So I am an over thinker and it always holds me back from accomplishing projects. If I have one piece of info it's to never tell yourself "nobody will purchase this" always try to look at the "does my project accomplish the desired need" rather than does it look "cool" because I can guarantee that's a start. Begin accomplishing your need and then you can work on how nice it looks. As for pattern making I began with cardboard and at times still use it but the bast medium I have found is craft foam and contact cement it's cheap allows room for alterations and very easy to work with. One last thing....you must get familiar with your medium before developing the skill to make something look like you want. You can try to tool genuine leather all day for years if you wish and it will never turn out because that's not what genuine leather is used for it doesn't tool or hold shape that's veg tan. Oh yeah one more thing....while getting to know your medium at the same time get comfortable with the weight or thicknesses and what's possible for each because just as different types of leather will give you different desired outcomes the same can be said for the weights. Hope this helps. One more I swear lol.....no matter how good an eye and hand coordination you possess a proper stichline will always turn out more professional with even spaces and holes of same size so just get a spacer tool or set of pricks (a fork with sharpened points will do if your short on cash) and last last lastly finish your edges (water will work but wax is better) .
