New Smartphone Case

[Natalie O]

Hi everyone. I had done a case like this two days ago, and decided i didnt like it that much. So i went and did a new one. And for the first time ever, nothing went wrong! Here it is!

[Cyberthrasher]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

You got your edges straight and the color came out great! Perseverence pays off every time.

Is that dye, or did you get the antique to take finally?

Edited January 15, 2013 by Cyberthrasher

[Tree Reaper]

Well done, the top edge could use a little burnishing but it looks great.

[bluesman1951]

Nice job . Stitching spacing from the edge is perfect. Honest feed back : The top edge needs some burnishing rub it with some lovin . Suggestion make the cut out on both sides so front and back are the same . The little wolf is nice thats class! Suggestion : that location is a nice place for a makers mark something that says YOU . If the wolf is it then so be it . Its nice work so it needs to be signed . I have found a grover used on the inside will prevent cracking on the very bottom when making the fold. Suggestion if you extend your pattern for a flap and bring it up and over with a nice flap shape add a snap and you get two bags from the same basic pattern . This is good for coins and credit cards . This could also be adjusted for business cards . Just throwing out ideas . This is a very fine case you have here time will give it that "RUBBED " look giving it charcter. My compliments ! The makers mark is your signature something that says "NATALIE" easily recogniseable . Like the Mercedes emblem says style and class . For a second try this gets applause !!!!!!!!! Good luck with future projects and have lots of happy hours at your bench . Bill

[Natalie O]

Well done, the top edge could use a little burnishing but it looks great.

Thanks...i did sand it and smoothed it and dyed it and then put tan kote on it. What else do you suggest?

Nice job . Stitching spacing from the edge is perfect. Honest feed back : The top edge needs some burnishing rub it with some lovin . Suggestion make the cut out on both sides so front and back are the same . The little wolf is nice thats class! Suggestion : that location is a nice place for a makers mark something that says YOU . If the wolf is it then so be it . Its nice work so it needs to be signed . I have found a grover used on the inside will prevent cracking on the very bottom when making the fold. Suggestion if you extend your pattern for a flap and bring it up and over with a nice flap shape add a snap and you get two bags from the same basic pattern . This is good for coins and credit cards . This could also be adjusted for business cards . Just throwing out ideas . This is a very fine case you have here time will give it that "RUBBED " look giving it charcter. My compliments ! The makers mark is your signature something that says "NATALIE" easily recogniseable . Like the Mercedes emblem says style and class . For a second try this gets applause !!!!!!!!! Good luck with future projects and have lots of happy hours at your bench . Bill

Thanks Bill! I did use a groover for the bottom part to fold better. As for the stamp it is a nice idea, however maybe i should find a more original one. I ve seen a lot of people use that stamp. Do you know anyone who can make me a custom made stamp? Also any ideas about burnishing the top?

[Handstitched]

Hey Natalie,

I quite like that too, well done. I also agree about your 'signtaure', or makers mark., just like what bluesman said, just something that says ' This is mine , I made it, this is my mark ' I too have my own makers mark , but I've been quite slack in putting it on my work, as involves a wood burner type tool ( just a cheap glorified soldering iron really ) , but it is effective.

I am thinking of getting a custom made stamp with my initials and logo on it that I can imprint/burn into my work.

But well done again.

all the best,

HS from Western Australia

[David8386]

Very nice, came out much better. Good job

David

[Tree Reaper]

Natalie;

You should have an electric burnishing tool but you can use hand burnishers or even canvas cloth.

Put some gum tragacanth along the edge and then rub it in.

I use an old electric drill press with a wood burnisher, put gum trag on the leather and wax on the burnisher.

You can also use a dremil tool.

[Cyberthrasher]

Natalie, once you figure out what you want to use as a logo, there are lots of makers here who can get you a nice maker's mark stamp. Many of them are available in either delrin or steel so you can just stamp it with your mallet and call it good. The first one that pops into mind is Grey Ghost Graphics. A couple of the other ones that come to mind are LWLeathers and EmbossingDieCompany - both of which are members here. They all make a different style of stamp, so you'll want to see what fits your needs best and work with them on sizing. Here's a discussion that has a lot of the options mentioned. I should note that I don't have first hand experience with any of them since for now my logo is easily cut in with a swivel knife, but as sales increase I'll be looking hard at something a little more professional.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=40630

As for the burnishing. I think what the guys are talking about is that little bit of natural leather showing at the thumb hole. When I do those (provided it's not lining leather) I bevel the edge, sand it so it's nice and smooth, then burnish it real quick with my bone folder since it's such a small area. Once it looks good just rub a little dye on it. I've also been known to use a sharpie too. Once it's the color I like and it looks nice and smooth, I put some finish over it such as Resolene or Clear-Lac.

[Imapeopleperson]

Good looking carving, dye is awesome.

[LNLeather]

This Smartphone Case is Really Great!

I Really Really like the changes you made

(from the first case to this case) in the larger wolf.

Tooling and stitching is really good......

* I read someone had mentioned burnishing or finishing edges and

fyi - here is some excellent info on finishing edges Finishing Edges

...... although on thinner leather I find that hard to do and I think I would just dye

the edges the same color as the project or black. You can also burnish

the edge as the dye is drying or just water to get it wet and burnish as that is drying.

* I think what Bill was saying about your Makers Mark was to use your name?

You could simply use your name (Natalie) inside a Circle for 'Natalie O'

* I have had a couple of makers marks made and

Phillips Engraving had the best price.

You are doing really good work - something to be proud of!

[Natalie O]

Thank you Cheryl! It really means a lot to me to get nice comments while i am so new at this. I did get some very good info about burnishing from a lot of people on here, and i am trying my best to apply it. I have to admit i aint doing so well though. As for the makers mark i think i will wait a little longer till i get more experience and stop messing up my projects. But i like your idea about my name!

Take care!

[Cyberthrasher]

Thank you Cheryl! It really means a lot to me to get nice comments while i am so new at this.

You'll be starting a store up in no time!!

Seriously, you're progressing a lot faster than I did so don't feel like you're not getting anywhere. Do some practice burnishing on your cut offs and experiment with different techniques. It is pretty tough to do on those thin leathers, but as long as it's not flimsy liner weight you should be able to get it with some practice. With the liner weight stuff, just color the edge and call it good.

[Natalie O]

You'll be starting a store up in no time!!

.

Thank you!!! I hope i do reach this expectation!

[Cyberthrasher]

Thank you!!! I hope i do reach this expectation!

Start thinking up a name that suits you now