Minimal Leather Valet Tray - Skillshare Course

Let’s go step by step together to make this minimal leather valet tray. Use the link below to start my course on Skillshare and scroll down for all the tools, materials, and resources for this project.

Course Description

In this Skillshare course, I’ll take you step by step through my leatherworking process to make a minimal leather valet tray from scratch. That’s not all. To ensure that you get the most out of the course, I’ll also explain the popular leather types, the different leather tanning processes, go over each tool that we’ll be using, and show you exactly how I would use them to create this beautiful product!

Tools and Materials

These are all the tools and materials that I reference in the Skillshare course. These are referral links, which means if you use them, I’ll earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This is how I keep my craft hobby going! Thank you in advance for your support.

Leather Supply Companies:

District Leather (I purchase the canvas cloth for burnishing the edge from here under their “supplies” tab), Acadia Leather, Weaver Leather. You’ll need leather in 4.5-5oz thickness.

Leather Valet Tray Template:

I recommend finding one in your style on Etsy. I’ve decided not to manufacture my own due to the size of the template. Here is a very similar design that you can consider.

 

X-Acto Precision Knife

I use the scalpel from this set and trace along the curves of the leather valet tray to cut it out. This knife is extremely sharp, so be careful when using it.

Utility Knife

I use this utility knife to cut along the straight edges of the leather valet tray template.

Metal Ruler

I use a metal ruler with a cork backing as a straight edge. This is helpful when you trace your template with the scratch awl and cut the leather without the template.

Rotary Hole Punch

I use this rotary hole punch to cut out the holes at every corner where rivets will be installed.

 

Scratch Awl

I use this scratch awl to trace the template of the valet tray onto the leather’s surface.

Leather Edge Beveling Kit

I use the number 2 edge beveler for this project to chamfer the edges of the leather in the finishing process.

Leather Rivet Setting Kit

I use this rivet setting kit from Tandy Leather to install the nickel plated rivets at the corners of the leather valet tray.

Nylon Mallet

I use a nylon mallet for tooling my leather projects. The nylon head protects the tools from damage on impact. If the nut at the end loosens, I apply some threadlock and tighten them all the way.

 

Wood Burnishing Tool

I use this wood burnishing tool with Tokonole burnishing agent to give the edges of the valet tray a beautiful finish with a sheen.

Tokonole

I use this specific burnishing agent to finish the edges of every leather project that I make. It’s very simple to use and has a beautiful sheen.

36x48 Cutting Mat

I use a large cutting mat to cut down all of my leather projects. It’s very helpful when working with large sides of leather.

Rivets

I use this scratch awl to trace the template of the valet tray onto the leather’s surface.

 

Optional: Glowforge Laser Cutter

I use this laser cutter to engrave intricate graphics, personalization (names, words, etc.) onto the surface of my leather projects. I also design and cut my own templates out of acrylic. I would recommend the plus or pro versions.