I’ve been meaning to get a decent jewelry case for traveling. You know, something to keep my necklaces from getting all tangled and my earrings from going on solo adventures in my suitcase. So, I finally decided to make one myself! I mean, how hard could it be, right?
First, I hit up my local craft store and grabbed some leather. I chose a nice, soft piece that felt good to touch. I also got some felt for the lining – gotta keep those precious items scratch-free. Then there was the hardware stuff, like a zipper and some little metal rings, not really know what they are called exactly, but they look nice and necessary. I had a general idea of how to do, so I didn’t search them online and went back home directly to start it!
Cutting and Stuff
Back home, I started by cutting the leather into the shape I wanted. I went for a simple rectangle, easy enough. Then I cut out the felt lining, making it just a bit smaller than the leather pieces so it would fit snugly inside. It was like those Russian nesting dolls, except way less colorful and much more practical.
Sewing It All Together
Next up, sewing. I dusted off my old sewing machine, which I swear I haven’t used since that one time I tried to make curtains (they ended up looking more like, well, not curtains). But hey, I got the hang of it again, eventually. I sewed the felt to the inside of the leather, making sure to leave an opening to flip it all right-side out later. Then I sewed the main leather pieces together, leaving one end open for the zipper.
Zipper Time
The zipper part was a bit tricky. I mean, I’ve used zippers before, but sewing them in, that’s a whole different ball game. After a few, uh, “practice runs” and some colorful language, I finally managed to get the zipper in straight. Mostly. Hey, it worked, and that’s what counts, right?
The Inside Details
Now for the inside. I added little compartments and stuff to keep things organized. I made some felt strips with snaps for rings and a few leather loops for necklaces, added some pockets for bracelets. This part was actually kind of fun. It was like playing Tetris, but with jewelry holders.
Finishing Touches
Once the inside was all set up, I sewed up the last opening and added some details. I found some extra leather and made a little strap for the outside. I also used some leather finish I found in my garage, which may or may not have been older than me. But it gave the case a nice, polished look. And I’ve got to say, it turned out pretty darn good! It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and it’s going to keep my jewelry safe and organized on my travels. Plus, I learned a thing or two about sewing, so that’s a win.
- The Takeaway: Making a leather travel jewelry case is totally doable, even if you’re not a sewing pro. Just be patient, embrace the imperfections, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
I used my hand-made jewelry case for my trip to LA last week, and it worked perfectly. No tangled necklaces, no lost earrings. Everything was safe and organized.
If you need a good jewelry case for traveling, you can try to make one yourself like I did, or just buy one online. But remember to choose a case that has enough compartments for your jewelry, and make sure it’s made of durable materials.
Hope this helps you!
