If you’ve been looking for a creative way to display your air plants and add natural beauty to your home, you’re in the right place! Making your own air plant holder with leather is an easy and fun project that lets you showcase your unique style. With just a few supplies and a little time, you can create a stunning display for your air plants.
Today, we’ll explore how to create an air plant holder with leather and why leather and air plants make such a perfect pair for home decor. We’ll also discuss the incredible versatility of leather in crafting and the simplicity of owning and caring for air plants.
Also, guess what time it is? It’s time for another round of the Hand Crafted Society. We’re a group of talented bloggers who create monthly projects using a shared medium or theme. This month, we are using leather or lace. When you reach the end of the post, click on the image or blog name to view the full post of other participants.
Why Leather and Air Plants Make a Perfect Pair
Before we start, let’s consider why leather is an excellent material for this project. Leather is incredibly versatile—it can be soft and flexible or tough and durable. It also comes in a variety of colors and finishes, making it an excellent choice for any style of home decor.
Another great thing about leather is that it can be repurposed.
Leather also ages beautifully. Over time, it develops a patina that adds character and warmth, making your leather air plant holder even more personal. Plus, working with leather is easier than you might think! With just a few simple tools, you can transform leather into beautiful creations, like the air plant holder we’ll make today.
Air plants, on the other hand, are the ultimate low-maintenance plants. They don’t require soil, so they can be displayed creatively—like hanging on a stylish leather holder.
They thrive with minimal care, needing only occasional watering and indirect light. That makes them perfect for busy people who want to add a bit of greenery to their space without much upkeep. Air plants also bring a sense of organic beauty, blending well with leather’s natural texture.
Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a more rustic look, leather fits right in. The raw wood, leather, and air plants perfectly complement my decor aesthetic.
Supplies You’ll Need for Leather Air Plant Holder
To create your air plant holder, gather the following supplies:
- A 5×5-inch piece of common board
- Leather (scraps or a small sheet will work)
- Carpet tacks or small nails
- Small leather punch
- Black D hangers, optional
- Leather trim/cord, optional
- Air plant (your choice of variety)
Tools/Extras:
- Drill, optional
- Screw Driver
- Hammer
- Cutting Pad
- Rotary Cutter
These supplies are easy to find and affordable. If you don’t have leather on hand, leather scraps from old belts, bags, or jackets work great for this project. Leather has a natural, timeless appeal that complements air plants, and we’ll be using it to make straps to hold the plants securely.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Plant Holder
Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Base
Start by cutting and sanding your 5×5-inch common board. The wood will be the sturdy base for your air plant holder. Make sure the edges are smooth. You can leave the wood as is for a natural look or stain it to match your home’s decor. As you can see, I went with the natural, raw look.
Step 2: Cut the Leather Strap
Next, it’s time to work with the leather. I purchased all of my leather supplies at Michael’s. The piece was soft and had suede on the back, so you’ll see that I made one with each side of the leather.
Between you and me, I’m obsessed with the suede one.
Alright, let’s cut the leather strap. The measurements are approximately 3 inches wide and about 1-1/2 half inch in height.
Be sure to adjust these measurements if your wooden base is bigger or smaller and/or depending on the size of your air plant. This strap will act as the loop to hold the air plants in place.
Leather is flexible but strong, so it securely holds the air plants without damaging them. Plus, it adds a rich texture and visual interest to the holder.
Step 3: Punch Holes into Leather
Pre-punching the holes allows the tacks to go through the leather quickly without creating unnecessary tension, ensuring the leather stays flat and secure against the wooden surface. This simple step enhances the overall look and durability of your project.
I punched my holes using a Memory Maker Eyelet setter because I wanted to use what I had on hand.
Step 4: Attach the Leather to the Wood
Once your leather strap is ready, you can attach it to the wooden base. Use the carpet tacks or small nails to secure the leather strap to the board. This creates a secure strap for the air plant to rest in.
I loved the black carpet tacks and how beautifully it contrasted with the leather.
Doesn’t the leather add a chic touch to the design? It would be a perfect addition to any room or space.
Step 5: Add D Rings and Leather Trim (Optional)
Once the wood is ready and the leather is attached, you can add the D rings to the back of the board to hang your air plant holder on the wall when the project is complete.
String the leather trim/cord from one D ring to the other and knot both sides. This will allow you to hang this cutie from a single nail.
Step 6: Add the Air Plants
Now, the fun part is adding your air plant! Slip the air plants into the leather strap you created. Since air plants don’t require soil, they’ll sit snugly in the strap without needing much support. The leather will cradle the plant gently, allowing it to be easily removed for watering.
Did you know? Air plants are incredibly easy to care for. Soak them in water for 20-30 minutes once a week, and they’ll be happy and healthy. Place your air plant holder in a spot where it gets bright, indirect light, and watch your plants thrive.
The Ease of Owning an Air Plant
One of the most significant benefits of owning air plants is how easy they are to care for. Since they don’t need soil, you don’t have to worry about messy pots or dirt spills. Air plants get all their nutrients from the air around them. So all you need to do is give them a good soak once a week, and they’ll be happy.
These low-maintenance plants are perfect for anyone who wants to add greenery to their space without the hassle. They’re also incredibly versatile when it comes to display options.
In addition to using them in this air plant holder with leather, you can place them in glass terrariums, hang them from string, or even nestle them into pieces of driftwood. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice for creative displays.
Other Plant Related Posts:
Rustic Hanging Gutter Hanger
How to Make a Rope Planter
DIY Dish Garden
DIY Air Plant Hanger
Other Uses for this Holder
The square wooden base with a leather strap can also be used as a display or organizer on flat surfaces. In addition to holding air plants, it can neatly showcase small Polaroid photos, business cards, other dried flowers, quote cards, or stickers.
The leather strap gently holds these items upright, offering an easy, stylish way to organize or display everyday essentials.
This multi-functional design adds practicality and a boho chic touch to your desk, shelf, or workspace. I love this idea!
Crafting your own (air plant) holder with leather is a fun and rewarding project that adds a touch of natural beauty to any space. The combination of leather’s rustic charm and the minimal care needed for air plants makes this project a winner for novice and experienced crafters.
You can create a unique and stylish air plant display that reflects your style with just a few simple materials. Plus, you’ll enjoy creating something with your hands that will look beautiful in your home for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies and start crafting your very own air plant holder today!
Missy says
I have never really liked air plant holders…until NOW! This is so clever and an amazing use of leather! Well done! Pinned!
CoCo says
Such a cool project, Kelly. One of my sisters would love this idea so I’m excited to make it for her. It’s going to be such a fun gift! Thanks for making it easy. Big hugs, CoCo
Loren says
I love the design and that its so versatile. You can literally add any seasonal decor and it would look beautiful. The wood and leather is so rustic and boojey at the same time. Love it!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much, Loren! I’m so happy you love it as much as I do — versatilty and boojey for the win. Have a blessed week!
Michelle | Thistle Key Lane says
Kelly you have such a creative brain! I love your air plant holder, and all your ideas for displaying different objects! So clever, and I want one! 😊
Kim says
What a creative idea, Kelly! It’s such a great look for the air plant!
Donna says
Hi Kelly, I am so intrigued by air plants. They are so interesting and I’m amazed how they can live with so little water! I love how you used leather to display one, such a fabulous combination!
Anna says
Hi Kelly – I could see making three of these for some air plants and hanging them in my bathroom. As you mentioned, I am one of those people who is looking for low maintenance plants. Thanks for a great tutorial with step by step instructions. Your photos were extra helpful. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Scarlet says
What a great DIY air plant holder. I love the wood leather combo. Thanks for the doable tutorial.