DeadPhan Report post Posted July 1, 2014 So I'm new to leatherwork. I just ordered the deluxe starter kit from tandy. Anyhoo I happen to have alot of vegan and vegetarian friends. And when I mentioned doing leather work some mentioned interest in some work as I hone my skills but would want it to be synthetic leather. I also frequent alot of concerts and music festivals where I'm sure the option of some synthetic leather would get me some customers that otherwise wouldn't buy real leather. Just wondering where I can find it. What term would I use to search for it. Like sheaths or cuts of it that is. Raw. I searched vegan synthetic artificial etc. But the only results I get are showing already made handbags clothing and shoes and such. Just wondering if anyone can point me in right direction. Also for real leather. So far I don't know what's good aside from amazon and tandy. If anyone has good place to purchase real leather that's be appreciated as well. Thabks all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WinterBear Report post Posted July 1, 2014 You're going to be looking at vinyl and perhaps micro-suede fabrics then. Perhaps Biothane for straps. But none of the synthetics I've heard of can be tooled. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeadPhan Report post Posted July 1, 2014 Sorry. On my phone amd somehow this topic posted like 4 times. Anyway I or a mod can delete the previous three? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WinterBear Report post Posted July 1, 2014 No worries, it happens. One of the moderators will lock or remove the others--there just doesn't happen to be a moderator online at the moment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeadPhan Report post Posted July 1, 2014 Cool. Thanks for the quick response and response in general. That's a shame they can't be tooled. I wonder if there might be any method of adding design to such material. Maybe even with heat? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted July 2, 2014 It's called Naughhide......Just cut & sew.. you can buy it at Hancoks or Jo ann Fabrics.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WinterBear Report post Posted July 2, 2014 Heat+plastic doesn't often work well. You'll have to experiment to see if anything can be done. You may be limited to applique, piercing, and similar methods--but that opens up filigree, broughing, layered applique, reverse applique, and quilting-type methods, just to open a few possibilities. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tannin Report post Posted August 11, 2014 Vegan leather?! Plastic seems a bit "un-vegan", and possibly less green than leather (it seems disrespectful to me not to use all of an animal, once dead). Not exactly leather but I've seen some interesting boxes, sheaths and edge-guards made from birch bark, which is used somewhat like leather. Jarrod Stonedahl & his wife in Wisconsin/Minnesota do some fantastic work, combining (I think) Native American & Scandinavian influences. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MagnusOpus Report post Posted September 18, 2014 If it makes them feel any better, it's a rare scenario that animals are farmed for the hide specifically as it would be crazy expensive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
