This week as we share our ideas for refreshing and renewing your home, wardrobe, and life; I wanted to share an easy d.i.y. that would repurpose some leather scraps that were given to me. I am not a fan of buying leather new so it is not often that I incorporate it into my own style, except for the occasional vintage find, but I was given a few boxes of fabric samples and scraps and these metallic leather pieces were just begging to be turned into a project.
I made these simple feather earrings in just minutes and loved them so much I immediately made two more pairs. All you need for this project is a few pieces of leather scraps (I used silver, gold, and brown), sharp sewing scissors, needle and thread, sterling silver earring findings, and a pen for drawing out your designs.
I used the dark brown for the back layer of my feathers and added a smaller metallic piece on top, so the first step was to draw out the larger layer of the feather that will become the back. I simply drew mine on to the back of my leather scrap then cut that out and traced it to have a matching piece for the other earring. Next I traced the back layer onto the metallic leather and used that template to draw in a smaller, similar design for the top layer. Cut that out, trace it, and cut out a second for the other earring.
Next I cut slits up both sides of all four pieces, making the shapes more feather like. Cut some slits more open than others so you can pull out small pieces of the leather to give openings like a natural feather. Then, place the smaller layer on top of the larger one and begin sewing a line down the middle. Start this by threading up through the bottom, pulling your needle up through both layers, then back down out the bottom. Pull the thread through almost to the end and tie a knot to secure. Continue stitching down the length of the feather but don't worry about getting your line to be too straight or perfect, it looks more natural if it has some movement to it.
Next I cut slits up both sides of all four pieces, making the shapes more feather like. Cut some slits more open than others so you can pull out small pieces of the leather to give openings like a natural feather. Then, place the smaller layer on top of the larger one and begin sewing a line down the middle. Start this by threading up through the bottom, pulling your needle up through both layers, then back down out the bottom. Pull the thread through almost to the end and tie a knot to secure. Continue stitching down the length of the feather but don't worry about getting your line to be too straight or perfect, it looks more natural if it has some movement to it.
The last step to making your earrings is to use your needle to poke a hole slightly below the top of the feather layers and thread your earring post through it so the feathers slightly dangle from the hook. I used sterling silver because my ears are somewhat sensitive, but feel free to use any metal you like.
Here's another pair I made with gold on top and used my sewing machine to quickly attach the two layers:
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