Handbags for the neices

[resqman]

I have been leatherworking for about 4-5 months off and on when time allowed. I needed a gift for my 12 and 14 year old nieces for Christmas. I used two different kits from Tandy with their included patterns. The kits solved a lot problems and I needed something quick since I did not plan very far in advance. Took about 3 days from start to finish for the two purses.

I spent about 6-7 hours tooling the sheridan style purse. Probably should have spent another couple hours and not rushed so much. It is only tooled on one side. I am having problems getting the beveler into small areas. Also need to work on making things more consistent in size from side to side. The handles are installed backwards in the pics but I corrected that before I presented them.

I spent about 4 hours tooling the floral purse. That was for both sides. Large patterns with not much detail.

I am self taught by reading as much as I can from the How To books from Tandy. I am trying to find someone locally I could watch for a few pointers.

Anyway... would love to hear your critiques. Please be pointed and detailed if possible. I want to get better, not patted on the back.

[ValinorKings]

I know I probably don't have much room to be giving advice as I'm about as far along in leatherworking as you, but I can say that this forum will be invaluable as I have also taught myself everything I know so far, with a good deal of help from all the great and talented crafts people here. I feel as though I have progressed pretty quickly and what I can most attribute that to is practice, practice, practice! I probably pound leather at least 3 or 4 hours everyday some days 10 or 12 (yikes!). You might not have that kind of time and that's ok. Just keep it up, because that's definitely what helped me. Just having the tools in my hands so often. A lot of the things I was confused about ( like walking the tools, how to properly use a veiner or camo tool, etc) all eventually just came naturally with repeated use and that's about it. Anything else that I just couldnt get or got impatient with I learned here. Keep it up and cant wait to see more cuz it's looking good!

-The Wolf

[Greybeard]

Those are some Nice Purses. They will make wonderful gifts.

[wildrose]

Bevelling is one thing that will take alot of practice and time. I used to HATE it, but enough doing it made it less despicable to me....LOL! Anyhow, those are very nice and I'll bet your nieces will carry them with pride!