Buy your own leather goods in Singapore in craft stores such as Isetan, Art Friend or Spotlight. Immerse yourself in the leather crafting experience in the city’s colour palette: shades of different kinds of green and blue that recall the Botanic Gardens or the intense pops of colour in Little India.

2. DIY Leather Glasses Case

Materials Needed:

• Faux leather
• Template
• Scissors
• Monk head screw
• Hole punch
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Use the Template: Cut out the shape of the glasses case using a template. A template is a shape drawn on paper or some material and used as a pattern to cut similar shapes. Templates can be found or designed.
• Punch Holes: Punch holes for where the screws will go. This square is exactly as it should be.
• Glue with Hot Glue and Screw: Hot glue together the pieces, then screw on with monk head screws for more strength.
• Add Embellishment: Personalise your case with contrast leatherette, paint, grommets or leather lacing.

Local Twist: Use local motifs such as design elements of the Merlion, and patterns inspired by Peranakan tiles and leather goods from local tanneries.

3. Leather Flower Hair Accessories

Materials Needed:

• Faux leather
• Leather rivets
• Rivet setting tool
• Hammer
• Hot glue gun
• Ponytail holders

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Cut Leather in Flower Shapes: Using your scissors or your cutting machine cut the leather into flower shapes.
• Punch Holes and Set Rivets: Punch holes in the centres of the blossoms and then set the rivets through them and into the ponytail holders.
• Glue the flowers in place with hot glue: Attach with Hot Glue.
• Decorate: Add additional decorations like beads or smaller leather pieces to enhance the design.

Local Twist: Consider stylising text details such as the wood-inlay work of Peranakan style furniture, or the colours associated with the flower of the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower, or red and gold for China’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

4. Stamped Leather Coasters

Materials Needed:

• Leather pieces
• Stamps
• Ink
• Cutting tools

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Cut the leather into coaster size: Cut into rounds or squares to whatever size of coaster you want.
• Choose and Ink the Stamps: Select stamps with designs you like and apply ink.
• Stamp Designs onto Leather: Carefully stamp your chosen designs onto the leather pieces.
• Let the Ink Dry and Seal: Once the ink is dry, seal to preserve the design.

Local Twist: The coasters can feature stamps that use Singaporean iconographies — such as the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino — or cultural symbols such as the mythical Merlion. These fun coasters make perfect souvenirs or gifts that relate to heritage.

5. Creating Unique Leather Wallets

Materials Needed:

• Leather
• Sewing pattern
• Leather punch
• Buttons
• Needle and thread

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Make a Pattern: Trace a wallet on a sheet of paper, then draw the pieces apart. Cut Leather According to the Pattern: Trace the pattern onto the leather and cut.
• Poke Holes for Sewing: Poke holes all along the edges where you’ll be sewing these pieces together.
• Stitch It Together: Sew the wallet closed using a needle and thread, and make sure the stitches are strong and even.
• Add Buttons and Final Touches: Attach buttons and any other embellishments you desire.

Local Twist: Incorporate textiles or fabrics with to create a Singaporean batik graphic design. Or even better, laser-engrave the wood veneer with local landmarks or give it a personal touch, by engraving initials.

Leather Crafting Ideas Singapore

There are endless possibilities for customisation in leather artworks, and we hope that our five ideas leapfrogged here have inspired you to give this craft a try.

Besides being an affordable and fun hobby you can pursue in the privacy of your own home, we reckon it’d be tremendously rewarding to either leather craft into something beautiful for yourself or gift it to a loved one.

From jewellery and accessories to home décor items, delight in the gratifying feeling of creating something priceless by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have any questions about Leather Crafting Ideas in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below: