For several years I have used a piece of cardboard stuck inside this book to hold a pen, but periodically I would have to replace the cardboard as it got worn, and it really didn't hold the pen very well. So, I decided to make a pen holder out of leather. The book I attached this to is my Bible, but it can work with any book you wish to keep a pen near.

Supplies

The supplies for this project are few:

2/3 oz leather
a knife or scissors to cut the leather
paper for the pattern
white glue
carpet tape (optional)
thread and sewing awl
your choice of leather finish (I used stain and wax)

Step 1: Make a Paper Pattern

Using your book as a guide, make a paper pattern slightly smaller than the inside of the back cover. You will need to allow for the pen holder (on the right side), and allow enough material to circumvent the pen and have enough to glue & sew (see 2nd photo).

Step 2: Prepare the Leather

Trim a piece of 2/3 oz leather per the paper pattern, and wet form it to form the pen holder. I used a wooden dowel to form the leather around, but you could also use your pen (if you use the pen, wrap it in saran wrap to keep moisture out).

After the leather is dry, glue and sew the flap as shown in the 2nd photo.

Use whatever your choice of leather finish before proceeding to the last step. I used a leather stain and protected it with wax.

Step 3: Fasten the Pen Holder to the Inside Back Cover

The final step is to attach the pen holder to the inside of the book's back cover. I chose to use double-sided carpet tape, but glue would also work. If you want it switchable between books, just place it inside the back cover and friction should keep it in place.

This is a very simple project, but it is quite convenient where you need a pen readily available, such as a notebook, diary, bible, etc.