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Friday, September 12, 2014

24

DIY Leather Cord Keeper

I have a few travel dates scheduled and one thing on my mental list was to find a solution for my cord situation.  I typically take two cords with me everywhere I go - a phone cable and my headphones.  There are many sleek ways you can corral these types of cords within your bag, everything from prescription bottles to q-tip containers will do.  But I thought it would be fun to experiment with some new materials for this project, so that is exactly what I did.


I had recently come across some high-end leather cord wraps online, so when I spotted some gold gilded leather at JoAnn, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.  With a 40% off coupon, I was able to pick up the leather for around $6.00.  For this project I also ended up using some brass mini anorak snaps and liquid stitch glue {which can also be found at a craft / sewing store}.  I thought I would end up doing some stitching by hand, but it wasn't necessary so you can ignore the spool of thread in the photo below.


This project can easily be done in under an hour on your own, however, I had my husband assist to speed along the photo taking process.  Such a good guy!

Here is a close up of the snaps.  Each snap starts out as a total of four pieces and I was going to end up with two total snaps.


The snaps I purchased came with a kit for setting the snaps.  Now that I have the kit, there is nothing that I can't add snaps to, it is like a whole new door has been opened!

I started by deciding where I wanted the snaps to be located and lightly marked with a pen.  Using the kit we were able to easily punch holes into the leather with a few hits of the hammer.



Then we continued to follow the directions for the snap kit and had the bottom of the first snap installed.



I added two snaps on one end of the gold leather strip, then folded it over to mark where the top portion of the snap needed to be installed.



To finish off the receiving end, I folded over the edge to create a crease and added the liquid stitch around the snaps.


I then pressed the end down to let the liquid stitch take hold, it will fully cure within 24 hours.


I determined approximately where I wanted to place my cords and drew a cut line with a straight edge.  A new blade in our utility knife created a nice and clean cut in the leather.




I then rolled the cords and slipped them through the slit cut in the leather.  Tada!



I don't know guys, I think it is pretty darn sweet!  I love that it keeps the cords corralled and wrangled nice and neat within my purse or carry-on travel bag.


I also love that it is a pretty gold finish!  This project was a simple and quick win!

The snaps were a little extra expense but I found they really finished off the look of the cord keeper.  But to save on those costs, the same slits could be created within the leather and it could just be rolled and tied with string, ribbon or twine.  Whatever is clever I say!

Anyone else playing with new supplies to whip up a quick and easy afternoon project? 

24 comments:

  1. Your project is so impressive! Wish I could buy one from you!

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  2. What a wonderful idea. Might have to give this a go.
    http://www.sweetwordsprettypictures.com

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  3. This is a darn cute idea and it makes me want to try make one. I'm going to travel a lot also and so this would help, thanks.

    XOXO JuJu
    http://www.jujusmoments.com/

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  4. I absolutely love this idea - am always getting annoyed at cables tangling. I am even thinking a bigger version for my weekend suitcase when I travel with space for laptop charger, camera charger etc is in order. I'm going to start keeping an eye out for a nice bit of leather to use, thanks!

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  5. This looks so cute! You are very handy! Love the gold speckled leather :)

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  6. I love that! I kept imagining it as a leather roll, even though you never described it that way. I think I may just try my hand at something similar! Thanks Jen!
    -Erica

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  7. That's really cute! Thanks for sharing it.

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  8. Don't want to sound mean but I just put mine in my bag. Seems such a shame to waste leather just so cords don't tangled.

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  9. Awesome!! I REALLY love this idea! TFS and the How-To! :)

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  10. Hands down best way of winding the cord to your headphones: the [URL="http://lifehacker.com/152499/keep-headphone-wires-from-getting-tangled"]"Fist of Rock." [/url] Changed my life. It would totally work with your new case, too.

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    1. That is awesome! Love the sweet and simple trick, thank you so much for sharing!

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  11. So cute! We have a lot of leftover leather from a project my daughter did..I have to try this! I even have the snap setter! Woohoo!

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  12. Super cute! Love this tutorial! Have a great weekend, Jennifer!

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  13. Definitely making one of these to keep in my vehicle. I have some scrap leather that I bought recently, so I'm all set to make this!

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  14. What a great idea! I am definitely inspired as I will be travelling at the end of the year. Usually I end up putting them all a small bag, each one tied up with an elastic band but this is much neater!

    http://dignifiable.blogspot.com

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  15. This is so clever and stylish! Thanks so much for the tutorial.
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  16. what was the total cost of the project? Including the snap setter tool?

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    1. I am not sure what liquid stitch typically runs - I already had it on hand but I think it is around $6 for a regular size bottle, less for a smaller size.

      And the brass snaps I had purchased on a different day, also with a 40% off coupon for about $10, but they run about $17 without a coupon for the entire kit. The snaps alone without the kit would be much less.

      xoxo!

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  17. I'm always finding cords around the house...this would come in so handy!

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  18. My cord situation is out of control!!!! I LOVE this idea!

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  19. These can be purchased at uncommongoods.com

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  20. This is such a great project idea! And perfect with Christmas quickly approaching. When you purchased your leather, did you purchase just what you need for the this project for the $6? And about how long was your strip of leather?

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  21. you have been featured in my September Favorite Blog Posts ♥
    http://itsrozee.tumblr.com/post/98935548460/septembe-favorite-blog-posts

    www.itsrozee.tumblr.com

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  22. I absolutely love this idea! I have tried several different solutions to traveling with cords--none of which I have loved. Can't wait to make this and love the look as well! May even make some for Christmas presents!!

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