Newbie Stamping Question

[hosscomp]

Hi,

I started out with a small kit from Tandy and made a few things: wallet, belt, checkbook cover, etc. Now I have bought more tools and leather and Stohlman's Hand Sewing and Leather Cases book and would like to clarify some things before going too far.

My first question is on stamping. I read that I should contact glue the cased leather to a piece of cardboard before tooling. I also read that tooling should be done on a granite slab for deeper clearer imprints. Does this mean I need a thin, solid type of cardboard since it will be between the leather and the granite? If so, what type?

[ClayB]

People back their stamping projects with different things. I use cardboard from empty cereal boxes. I wouldn't use contact cement though. I use rubber cement, that way when you are finished stamping, you can remove the cardboard from the leather. Putting the cement on shiny side of the cardboard makes it easier to remove from the leather.

Hope you have a lot of fun with your new found hobby!

[hosscomp]

People back their stamping projects with different things. I use cardboard from empty cereal boxes. I wouldn't use contact cement though. I use rubber cement, that way when you are finished stamping, you can remove the cardboard from the leather. Putting the cement on shiny side of the cardboard makes it easier to remove from the leather.

Hope you have a lot of fun with your new found hobby!

Thanks for the reply. That is kinda what I was thinking about using.

[terrymac]

3M packing tape works well also. Just cover back completely. Made the mistake recently of using another brand of tape, and it left a sticky residue which the 3M doesn't.

Terry

[GlenH]

Hi,

I started out with a small kit from Tandy and made a few things: wallet, belt, checkbook cover, etc. Now I have bought more tools and leather and Stohlman's Hand Sewing and Leather Cases book and would like to clarify some things before going too far.

My first question is on stamping. I read that I should contact glue the cased leather to a piece of cardboard before tooling. I also read that tooling should be done on a granite slab for deeper clearer imprints. Does this mean I need a thin, solid type of cardboard since it will be between the leather and the granite? If so, what type?

I use clear packing tape on the back of my leather to keep it from stretching during tooling. Works pretty well, although there is some adhesive residue left after removal. And if you use cardboard, don't use contact cement; use rubber cement. You won't be able to get the cardboard off if you use contact cement.

Glen