Being a DIY-minded girl, I often see pretty items being sold in stores and instead of thinking, “I want that!” it’s usually “Can I make that?” I saw this cute little suede catchall dish online and my brain went straight to how I could recreate the idea at home. In case you aren’t sure what a “catchall dish” is, it’s a little dish or container that people keep on their entryway table or counter where they can throw their keys, loose change, or other items that are floating around in the vicinity. They’re great! It’s like a junk drawer for your keys! If you don’t want to use suede, you could also make this with a thick wool felt—that would be pretty as well.
Supplies:
-suede (real or faux) in two colors
-scissors or rotary cutter and metal ruler
–leather punch (anything that will punch a hole through leather as big as your screw posts will work)
–leather glue
-1/4″ screw posts (4 sets)
-hammer
-small square object as a corner guide
First you’ll want to cut a square of leather that is 7″ x 7″ and another smaller square of your second color that is 4.5″ x 4.5″. Use the leather glue to glue the smaller square exactly in the middle of your larger square. Well, as close to exact as you can anyway…
Align a square object (like a small box or a square vase) with the corner of your inside color square and pinch the larger square sides up with your fingers at the corner. Use a marker to make a small mark on the outside of the leather where the corner is made.
Use your leather punch to punch a hole in that marked spot, pinch the corner in half again, and trace the hole you just punched onto the other side of the suede fold. Punch that hole as well so you end up with two mirror image holes. Repeat this process with each corner.
Screw your posts through the holes to connect the sides.
You can leave the corners pointed if you want, but I took fabric scissors and chopped them off a bit for a cleaner look. To get the sides to stand up straight at more of a right angle, you can fold each side in towards the middle, take a hammer, and hammer across the folded seams where the bottom meets each side. This will create a crease in the leather so it will be more willing to bend at that spot. That’s it, you’re done!
I love that this was such a simple project to make and it turned out so cute too! You could make a couple of theses at once to give out as gifts or be a little selfish and just keep them in different spots around your place. You can do all one color if you like (still cut out the two sizes of squares though so it gives the dish more shape), but I think the color blocked bottom is fun. Time to show my keys their new home! xo. Laura
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
I have a picture on my phone after seeing these in a design store last year! I had the same thought in my head “I’m sure there’s a way to make these myself!” Thanks for laying it all out for so it’s that much easier to do. I think the only change I would make, is that the ones I saw in store had snaps instead, so they could unsnap easier and lie flat for storage or travel.
Sure! Just make sure you credit us and link back to this post in your post. So glad you like it!
Laura 🙂
Those are really cute too!
Laura 🙂
Hmm, well depending on what kind of suede you buy, it can be more or less expensive (some places sell scrap pieces for really cheap and that would be great since you don’t need much to make this). Probably cost me around $10 total though 🙂
Laura
Hmm, well depending on what kind of suede you buy, it can be more or less expensive (some places sell scrap pieces for really cheap and that would be great since you don’t need much to make this). Probably cost me around $10 🙂
Laura
I got it at a local leather store, but check around your area for a leather store or see what your craft store carries. If you don’t find anything there, check online for resources as well 🙂
Laura
Your blog looks so fun! I love banana ice cream too, good luck with your blog!
Laura 🙂
I would love to know how this one holds up over time!
This is really gorgeous! I’d love to feature your DIY on my blog- using one of your pictures to go with the link… Would that be ok with you? If not, just send me an email to bastelschaf@gmx.de
Cheers!
Conny
This is fantastic. I must try!
www.lifeisjustrosie.com
so easy and cute!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
This looks lovely!
A company called Elliot Rhodes also sell beautiful leather desk trays in various colours. Check them out here:
http://www.elliotrhodes.com/a/collections/accessories?type=Home+Decor
This is adorable! And I love the Hello cuff.
Simple idea for an elegant result. Thanks.
I shared this article on my site.
This is gorgeous – I definitely want to make one
http://highheelsbrownhair.blogspot.co.uk/
This is so cute and crafty! Love it.
tonixox.blogspot.com
So cute! Absolutely adorable!
Very cute! http://www.hannamarielei.com
How much did making this cost compared to the West Elm one?
Oehh i like this one!