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Leather Laptop Case DIY

This project is as easy as it gets. The materials and process are very simple and the whole thing can be done in less than an hour. It is one piece of leather bound together on both sides by simple brass rivets. If you’ve never worked with leather before then definitely practice making holes and attaching the rivets before you start on the real one. If you go to a leather supplier you’ll have more options for interesting colors like this bit of scrap leather we found in the perfect blue. See full instructions below.

Keep reading for the easy instructions.

Materials Needed: Leather (go to a leather supplier to get the most options, we got the blue scrap for $20), Brass Rivets, Rivet Setter, Hammer, Scissors

Step 1: Measure a straight line and cut the leather to start with a straight edge.
Step 2: Place in laptop to measure for size and cut the other side. Allow 1/2″ for rivets on the sides and give yourself 2″ extra for adjustments.
Step 3: Using pencil marks decide how far apart you want your rivets.
Step 4: Taking the short side of the rivet, place it where you want and using the rivet setter, hammer it to cut the hole through both pieces of leather.
Step 5: Remove the small pieces of leather from the holes made and put in both sides of the rivet. Use the rivet setter to hammer the rivets together until they are firmly set.
Step 6: After the rivets are set on one side, put laptop in to  measure the last side. The laptop should fit snugly so you want the rivets tight on both sides. Remove the laptop, trim the leather accordingly and put the last set of rivets in.

Credits and our Talented Contributors:
All photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Coordinated by Stacy Wichelhaus
Styling by Caitlin Barker
Crafting by Irene Yu

  1. little kitchie

    December 19, 2012

    what a creative project! wouldnt have ever thought it was that easy, but i love it!

  2. Evani G

    December 19, 2012

    I’ve been waiting for an amazing laptop case DIY and this is it! So simple and beautiful. Thanks Jordan and the Oh Happy Day team!

    Evani
    http://www.simplyevani.com

  3. Stella

    December 19, 2012

    What a cute and sleek case! I wanna make one asap…!

  4. Sarah

    December 19, 2012

    oh no, another must-make item to add to my 2013 list! love this!

  5. Jackie

    December 19, 2012

    hmmm…my 20 y.o. girl needs new case for her MacBook…wondering if I should send her link to these instructions??

  6. Vanessa

    December 19, 2012

    I love the leather you chose here. I can’t find any affordable, good options around here :/

  7. Chianne Hood

    December 19, 2012

    That is an amazing idea! I need a new laptop case, I’d love to make one myself!

    http://thehonestfox.blogspot.com/

  8. Sara @ LiteraryLima

    December 19, 2012

    That’s so awesome! What a great gift idea, really wish I had time to execute before Christmas. Oh well, it’ll make for a lovely bday gift for the hubby. 🙂

  9. Marie

    December 19, 2012

    very cute! I love the idea and that it’s handmade! 🙂

    http://www.happypaperplace.com/

  10. aloÿse

    December 20, 2012

    So simple and perfect.

  11. Beka

    December 21, 2012

    I want to try this with fabric and some studs i have 🙂

  12. sarah

    December 24, 2012

  13. Sarah

    December 26, 2012

    This is beautiful! I have the same computer and can’t find a case slim enough. I have zero experience with leather, but I think this will be a great project! Could you recommend a leather supplier? I live in the South Bay but I don’t really know what to look for.

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