Decorate Your Desk with a DIY Mouse Pad

diy leather mouse pad

Feeling like you need some new desk accessories to get ready for back-to-school season? So do we! We created some awesome leather mouse pads inspired by Grovemade. We hope that this DIY inspires you to make work and school more fun!

Materials:

¼ inch cork sheets

leather

paper plate

Tools:

ruler

spray adhesive

scissors

– hot glue gun

pen

Instructions:

Let's get making!

First you need to prepare your mouse pad. Spray your cork with spray adhesive and then adhere your leather, smoothing it out and pressing it firmly to the cork. Cut off any extra leather. Now you're ready to get creative!

First cut out your mouse pad. We went with a circle for our first shape. Trace a paper plate (or anything that is the correct size and shape). Cut out your mouse pad using a pair of sharp scissors.

1. Spray your cork board with spray adhesive following the instructions on the can. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.

2. Apply your leather, smoothing it out and pressing it firmly to the cork. Test to make sure it adheres.

3. Cut excess leather away from the edges of the cork.

4. Flip the cork over and draw an outline of your mouse pad using a paper plate to create a circular pad, a ruler for a rectangle, or your eyeballs if you're free-handing ;)

5. Cut out your shape. Make sure your scissors are sharp!

6. Accessorize your mouse pad by adding pockets, appliques and pencil holders.

Pencil Holder

To create a pencil slot, cut a second piece of leather, using the mouse pad to get the correct measurements. Place your pen on top to see where you would like it to sit.

Staying away from the edges, cut two even slits approximately one inch long. Make them parallel and about ¾ inch apart. Slide a pen through the slot and glue the leather to the top of the mouse pad. By keeping the pen in the slot while you glue, you’ll ensure a good fit.

Claw-tooth Heart

There are so many ways you can go with a free-handed shape, but we chose a heart.

Draw your shape on the back of your cork and cut it out.

We added individual triangles to the edge rounding the backs to fit the curve of the heart. You can cut out any shapes or extra pieces that you want to add to the pad. Just glue them on. Keep in mind that you want a smooth surface for your mouse, so it’s best to stay away from small cutouts in the center of the mouse pad.

Pocket

For our final mouse pad we added a corner pocket to hold small supplies. It’s the perfect size for a flash drive, paper clips or a mini clothes pins.

Once again, we cut out our shape. This time we made a rectangular mouse pad. Use a ruler to keep your lines straight.

Determine the size, shape and location of your pocket and then cut it out of your extra leather.

Glue the sides leaving one edge open. You’re all ready to add your desktop goodies!

So fun!

Now you have yourself a fresh new mouse pad to liven up your desk. Let the new year begin!

What do you think about this DIY leather mousepad? What colors will you use? Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Candles add an extra layer of coziness to the season. Whether you're curling up with a good book, hosting a fall gathering, or just looking to create a cozy vibe, the right fall candle can transform your space into a fall-scented haven. From the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove to the sweet scents of pumpkin, apple, and vanilla, these are our favorite candles for the season.

Fall Scented Candles

Nest

Nest Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle

Your favorite tea and this blend of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon will warm you right up this season.

Nordstrom

Apotheke Pumpkin Ginger 3-Wick Candle

Brighten your fall days with fresh roasted pumpkin topped with a spicy blend of ginger, clove, and cinnamon.

Anthropologie

Voluspa Japonica Spiced Pumpkin Latte Glass Jar Candle

Pumpkin spice girls will love this Spiced Pumpkin Latte candle with a hint of vanilla.

Amazon

Calyan Wax Apples & Maple Bourbon

Your sweet tooth might be tempted by this brown sugar, maple syrup, baked apple and a drop or two of Kentucky's finest infused with cinnamon leaf, tangerine, mandarin, and orange essential oils.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Handpainted Pumpkin Glass Pumpkin Candle

For a more decorative vessel, check out this Anthro handpainted glass candle with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon bark, amber, and cedarwood.

Sweet Water Decor

Sweet Water Fall Leaves Candle

Light up your childhood memories with this fall leaves scented candle with notes of apple, orange, cinnamon, and cloves.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation Harvest Pumpkin Linnea Candle

Handcrafted in small batches, this candle is autumn in a jar with pumpkin, thyme, and warm spices .

Nordstrom

Homesick Peak Foliage Candle

Imagine a cool fall day with hot apple cider and pumpkin spice and you have this candle. Top notes include nutmeg, lemon, and eucalyptus.

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Limited Edition Toasted Pumpkin

Toasted pumpkin seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon notes are the scent of chill in the air and soup on the stove. Made in Brooklyn, these soy wax candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Candle

This beeswax and vegetable wax blend features a classic scent for the coziest fall days.

Amazon

FF Spiced Pumpkin Scented Candle

Relax with an aromatherapy of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

Forvr Mood

Forvr Mood Spice of Life Candle

B+C editor Jasmine loves this fiery, bold fragrance that blends ginger, lemongrass, and clementine. Forvr Mood collabed with Claude Kameni, an African designer who uses traditional Nigerian patterns, to design each vessel with a custom Kameni print. It makes a great gift!

Woodsy Fall Scents

Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Cedar Candle

Grab your cozy fall sweater and sit by a candle fire with romantic notes of rose, tobacco leaf, fir needle, and cedarwood.

HomeCourt

HomeCourt Cece Candle

This new brand from actress Courtney Cox uses eco-friendly and sustainably sourced ingredients. The Cece Candle has notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, cinnamon, and white leather.

(Malin + Goetz)

(Malin + Goetz) Leather Candle

The rustic smell of smooth leather combined with muted florals has a bit of a '70s vintage vibe.

Public Goods

Public Goods Cedar & Suede Soy Candle

This sandalwood, jasmine, Turkish rose, amber, and notes of leather bring you warm and woodsy spice at home.

Baobab Collection

Les Prestigieuses Encre De Chine Scented Candle

This is another one of Jasmine's favorites with hints of leather, sequoia, and amber.

Buck Mason

Buck Mason LP Candle

B+C editor Kayla loves this hand-poured ceramic candle inspired by Lone Pine, California with notes of atlas cedar, charred hickory, musk, and amber. "I use it every day, it's that good!," she says.

Anthropologie

Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle

B+C editor Haley loves this popular citrus scent for fall with sugared oranges, lemons, and limes. Plus, the pearl-esque jar goes with all of her home decor as she shifts from season to season!

Otherland Moonstruck Candle

B+C editor Meredith finds this one "not overtly fall-y, but I’ve been loving it for the woody/leathery smell! It honestly smells like incense." The Moonstruck variety has hints of sweet myrrh, white mahogany, and smoked birch.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Out of all the fall coats I own, It's dawned on me that I have zeroleather jackets at the moment. I used to wear them constantly — to the point where they were literally falling apart — and I just haven't picked up a new jacket since my mom uh, strongly encouraged I get rid of their ratty remains. If that sounds familiar, let's bow our heads for what we've lost so we can make room for the new styles we're about to embrace!

I'm teasing, but I really have found 17 leather jackets that are equally edgy and chic — a perfect combination for fall. I even spy a couple to match some of the H&M fall fashion I can't stop thinking about! So what are you waiting for? Scroll on to find your new sleek outerwear!

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Enola Leather Moto Jacket

One of the first leather jackets I owned was a moto, and I just love this style! Their classic design reminds me of scenes from movies like Grease and Cry-Baby — the ultimate bada-- rom-com movies IMO.

This version is more relaxed and cropped than usual, but that's only half the fun! It has a light inner lining that makes it easy for you to layer when it starts becoming clear summer is on it's way out.

Dynamite Clothing

Dynamite Clothing Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

This elevated jacket works great for those who aren't into the edgier 'biker' look. The relaxed fit is there, but it looks like a mature version of most leather jackets we've seen. With it's concealed zipper and elasticized cuffs, your 9-5 work outfits will get a much needed fall boost.

Pistola Denim

Pistola Denim Nicolette Mod Moto Jacket

There's no rule that says leather jackets have to be black, but they do need to have a few signature staples. The silver hardware and wide lapels on this design give an edge to what seems like more of a cutesy jacket. I like to think of it as "the one you never saw coming" in terms of how it'll gradually command attention.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

Some of us just want to drape our bodies in oversized jackets — like this piece by Wild Fable — as soon as a chill hits the air. It's on the heavier side and it has a soft lining that'll keep your bones warm on chilly days.

This option also has zippered pockets to keep your cold weather essentials in place when you're briskly walking from one place to another. Love it!

Amazon

The Drop Heather Faux Leather Moto Jacket

I've always wanted a cognac leather jacket that reminds me of a nice, smooth glass of whiskey. This one is designed to be a perfect fit that doesn't overpower or cling to your body, so you'll be super comfortable in it. And just like whiskey, it'll keep you nice and warm whenever you leave home.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Fallon Snake Embossed Faux Leather Jacket

Give me anything animal print, and I'll show you how it can become a neutral fall staple. Technically this embossed faux leather jacket is a statement piece, but you can easily build an outfit around it. Actually, it's a great option to wear with a monochromatic black or white outfit.

Levi's

Levi's Lelou Shrunken Moto Jacket

Or you can skip the embossed snake print pattern and go for this shrunken moto jacket instead! This asymmetrical zip design will still add a pop of color to your wardrobe, while giving you the option to play it safe if you're afraid of too much texture with your look.

Though Levi's is known for having the most amazing jeans, don't sleep on their outerwear or else you'll miss out on fun pieces like this leather jacket!

Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal Oversized Real Leather Boyfriend Jacket

This has 'popular girl who wears her boyfriend's jacket' written all over it — and that's intentional. Designed to be oversized, this leather jacket has dropped shoulders and a large notched collar to add to the overall 'boyfriend' look. If you want to go for a cinched waist look, you can utilize the belt on the hemline!

Revolve

Nakedvice The Vince Jacket

Give it up for all the cute cropped jackets in the world. I know some can come across as immature, but not this one! Between the cream color and the sleek frontline zipper, it brings the energy of brat summer into fall!

Land's End

Land's End Leather Jacket

This semi-fitted leather jacket is made of a lamb leather shell and features a snap collar along with shoulder snaps. You'll be snapping your way into fall in no time, but that's not all! It also comes with zippered chest, hand pockets, and cuffs!

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Petite Faux Leather Jacket

This faux leather jacket almost looks like a peacoat, and IMO that's a huge part of its appeal. Instead of zippers, you'll find three buttons on each side and wide lapels that make it look office wear-friendly.

Lucky Brand

Lucky Brand Leather Trucker Jacket

Doesn't this look like a leather denim jacket? It's literally one of the most unique designs — it's super sleek and works so well with everything from jeans to sweater dresses. You can even find a cute pair of tall boots to match the cognac color!

Amazon

Levi's Belted Faux Leather Moto Jacket

This belted faux leather moto jacket will become a new wardrobe staple, especially if you want to deviate from your tried and true basic colors. It has silver hardware, a belted hemline, and it's machine-washable!

Bershka

Bershka Leather Jacket

This sheep leather jacket is the true definition of cool with its relaxed fit and and 100% polyester lining. The lapels aren't as defined as other options, which may be a preference for anyone who prefers a sleeker look.

But unlike other leather jackets, you'll have to take special care of it because you can't wash, bleach, iron, dry clean, or tumble dry it! You'll have to take it to someone who specializes in caring for real leather in order to maintain it's appearance so keep that in mind if you decide to buy it!

Wilson's Leather

Wilson's Leather Quilted Moto Jacket

I usually don't like quilted jackets, but this design is an exception. It's 100% genuine leather that has ample pockets and a snap collar that'll give you the 'effortlessly cool' look.

It's an investment piece, but I think it's worth every penny!

Coach

Coach Outlet Leather Racer Jacket

This lamb leather piece is another smooth option for anyone who doesn't want a traditional looking jacket. The more I stare at it, the more I wonder how it's possible for even the zippers to look sexy.

It's currently 50% off, so don't miss out on this gorgeous jacket that's surprisingly not considered a cognac color.

MANGO

Mango 100% Leather Fur Jacket

I shouldn't be looking at this leather fur jacket, but it's truly a work of art. From the placement of the cow print pattern to the overall fit, it's the perfect option if you're still in your cowgirl era á la Bella Hadid.

It's still lined, even if the straight fit suggests otherwise, and that's my favorite part about it! Unassuming fashion is so much, especially during fall!

Follow us on Pinterest to see more fall fashion inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.