My first leather anything...

[CapableGuardian]

This was my first project. They are a set of belt keepers for a Sam Browne belt. I decided on this 'cuz 1) I needed some and 2) seemed to require the use of a lot of basic skills with the exception of sewing. Mine are on the right with the brass snaps. The one on the left is a production piece that I think was made by Gould & Goodrich that I used to help design my template.

Things I learned so far:

life would be easier with a strap end punch as I am a perfectionist to a flaw.

I think a creaser would have made them look nicer and made the stamping easier

I need a proper mallet.

so anyway I have some questions:

Any special order to the dye and edging process?

Should I stamp first then dye?

What is the best way to have the dye penetrate into the leather?

Of course, any other suggestions are welcomed as I am totally new at this.

[rdb]

First off, welcome to the Board. The more, the merrier!

I think you done great for a first time. I love when a person has a need, and makes something to fill that need. That is what makes a real human. That's why leather is so cool. You can make so many things from it.

As to your questions.

Simple answers -You stamp first, then dye. There's a product called Dye Prep that helps the leather take the dye better. I usually finish the edges after everything else is done.

The best thing you can do is scour this site for the reams of information you can find here, This place is getting to be quite the library, with volume after volume of valuable information. Read. Read. Read. Then post more pix. We love pix. There will be tons of people to answer your questions, so as you progress, don't be afraid to ask for help

[lilrays]

Welcome aboard and very glad you joined. This is a great location to learn from other leathercrafters as well as them learning from you.

For a first time project, those are very good lookin' keepers!

Lil Rays