LADIES CLUTCH PURSE

[DJ1935]

A while ago I was given an early 1900's book which described how to acheive a marble effect on leather. This involved collecting an array of acids, common in 1900 but caused some strange looks and "behind the counter" mutterings when asked for at the local Pharmacy. Having friends in the right places helps and I got the ingredients together and did some experimenting over the Christmas period. All sorts of effects can be acheived, this one on the Ladies Purse was more muted. Some of the test pieces came out looking amazingly like marble, every piece is different depending on the reactions of the acids and length of time allowed. It will be interesting to further the experiment in the future and see what results can be acheived. Leather worker turns mad scientist!

DJ

[Sasquatch]

Cool colour. What did you use?

[Greybeard]

That is a Cool Effect, Would you Share the title of the book and author.

I think Id like a go at this....

[TomSwede]

That's a very cool effect!!! Love the colour and tone!

You've learned something very useful.

Tom

[Billy P]

Peter Main's newest book, "The Main Technique for Coloring Leather" has a section on how to do the marbling effect with dyes. One of the best books on coloring leather in a lot of ways that I've seen. Billy P

[DJ1935]

Thank you, everyone for your comments. Here are a couple of "experiments" with the marble effect using more Potash (left) and longer reaction time. The marbling is done by acid reaction, not the use of dye which is only used at the end of the process. Acids used are Sulphuric, Hydrochloric and Oxalic. The acids react with each other and the potash. When I have sussed the recipe out I'll post it here - providing I still have all my fingers!!

DJ

[HellcatLeathers]

Cool effect!!! Reminds me of the marble easter egg dyes when I was a kid.

Acids?? I'd probably end up burning my eyeballs out. I think I'll stick to dyes and stains.