DIY Leather Bookends

Handsome hardcover books are some of my go-to props for styling a hallway tabletop, and they look especially chic braced with these handmade leather beanbags. The bookends are inspired by the work of Los Angeles-based designer Sophie Bergé, who I discovered in Domino magazine a few years ago. I love the slouchy yet glamorous allure of her hand-sewn leather goods and found an inexpensive way to re-create the look at home.

Materials and Tools

• 2 sq.ft. leather remnants
• small bag of lentils
• sewing machine
• funnel
• needle and thread

Step 1: Source leather

I opted for leather with a soft rose-gold metallic finish that adds a hit of opulence to the vignette. I asked for remnants at a local leather shop, but you might also consider recycling leather from an old purse or jacket. You’ll need approximately one square foot of leather to make a single beanbag bookend, but the size of each is flexible: 10″ x 7″ is large enough to support heavier books, while smaller beanbags can double as paperweights.

Step 2: Sew satchels

This is Sewing 101 — simply cut two equal-sized pieces of leather and stitch them together with a coordinating thread, allowing for a decorative 1?2″ flange. Don’t close up the beanbag entirely; leave a 2″ gap so you can fill it with lentils.

Step 3: Fill beanbag

Using a small funnel, carefully pour lentils into the satchel until it’s about three-quarters full (don’t pack it too tightly, or it’ll lose its stylish slouchiness). Close up the bag with a needle and thread and prop away!

Table, lamp, vase, books (second and third from left), Elte; leather, Perfect Leather Goods; wallpaper, Thibaut; artwork, Boys by Elizabeth Lennie, Art Interiors; sewing, Blinds, Drapes & Bedding.

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