[Toronto-filter] Skinning a leather couch

November 30, 2011 9:48 AM

Is there any way to make money off an old leather couch -- or at least put the leather to good use?

We're in Toronto, ON.

We have a very large sectional leather couch that is old beyond repair or restuffing. It seated, maybe, nine people in its heyday. We're replacing the couch but wondering if it is possible to sell the leather for re-use, or at least donate the leather somewhere that it might serve some sort of purpose.

The couch itself is beyond repair; we're planning on skinning it.

posted by monkeymonkey to grab bag (6 answers total)

Send it to someone like this.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:54 AM on November 30, 2011

Post it on Craigslist or Freecycle.org. If there's an art school or an upholstery shop nearby, they might love it.
posted by theora55 at 10:22 AM on November 30, 2011 [2 favorites]

Perhaps you could make smaller things out of it as a project, like jackets, pants, ottomans, etc. You could dye it colors.
posted by MidSouthern Mouth at 1:49 PM on November 30, 2011

Check under the cushions for change.
posted by DaddyNewt at 2:57 PM on November 30, 2011

On the "projects" tip, I've long had the idea which, like most of my ideas, I've never acted upon, of making chessboards out of woven leather. Granted, you'd need an alternate color of leather as well, but it could be a fun project and, given the amount of leather you've got, could earn you some money on etsy or somewhere as well.
posted by Navelgazer at 3:33 PM on November 30, 2011

making chessboards out of woven leather

that's a neat idea - especially if you leave the board flexible so it can be rolled up and portable, with a matching leather bag for the pieces
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 6:00 PM on November 30, 2011