Make A Leather Smartphone Case At Home With Wet Molding

This is 100% Leather, not a leather layer glued on a plastic case. By soaking the leather in warm water it becomes soft and can be shaped to a good degree with just a bit of pressure. The best part is that the leather then holds the shape once fully dry and also becomes harder and stiffer.
3D modeling and printing is a great way to make molds at home, some parts could have been easily made out of wood with just few tools of course and would have done the job just as well or possibly better.
Thanks to MilD_26 for the case model of my smartphone: www.thingiverse.com/thing:415...
I did not model the phone all by myself as I don't have calipers at hand. But of course it can be done if you want to do this and can't find one online.
This is the Fusion360 file if you want to take a closer look at the press parts:
a360.co/2xJXM2k
For those asking where to find tools:
I bought mine some years ago when I was starting to make leather sheaths. I went for the cheapest I was able to find. Have been working great so far! Can't find exactly the one I have but I listed some in my amazon storefront that are pretty much the same and any similar ones will work aswell.
www.amazon.com/shop/blackbear...
It's affiliate marketing so if you order something from here you'll help the channel for free! Thank you!
Index of operation and materials:
0:15 3D models made in Fusion360, nothing complicated just a 2 part mold
1:00 Parts are printed in PLA at 30% infill with a CR-10 3D printer
1:40 Untreated leather
2:00 Smartphone outline marked
2:30 Relief cuts to help leather form around cornerd
2:50 Soak in warm water for 10 min or so
3:30 3D printed parts press the leather into shape
3:50 Leather is left to dry overnight under pressure
4:30 Trimming excess with box cutter
4:50 Rounded corners looks better
5:20 Marks left by 3d model determine position for camera and lock holes, then punched out.
5:40 Charching porst and audio controls are cut out for access
6:00 Dremel with sandind drum used to smooth all cut corners
6:30 Fixing two corner where I cut relief too deep with ca glue
6:50 Sanding to 400 grit
7:00 CA glue is used to stiffen the corners (most probably not needed)
7:40 Dark brown leather dye applied in two coats with regular brush
8:30 Fine steel whool is used to remove some of the brown dye, looks better to me
9:00 Matt leather finish is applied again with regular brush
9:48 Satisfying snap!
Thanks a lot for watching, I hope you liked the video!
Suggestions and comments are welcome.
Leave a like and share to anyone who might be interested!
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[@BlackBeardProjects]

If you want to know more about this be sure to check description, I always write detailed list of operations and links to products used. If you like what I do consider supporting me so I can keep on making, join as channel member or check my Patreon for early access and voice-over edit of my videos. Thank you!

[@Jiddy12345]

What is the cat's name?

[@Kraven7Metal]

Hey, would be nice to see a big and old axe being restored and transformed into a Fireman axe with a dark wood handle or use a dark oil. 👏👏👏👍

[@anasalami9899]

you'r the best dude I'm a follower from morroco

[@neelchodankar5406]

make a black pearl bottleship

[@neelchodankar5406]

make a black pearl bottleship

[@samambrotv]

Much respect for showing your mistakes. We all make them, it's how we learn.

[@WastedFrom1976]

More interested in his excuse for the off centre camera holes. Mirrored is excusable, off centre is not.

[@mustachgloria6445]

Toby Bardon Dont look for mistakes. You can't even do one of his projects. LOL

[@flynna]

@@mustachgloria6445 lol

[@skh7791]

Honesty goes a long way, especially when admitting your mistakes. So do cute cats! I love the head kiss as you put her down.

[@stefanpries638]

No one would have ever known that it was mirrored. Nicely done regardless and you have a unique cover now.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

An enormous THANK YOU to all KZbin content creators for providing all of us with additional content during this very trying time! I can only speak for myself when I say you are helping me retain what little sanity I have left having been sheltered in place for the last 2 1/2 weeks!!

[@_Mr.Tuvok_]

I love how simple and yet immensely satisfying Leather working can be.

[@v01dertheelectrition84]

The mirror shot at 11:22 with his cat on his arm just made my day. Thanks a lot

[@quinlyeee]

sameee

[@aterack833]

I like that not only did you admit your mistake, but that you modified the video and waited till after to admit it as not to distract from the project, that alone deserves respect even if you didn’t admit it afterward

[@makewithwhatyagot7148]

I love it!! Lots of respect to you for not giving up and being open about your mistakes.

[@alctorres]

It takes a lot of humility and will to learn to assume some mistake like you did. You do a great job, and so it was with this project in particular.

[@realpdm]

When you were painting I thought "oh he's left handed??" and then it was answered at the end. Thanks for sharing!

[@boblauver8893]

I noticed when he was cutting that he was using his left hand. Since I know he's right-handed, I looked at the cutting board logo in the upper right and saw that it was backwards. Immediately, I knew he had goofed on his printing process. Kudos to him for owning up to it at the end.

[@me_jt]

Good work, brother! I think we can all appreciate crafters/artists who show that they're human and make mistake like everyone else. Thanks!

[@MrDavidlfields]

Respect for a man who admits his mistakes and owns them. Thanks for sharing. Stay Safe.

[@derofromdown-under2832]

A superb leather case... Extremely well made... WELL DONE!!! 10/10

[@METALVERM]

Wow Dude, that is awesome. This is awesome! Someone admitting their mistakes is a sign of an honest and responsible person. From the looks of it, this mistake ended up being better for you. (because of the selfies)

[@meissner14]

Printing your own molds was really slick

[@robertbeckman2054]

I liked at the very end of the build when each corner of your phone "snapped" into place. Perfect fit and good job!

[@tattoosteveneo]

Honestly this case is better than the $80 case saddleback leather try’s to sell. Super nice job! Love it. Keep on keeping on and you stay safe as well

[@turtleleathers7580]

Appreciate the honesty and time you took to make the video!! Thank you for the tips!!!👊🏼🙏🏼💪🏼

[@WorkshopDC]

It's amazing! Even with that "mistake", you did a awesome job.

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

We've all done stuff like that.... Luckily, no one was filming me, on some of my projects..... Very honest of you.

[@andyhunter2324]

love it, the twist at the end just made me chuckle

[@jean-marclabonte2844]

Nice project, and a great mixture of 3D printing and leather crafting. Thank you for posting this build even though it was inverted. Take care, Stay Safe all the best to you and your family.

[@lars-sorensen]

Excellent! I've been wanting to make a case that way for years! Great way to reinforce the sides with CA! And fantastic trick with mirroring the video!

[@sengelhard2982]

Great idea with the glue. I was pretty sure that a wet formed case by itself wouldn't be hard enough to clamp around a phone, but with this it actually works!

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Thanks for your honesty too!

[@tracymickelson5944]

Great project! Quality craftsmanship!!

[@MemoGGG16]

Thanks for the honest work. Be safe, dude!

[@heidipetrick918]

What a wonderful idea, I would love to try this myself. Nice job!

[@tylerzapskim]

Your projects are always creative and your attention to detail is apparent in your work. The confession (lol) in the end of the video not only showed your craftsman's self-criticism but also added information that was very helpful. Love your work, definitely an easy subscribe!

[@mohammadazhim7663]

it is always nice to see something good came out during this MCO time.great job bro

[@jipplejapple3347]

That turned out awesome no matter which way it is

[@rodneylane7640]

Thanks so much for the guest appearance of your beautiful cat. He should do a guest spot more often.

[@anonymoussourcefiles2726]

Love your craftsmanship 💯

[@boredmollusca]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video. Sharing your learning process is something I won't forget and a printing error I have made myself elsewhere. Thank you!

[@TMM.T3DM]

Big fan and cracked up at the end! Love your projects man, keep it up!

[@jcollem]

Beautiful work, congrats. I respect your sincerity.

[@AgroPop_xbox]

I'm subscribing because of the confession at the end of the video. The project pulled me in and I enjoyed watching all the steps. This is a very satisfying piece of functional art to see created.

[@Tractopelle1]

Incredible !! Your skills have no limits Take care !

[@Snowave50]

Super cool build, despite the little mistake !! This is my fav leather project you have done so far !! Keep it up

[@cboyd2685]

You got a thumbs up for your honesty as well as your talent.

[@StormGundam]

Man whenever youre able to get more leather like this I would love one for my pixel 3. Even though I love OtterBox to bits when it comes to phone cases, the leather case you made for your phone is just too awesome. :D

[@ladyaugust3824]

Very interesting! Thank you for the process!

[@lostbuffalo196]

Excellent job, and as usual, very good work.

[@OAbbas]

beautiful cover

[@ALPACABOWLCOMPANY]

Sweet job. Fun learning new stuff. Cat looks happy. 👍👍👽

[@smallfry1463]

Still turned out well buddy. Thank you! That is an awesome idea!

[@douglasfathers4848]

Mate don't worry about it just proves the best of us can make mistakes. and believe me you are one of the best. so stay safe .cheers from Australia.

[@sambaggins2798]

Another cool project! I’m starting to think you can do anything you set your mind too. Great job! The mirrored text is quirky cool lol.

[@budilov]

Cool project!

[@mimoreque1805]

Awesome, I just wish I was as skilled as you are. Thanks for sharing!

[@robertschlepp3220]

Well done. Super cool project.

[@smartypants5036]

The quirky nature of the text is what makes the case totally original. I would be so happy if my case looked that good. Totally well done. I need to make a scabbard for a knife that I am making. What I have seen here will help me, Thank you for the post.

[@olivierpare-labrosse7814]

This is gorgeous!

[@rednissan96]

I just discovered your channel a couple days ago. Very nice work.

[@littlebacchus216]

I love the trice with the tape to make a border... will be using that and calling The Black Beard Technique

[@CDZURUGUAY]

Muy lindo y claramente explicado. Gracias.

[@nrette]

Great job as always and great sincerity as always too. Grazie mille de Francia

[@NickMorozov]

I could fill you doing a chef's kiss after you got the case out of the mold :)

[@SteveC38]

Very nice project and I appreciate your honesty and guidance! Well done and Thank You My Friend👍

[@animalcol1]

Love it. Thank you. Thanks also for the info at the end also!

[@RyeOnHam]

That was HILARIOUS! I was wondering why the buttons were on the wrong side of the phone! Great. Thanks you uploaded it!

[@bsoxhater14]

I love your videos, you make awesome content, and your commitment to your english followers is deeply appreciated. Things in Italy must make things even more difficult on top of being a creator, so I appreciate your content even more. From the US, thanks.

[@selfrestoration9564]

Amazing work Done 👌 Thumbs up 👍 👏 👏 👏

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Really nice work, I love the look of this even the back to front logo 👍 😊

[@yapuka1041]

I was need to inspiration for a new video project but now you give me inspiration!! really awesome Black Beard Projects thank you!!!

[@A.G.h.o.s.t]

Brilliant. Thank you

[@Xaphanius]

Loved the honesty in the end of the video! +1

[@ruancoetzee1259]

Love your work!!

[@yyyihateyou]

You are definitely a master craftsmen ' that is the best looking case i ever saw ! Thank you

[@kaseyfrancis-eusea2318]

You are the coolest human. Stay safe. 🤘🏾

[@plunder1956]

And the lord said "You can NEVER have too many clamps!"

[@thommie201]

plunder1956 The ClampChamp

[@DrBF3000]

Amen

[@StanislavG.]

It's so true it's not even funny :))

[@ctbazoa]

😂😂😂😂 never, NEVER IS SO MUCH

[@jjcc8379]

oh, he remembered to mirror the mold! Nice! :D

[@photodave219]

I really enjoy your projects. Also, the amount of clamps you used made me laugh. Stay healthy.

[@Hard_work_sport]

Bravo ! Perfect job 💪

[@Orangewood76]

I was so confused; I think I've seen every one of your videos and I couldn't believe I'd never noticed you being left-handed! But thanks for clearing that up and hey, backwards or not, it's still beautiful. Use it with pride.

[@coojewdotcom6281]

awesome work

[@bolobre4th]

It's a beautiful cover nonetheless, as you said, perfect for mirror selfies. Thanks a lot for showing your mistakes, it's very inspiring to see, we can learn a lot from failure, even though your final product is flawless.

[@benmcdrury636]

this is so satisfying to listen to

[@jandastroy]

That's pretty sweet looking. You know what makes a great gravity clamp in a pinch? An anvil. I used mine to glue up layers on a small table and it worked wonders. I bet you could get a deeper imprint if you pinched it under something heavy next time. Glad to see you're healthy!

[@OlivierMdown]

unique cover !

[@NarTac13]

Not all projects turn out as expected, but a super cool project still!

[@lmartin3601]

Very Talented and Very Good Work. Thank you

[@E-hab]

Thanks for taking my suggestion into consideration if I was the one who made you thinking of doing it.

[@evangelistajoseanjunior4075]

Voce e muito humilde bravo continue voce e uma inspiração pra min aqui no Brasil.

[@user-mg4em6pq5v]

Nice work 👍

[@bigjmacg]

A+ 👍🏻👍🏻 awesome 👏🏻 well done.

[@laflameboi4617]

It's okay man I like it either way, you are so talented, anyways stay safe man I hope you have a great day 👍🏻

[@abdullahaburjea5454]

Great work ♥️👏👏👏👏

[@SmokedHam444]

Turned out great! I've been designing and printing lots of cases but recently got interested in leather crafting so I've been wanting to make a leather phone case for a while now. I was wondering if you scaled down the printed phone slightly to make the case fit tight enough, or was that not necessary?

[@ctbazoa]

Confesso que eu notei logo no início, mas achei o processo muito interessante. Provavelmente irei fazer um pra mim.

[@susanarata7525]

I love this video thanks for making it. I am not sure I will purchase the molding materials necessary to make unless I'm making a bunch . I wonder if you can make a cover emf resistance with the materials they have today?. I purchased some material from Amazon a couple years ago to make a faraday bag but I'm thinking maybe I can line maybe a a reinforced has to be softer leather enclosed phone case.. or do you think you can do with this type of hard cover? I did watch the entire video which is rare for me to have patience but when it's interesting it's worth the time. Peace

[@redskins43]

jesus christ you're talented.... aloha from hawaii... beautiful piece... love the cats. 🌴🤘😎😸

[@anonymusz12]

Awwww. No problem buddy☺️ it's really nice job👌👌👌

[@killuazoldic8930]

That was brilliant from u to shoot the whole video in mirror mode !

[@primemover1930]

I love the idea. I want one!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

That was a very cool project! Neat to see how you incorporated the 3d printer. Every one of my videos have at least one mistake, so I feel your pain!

[@hectorny94]

Hey man, I like the style of your videos Keep up the good work

[@m87aj]

Great job Brother

[@FordFracture]

Now that was cool !