How I Made Grovemade's Leather Desk Pad on a Budget

[@crmorgan1977]

Good video. It showed up in my feed because I was also searching for how to make a good desk pad. As an intermediate leatherworker, this is a fairly simple and straightforward project that is a great project for all levels. There a larger difference in leather costs depending on the tanning process. Veg-tan leather is typically more firm and good for most projects an you don't get as soft and supple of a feel. Think of the difference between a hard leather used for saddles (the thicker leather) and the leather used to make a quality leather briefcase or duffle bag. If you are using a veg-tan leather to make the pad, beveling is almost a must to prevent developing a hard edge that can become rubbing irritant on your arm. Undyed veg-tan can be obtained for a very reasonable price as it is used as the basic leather for leatherworkers. For a good balance, an oil tanned leather would work great. The leather would be soft, supple, and have a buttery smooth feel. I like your addition of cork backing to the thinner leather. That will definitely help prevent slipping, and I may shamelessly use your advice on my own project!

[@natee_lamm]

Thanks for letting me know :) this was my first leatherwork project and it was a lot of fun. Definitely much to learn!

[@TheLittleInternet]

Really nice video! Great shots of the making process. I appreciated the visual overlays/graphics which nicely accompanied your voiceover explanations. I would love to see how the pad holds up over time in a future video. Curious how the backing adhesive and the beveled edges hold up

[@natee_lamm]

Thanks so much for the kind comments🙏 I will definitely follow up with a video in the future, so far after a couple weeks, it’s held up pretty well

[@sabio2009]

How do you edge dress the leather/cork combination without the mat’s edges looking like they’re laminated? I was hoping you would show the finished edges of your desk mat. Good video though & a great concept when using lighter weight leather.

[@natee_lamm]

Thank you! I didn’t do any fancy finish, just beveled the edges and left it as is

[@sabio2009]

@@natee_lamm , sounds like there’s no noticeable lamination where the leather meets the cork.

[@Oppleslices]

I never knew it could be so easy

[@natee_lamm]

Same!

[@junejones7101]

"Promo sm" ☀️