Please Help, Some 'staring To Learn' Advice?

[Hallyth]

My apologies if this has already been asked, I have had a quick search, but am still finding my way around the forum (day 1)

I am a complete starter at this, never done any kind of leatherwork. I would like to learn to make holders for things, but also molded and sculpture type work.

But actually, I have no clue where to start...........

I am UK based, and have found a local-ish supplier, 'The Identity Store' in derbyshire.

Looking through their website just sends me into deeper puzzlement as to what to get, where to start.

My funds are limited. My space is limited (live on a canal boat) My power (12v only) and water is limited, but I don't see that should stop me doing these crafts?

So, thought I would start with a decent 'beginners introduction to everything' type book. I found several here: http://www.theidenti...e=1&subcatID=32

but I don't know which would be the most useful to me....I don't want to get the wrong one that I can't follow and/or waste money. Could anyone suggest or recommend any of these to me?

They also have some starter kits on the same site.http://www.theidenti...ts.asp?catID=45 Again, I want to make the best use of limited funds. Are starter kits useful for a hobby, or would I be better buying separate things? And if so, what???

Thank you in advance for any help or advice you can offer, or places to point me at!!

Edited to add: When I am onboard at home, my internet can be somewhat hit and miss, for signal, so downloading video tutorials can be an issue, even photo's (we are still at slow speeds in the UK) thus I thought books!

Edited September 3, 2013 by Hallyth

[gary]

Get the Valerie Michael book http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Leatherworking-Handbook-Valerie-Michael/dp/0304345113 and the Al Stohlman hand sewing book. They're the best starting points. Gary

[Jax]

Where in the Midlands are you Hallyth?

[Macca]

Both books recommended above are excellent

the Stohlman book looks a bit "cowboy" for us Euros at first glance, but don't let that put you off, its a must have

[Hallyth]

Thanks for the suggestions! I have ordered a starter kit which is currently winging it's way to me. The tandy starter kit turned out to be exactly the same as the one I linked to, but half the price....a no brainer, so hopefully that will give me a little taster and make sure it's for me.

Jax...Leicestershire...mostly in the countryside wherever the canal and river takes me!!

[Renoir]

From another thread I just answered...

I recently started and I'd agree with the first couple of lists give here - the things I found most useful:

Youtube videos! (Ian Atkinson and Nigel Armitage are the best!)

Diamond stitching awl - get two - and some sandpaper/wet'dry paper, various grades (cheap shop stuff is fine). **Learn how and SHARPEN THE AWL**. Or, if you buy an awl from goods japan they come ready-sharp!.

John James no.2 saddler/harness needles. Cheap as chips, they'll post you some ( http://www.jjneedles...ss-Needles.html)

A pony or something to hold work while stitching is essential. you could probably make something fairly easily, even a bit of wood and a rubber band will help - hold between your knees and have both hands free for sewing.

Sharp knife and ruler - craft knife, snap-off knife, is fine to start with - must be sharp.

A bit of scrap leather, scrap wood and some polishing paste/jewellers paste to make a strop. Stropping a craft knife/snap-off knife is enough to give it a nice edge. It won't last as long as the 'proper' knives, but stropping really helps keep the edge sharp.

I bought a couple of grade 3 hides (077) and a lovely shoulder (026) from le provo ( http://www.leprevo.co.uk/hides.htm ). a bit of a faff for ordering online, but great customer support. the grade 3's are great for learning - you don't worry about 'wasting' it as it's a lot cheaper, and making small things (watch straps, bracelets, wallets) you can cut around the marks and find a nice bit. Good tools and prices too.

a medium edge beveller (normally no 2) - nice for finishing edges. use a scrap of canvas or material for burnishing or get a cheap wooden burnishing tool. (wet the edge with a wet finger and rub until smooth and dark)

** optional A stitch groover is handy (one that makes a groove near the edge). GoodsJapan make a good one that can do it with an edge guide, or without (freehand) and even comes with a crease tool. I like the look of that - it replaces about 4 other tools

** optional a stitch wheel - maybe 7 stitches per inch? to help measure your stitching. Pricking Irons are expensive, but a good investment later.

I would recommend fiebings professional oil dye - just get a 4oz bottle of a nice brown colour (mahogany?) to start. Much nicer results and avoids lots of the problems of cheaper dyes.

**disposable gloves for dyeing

Carnuba cream and/or leather sheen or resoline finish - fiebings? Tan-kote for finishing the 'flesh' (inside) of leather.

A safety skiver is a good tool - can be replaced by a very sharp knife and some practice. I found the bendy snap-off knives, once stropped, do a nice job. videos of skiving (thinning the leather, usually at the joins or edges) will help.

pencil and rubber for marking lines (preferably the back of the leather).

If you want to try tooling, then a starter set of stamps/bevelling tools and a rubber/plastic/rawhide hammer.

Much more fun to grab some real leather and have a go - don't be scared of it, it's great fun.

Interesting restrictions you have on a boat - it should be a good hobby!

Edited September 4, 2013 by Renoir

[Hallyth]

Wow, thanks for all that Renoir, much appreciated! I'll have to look up a couple of things to see what they are/do, but that looks like a fab starter list! Some things are easy for me to come by, especially scrap wood! I'll have to remember not to burn it all in the stove this winter!

Thanks for the links too, a great help!

[Jax]

Hallyth, if you are ever in the Birmingham area gimme a shout, I don't drive so getting about can be awkward, especially in rural places, I will help where I can

[Hallyth]

Thanks Jax!