kdobson

I don't have notes on the tools I used, but here is an example of a pair of chinks I am currently working on for a friend. This is also my first time experimenting with paisley and could have used a little help like you when trying to design them. so hopefully these pictures can lend a hand. I have included two images that helped me design. I can't find a picture right now, but if you google Archeria Leather - she does some really beautiful paisleys! Not sure what you are working on, but let me know if I can be of further help.

Hello - I am new to leather work and have been asked to make a guitar strap. I would like to antique the strap a light brown and dye the letters of the name black. I have searched and searched and read books, but still am nervous and a little confused about the steps I need to take in order to get this look. Could I get some advice on the step by step approach to making this happen? I bought Fiebings acrylic leather dye in black and have practiced, and don't think that was a good choice. I know there is a better way to do this, and any help would be appreciated. I have attached a picture of the strap I am currently working on. Thanks - Katie

Hello - I know I am getting to this post a little late, so maybe you got your answer already...... This is a clock I made my sister for Christmas (my first one). I also had my husband cut, stain and router the wood for me, then used upholstery tacks to hold the leather on, which also double as the clock numbers. I still have this pattern that I can scan and send to you if you would like, just let me know. Katie

Hello - These are now available as digital downloads on Tandy's leather craft library site. www.leathercraftlibrary.com

The best way to keep a straight line when basket stamping is to get your leather nice and cased then use a ruler and make a soft scratch where you want your line. You will place the feet of your stamp in line with your scratch. Then stamp below and above the line. The stamp will cover up the line later. If you have a large area to stamp, it's best to run another line every now and then in order to keep things straight and looking nice. It is hard to explain how to stagger your stamps. But you want to leave a space between each stamp to make it look like it is weaving in and out. Hopefully this picture will help you see how that works. Let me know if I have totally confused you. Good Luck!

Ok great! Just didn't know if there was an inside business secret I didn't know of. Thanks John - I really appreciate it. I have a feeling punching those will test my patience a bit!!

Hello, I am a newbie and have made a couple pairs of chinks for family members and friends. I have a friend who found these chinks online and wants me to make her something similar, although I am not sure how to make the scalloping around the bottom edge of the yoke. I have seen this sort of detailing on a whole array of different chinks and have always wondered how they did that. My inkling that it is a small punch. Any info or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks - Katie

Thanks for the encouraging words Storm and Butch - that means a lot!

Hello - I am a newbie here and this is my first post. Wanted to post a picture of a clock that I made for my sister this Christmas. My sister and I have only been into leather working for about a year and are getting more and more excited about it. This was my first attempt at making a clock after being inspired by another I ran across on the internet. I thought it came out pretty good - my sister loves it which made me very happy! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!