Desiree

Pleased to meet you Timd! If it weren't for visiting the Tandy store in Allentown, I probably would never have realized that there are other leatherworkers in the region, but apparently there are :D

Hi everyone, I just joined and am still getting myself oriented. It's great to finally find somewhere with so much information and inspiration for leathercrafters as it seems like good resources are few and far between. Although I've only been working with leather for about two years, I'm a lifelong visual artist and approach leatherwork as another means of creative expression: something between drawing, painting, and sculpture. While I was initially interested in leather because I wanted to make life-sized, wearable masks, I have been sidetracked by leather carving which I really enjoy. I do hope one day to still get into mask-making, but for right now the carving aspect has been keeping me well-occupied One day I was lucky enough to stumble upon a whole set of stamps and tools at a local antique store and my journey officially began. Right now I specialize in jewelry with leather components including necklaces and cuff bracelets, but I'd love to foray into making bags and purses (more carving area). For my crafty endeavors, I work under the name Phée Adornments. You can see some of my work by clicking in the links in my signature. Outside of leathercraft I also enjoy bellydancing (both American Tribal Style & American Cabaret), reading, and playing Native American style flutes and other instruments.

This is a necklace I made recently featuring a leather pendant of a House Finch which I carved and then painted. The pendant itself is about 2.5" wide and 2.25" tall at its broadest points. I love carving avian creatures in leather, and this is my second take on making a realistic songbird pendant. My first attempt was with essentially the same pattern but dyed and painted in a different way: Little Sparrow.

Hi Dave, Leatherwork and tattooing seem to go together quite well. I also like applying the aesthetics and motifs of traditional tattoos to my leather craft. I haven't met very many leatherworkers yet, but it seems like almost all of those I have met have tattoos (including me)

I love the texture in the lion's face. Is that mostly done with a background tool?

I never thought of making an tube-style purse, but I really like the idea. I especially like the coloring on the faerie.