Friday, March 9, 2012

diy: passport cover

I had the day off yesterday and was eager to spend my time knocking out a dress makeover project.  FAIL.  Five hours into the task and it was a disaster.  Empty-handed, I rifled through my materials stash and commanded myself to come up with something redeeming - easy, no more than 30 minutes, etc.  The result: a quick sleeve to protect my passport from those harsh airport elements.


I made use of leftover materials seen here and here, and I get to take this baby for a spin this very day!  Follow the instructions after the jump and be prepared to dazzle border patrol.


Materials:

1. Scrap leather
2. Ribbon
3. Needle and thread
4. Glue or sewing machine


1. The materials.


2. Trim the leather so that it just fits over your passport when folded in half.


3. Cut a piece of ribbon about 12 inches (which works for my U.S. passport and, I imagine, should work for others.  You want the ribbon to be 2x the vertical edge of the passport plus about 2 inches).  On the right side of the leather, center the ribbon along one vertical edge.  Make sure it sticks out over the edge a tiny bit, about 1/8".  Clip in place.


4. Flip it over and attach the ribbon with glue, or sew it down along the side farther from the edge of the leather.


5. Flip it over again and fold ends of the ribbon in towards each other.  Make sure that the ends of the ribbon are pulled in as tightly as possible without bending the leather.  Fold the top end of the ribbon under and hand-stitch it into place securely.  Sew together the sides of the ribbon along the edge of the leather.  Repeat steps 3-5 on the other side.


6. Tuck the covers of your passport behind each ribbon flap.  ¡Buen viaje!


36 comments:

  1. This is pretty cool! I will try it! :)

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  2. omg! i love it!!!
    www.absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com

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  3. I love personalizing things of everyday use! good idea:)

    staklene bombone

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  4. That is actually quite easy and it looks great! Thanks!
    Happy weekend!
    rolala loves

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  5. So creative! I love your blog, a new follower!
    -Kosi
    http://onecreatesoneself.blogspot.com/

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  6. You're incredible. I'm just amazed at the incredible things you churn out each week. I could barely figure out my 6 year school project out much less anything that involves a needle and thread.

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  7. I've had my fair share of diy failure's lately, but so glad you were able to do something else ;)- that usually doesn't happen to me lol. Really enjoyed what I read so far, now following :).

    lovely-21 blog

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  8. Very cute. Failed projects are the worst, just so frustrating...

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  9. Love this...you are so creative. I will do a diy on my passport too.

    sheworethis.blogspot.com

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  10. Cute blog, fabulous post!!

    http://chicgeekblogger.blogspot.com/

    Please take a minute to look at my trunkshow;

    http://iouproject.com/tsh/jessica-karen/

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  11. this is such a fabulous DIY! i definitely have to try it :)
    xoxo,
    tiana of l'esthetique

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  12. I'd say you redeemed yourself ;) It's fabulous!

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  13. Val, I hope you have fun on your trip to London next weekend. I'm not sure if you have the time to do so but Bicester Village (outlet mall) is also a great place for bargain hunting.

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  14. Hey, sweetie!
    First, thanks galore for your compliment, and for following me!! I'm also very glad you gave me chance to discover your very pleasant and inspirational blog! Looking at your entries, I've noticed you're not only your nice craftsmanship, but also your good taste! I value great style, and you sure have it, girl! Of course, I'm following you back! XOXO, María José
    http://nuarbarcat.blogspot.com/

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  15. Oh my gosh, this is so adorable! I really need one of these - it would make all my overseas escapades so much more resplendent and fun! The problem is that I am absolutely awful at DIY projects - mine would look nothing as lovely as your version (I'm so envious that you make it look so easy!). Thank you for sharing this delightful little project of yours. :)

    Thank you for your lovely comment too - you're so sweet! Love your blog and am most definitely following!

    Hope you have the prettiest day!

    <3 Mandy xx
    http://frocksandotherfrivolities.blogspot.com

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  16. very neat! :) i already have a passport cover but imma make some for my note books!! :)

    xx

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  17. What a cool DIY! Thanks for sharing :)

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  18. That is really neat! Quite like it! Thanks for popping by doll! Am following back :) x

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  19. wow it's so simple and looks very unique! thank you for sharing :)

    http://nastya-said.blogspot.com/

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  20. love it!! it's brilliant!
    http://spliffedcookies.blogspot.com/

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  21. Val, Uniqlo will do alterations on their jeans for free if it's above £29. Anything below will be charged a mere £2. My tailor charges £10 and I have to wait 2 weeks (!!) so I'd much rather just get it done at Uniqlo. It's normally a 2 hour wait (or urgent, an hour) so I just wander off to the nearest cafe or Selfridges.

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  22. What a great idea!


    Minted Magazine


    mintedmag.com

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  23. That's so cute!! Thanks for sharing.

    xx

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  24. Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog! I would be willing to give you half of Boston's Chinatown milk tea establishments for half of your sewing skill. I can sew a straight line like a champ and put in a zipper but I have been known to do it all with the machine in reverse - and not know until I get asked if I broke the machine.

    Your passport cover is really nice. I really like the trim you used and the fact that you used an old leather memo {I'm assuming it is one since I can see some old sticker residue}. I've been meaning to make an iPod and camera cover out of my old fabric memos for a while now.

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    Replies
    1. The leather I had was scrap leather from Etsy, so I don't know what it was used for before...but very perceptive observation! I'd love to see the iPod/camera covers if you end up making them.

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  25. This is such a cute idea! Love it! Thanks for following my blog! I'm following you back! Love all your quirky DYI's!

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  26. I love this idea! Amazing DIY!

    xx

    Erin @ http://www.trufflesnruffles.com/

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  27. This is such a cute idea! I'd love to give my passport a little pizzazz. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  28. aaa love it! im jetting off to prague soon and yearn for that passport cover!!

    xx
    theyoungbridgetjones.blogspot.com

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  29. This is the first time i read your blog and admire that you have posted on this.I really appreciate your effort...passport cover

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  30. This is the first time i read your blog and admire that you have posted on this.I really appreciate your effort...passport cover

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