I have compiled the steps I plan on using

[Regis]

After a (now) embarrassing purse and carving project when I 1st joined this forum, I've been learning and practicing a lot. Most of the guidence here has been specific to solve a problem or improve something. I'm making a small purse for my daughter and have compiled the steps I plan on using. Will you confirm, add, or re-arrange this list so that I will complete it correctly (or at least one of the correct ways)?

1- cut-out all leather and liners to pattern

2- completely carve and tool leather (if hand sewing cut sew line)

3- dye leather base color you want

4- apply any coloring (dye or paint) and/or mask to specific areas (e.g. scene, figure, etc)

5- apply antique and wipe off immediately

6- burnish edges and apply edge treatment

7- Apply a coat of finish (e.g. Super Shene)

8- glue liner to body and gussets (silk in this case)

9- sew/attach any internal parts/pockets (closing latch and elastic strap for BlackBerry in this case)

10- glue gussets and body togather

11- attach D-ring (glue, sew, rivet, etc)

12- sew sides/seams if applicable

13- attach strap (glue, sew, rivet, etc)

14- Apply 2nd finish coat over all leather and buff

15- Give purse to waiting daughter

Do I have a sound procedure or are there missing or out of place steps? I have learned to read/listen before messing up another bunch of leather..

And, I do appreciate all that I've been learning here.

Regis

[Billsotx]

*Suggestions; I've only done one purse so I'm no expert; this is sort of like building a holster, at least in my mind.

1- cut-out all leather and liners to pattern

*2- completely carve and tool leather (if hand sewing cut sew line) *besure to glue the pieces you're going to stamp/tool to something to prevent them stretching; or tape them.

*3- dye leather base color you want *test your dyes and color stuff on some of your scrap before you apply to your project. Leather is like hands - all the same but different.

4- apply any coloring (dye or paint) and/or mask to specific areas (e.g. scene, figure, etc)

5- apply antique and wipe off immediately

*6- burnish edges and apply edge treatment * burnish the edges you will not be able to get to easily after assembly (e.g. steps 8&9, but not all of the edges. Some of the edges that you glue together and stitch, front and back panel and gussets, will look better if you edge bevel, sand, color and slick, etc. after they are stitched.

7- Apply a coat of finish (e.g. Super Shene)

8- glue liner to body and gussets (silk in this case)

9- sew/attach any internal parts/pockets (closing latch and elastic strap for BlackBerry in this case)

*10- glue gussets and body togather *these are what I mentioned previously. Easy to get to and finish after stitching. If they are not then finish before assembly.

11- attach D-ring (glue, sew, rivet, etc)

12- sew sides/seams if applicable

13- attach strap (glue, sew, rivet, etc)

14- Apply 2nd finish coat over all leather and buff *the edge finishing probably would fit in right before the finish coats are applied; except for those internal, hard to get to and the compartmental pieces like the Blackberry case.

15- Give purse to waiting daughter * bet ya she'll like it better than any store bought purse.

[Regis]

Bill,

Appreciate all the tips. And, yep, it sure would be better to slick and finish edges AFTER assembly.

Thanks,

Regis