How to make fake leather

Learn how to turn kraft card into leather with this easy step-by-step tutorial and discover a unique way to present gift cards!

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Holly Spanner

Published: May 22, 2021 at 6:05 am

Money and vouchers are as simple as gift-giving gets, but sometimes we need that little something extra to give it the personal touch. Thankfully, Julie Gibbs has come up with a perfect solution in the form of this gorgeous leather-look wallet! This project is ideal for Father's Day but would also suit birthdays, Christmas or any gift-giving occasion!

Fans of vintage fashion will love learning how to make faux leather in this retro-inspired project and it's quick and easy to get your hands on! Simply use the free wallet template to create the two layers that will make up your wallet. You can leave the larger panel as it is or back it with a fabric of your choice like Julie has done here! Once completed, all that’s left to do is slip in a note or gift card and give it to a lucky someone.

Want some free patterned paper? Take a look at our ever-growing collection of free patterned papers, there are lots to choose from and there are lots of different themes. We love these free stylish cactus papers! For more general card making, let us show you how to make cards.

We love seeing what you make with our free printable papers, so don’t forget to share your cards and papercraft projects with us on Facebook and Twitter, too!

You will need:

Kraft card
Distress inks
Glycerine (the secret ingredient!)
Water

Step 1

Create two rectangles from kraft card using the free wallet template. Soak the card in one-part glycerine and two-part water mixture until it’s flexible. Scrunch the card up and open flat.

How to make faux leather

Step 2

Soak and scrunch the card again and leave to dry – this could take several hours. Distress patches of one side of both rectangles with the Tea Die Distress Ink using a blending tool.

How to make faux leather

Step 3

To finish, use the blending tool to gently add the Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink to raised areas of the inked rectangles. Your fake leather is now ready to create your gift wallet.

How to make faux leather

Step 4

To add some strength and shine to your wallet, add a little bit of water to fabric glue and brush onto the finished product. This should help make it look more authentic, too!

How to make faux leather – step 4

Download your free faux leather wallet template:

To download your free faux leather wallet template, click on the link below and it will open in a new window. You can then save/download the template!

Download your free faux leather wallet template

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.