conceptdiba

While I love this forum, I don't post nearly as much as I like to. I've also noticed that most of the userbase discusses and posts leatherwork related to saddlery, generally heavier weight leathers, and hand-stamped/decorated crafting. While I do some of this, I'd also like to share a few pictures of a jacket I'm launching in my first collection this year. While I didn't do the sewing myself, I can proudly say it's all made here in Canada through a factory of skilled workers who have done a great job. Leather is Italian lamb, with an acetate lining and Lampo zippers. Enjoy!

thanks for following up! I emailed them as well and received similar pricing. I was about to commit, but it seems like you might have found something similar that wouldn't require overseas shipping...? Please send me a PM and/or keep me updated on this. It appears there's a tip used for the bimac machines to mark edges (I would find this useful on softer and glossier leathers), so I hope the Campbell-Randal contraption would be similar in that regard, though it isn't a huge deal...

I figured it was something similar. I used a burner and an edge iron for shoemaking, but as a first-timer, I had difficulty getting it to the right temperature (ended up either not hot enough, or too hot). Thanks for the info on the wax, I'll try and find some of that asap! Awesome! Thanks so much for posting this. It looks like they're only a few kilos in weight, so I'll have to go ahead and order one. Never would have found this without you!

I turned the words "this video" in my original post into a link. Easy to miss though, but it's here: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150131553076948 Thanks! Looks pretty similar. I assume he first uses it to minimize the slightly visible gap between multiple layers of leather, and then maybe runs it on a lower setting to melt the paint/wax into the edges of the leather. I'll have to look into it...

Hey everyone I'm currently following Bob Park's method on edge burnishing, though I sometimes torture myself with doing the sandpaper method (100 grit all the way to 2000 grit) to get an amazing edge on belts. I recently came across this video, and the tool being used at 2:07 and 3:42 and 4:12 is something I've never seen before. He appears to use it before stitching and after stitching; before the edges are painted or sanded, as well as after painting the edge. I would assume the tool is heated up. I'm looking for way to do edges like this, assumably with a wax of some sort, as sandpaper and Bob Park's method don't work too well for thinner leathers like those seen in the video. Can anyone shed some light on this, or a similar way to do edges like this with wax? Information on what wax and/or tools to use would also be appreciated!

Thanks for the comments guys. What happened originally is that I did a very similar wallet, except in thicker undyed veg-tan leather and it looked great and sold well. I think the problem is that the curved slots work a lot better for a more casual wallet. I think this wallet looks a lot more refined and classic and the curved slots just dont go with the whole image. I'm not even 100% sure about straight slots, I think it might be playing it too safe. I think maybe a straight but slightly angled slot might be something cool to try. I'll make another thread when I get around to it!

Yikes. Sorry to hear you had that experience! The problem is that a lot of people (myself included) have fallen for the "it's expensive and it's called premium so it must be nice stuff!" line of thinking. Things are more expensive up here in Canada but I tried buying domestically from Buckskin Leather, paying $10/ft for their select or custom grade or whatever it was that was their highest grade. Utter crap. Splitting, cracking after dyeing, inconsistent thickness, you name it. Unfortunately sometimes you have to shop around and find out what's best. Luckily we have forums like this to give other people the heads up before they buy something nasty!

so sorry I missed your post! it's from Leather Suede Skins in new york

Hey all, just wanted to share this latest creation. The outer is whiskey Horween shell cordovan and the inside is aniline Italian kangaroo. It's fully hand-stitched with waxed irish linen thread matching the outer and inner. I'm pretty happy with it but I'm most likely re-doing it with straight slots with a folded edge. Comments and criticism always welcome!

Thanks so much for the responses! I'm not familiar with heat creasing at all but it sounds like I need some sort of machine. I guess I've been doing my card slots 'wrong' the whole time. Instead of fabric, I just cut the entire slot worth of leather in a 'T' shape. I guess it's just a more expensive way of doing it since more leather is being used, but seeing as I used kangaroo on my last project it still keeps things very slim and low profile. I do have a skiving machine, so skiving the edge wafer-thin, folding. and gluing it will work. I'm considering even doing very fine stitching instead of glue to give it a more high-end look.

Just realized there's a pinned thread that covers this. D'oh!

Hi all, Did a quick search and didn't have any luck. There must be a simple explanation for this but I just dont see it. How does one get the edge of their card slots like this? It's not folded and stitched since there's not stitching but it doesn't look like a raw edge either. Is it folded and glued?

nevermind, I found the source!

Hi all, I've spent an honest 3+ hours trying with no luck to find out where this re-seller is getting his leather from. I'm buying a large enough amount that I can justify buying from a supplier or possibly even the tannery itself. All I have to go on are these sample sheets: Lambskin: Pig suede: There are no marking on the skins except a size indicator like "10,2". The use of a comma versus a period makes me believe these are of european origin Any input would be appreciated

Hi everyone I've posted a few pics of my work in the show-off section but to sum things up, I'm a new designer trying to get my brand going and these forums are a great place to learn. I've picked up a few really helpful tips here. I started getting into leatherworking a few months after I graduated highschool in '07 and I've been hooked ever since. I've got a skiving machine and a sewing machine on the way but up until now I've been doing everything by hand. Here's a LINK to my gallery, all my hand-sewn stuff is in here. I really am a sucker for punishment and I've decided to do an entire triple-gusseted briefcase handstitched with 9 stitches per inch before I switch over to the sewing machine for most of my work.

I'm a big fan of shell cordovan. It really is beautiful stuff! Couple pictures for the newcomers: I'll be using these for wallets....shell cordovan exterior, kangaroo interior

Much appreciated, thanks David. It looks like there's not even any burnishing involved but I'll see for myself when I pick up some of this stuff to try out!

I'm more than familiar with the typical way of doing edges but I'm looking for something that would work on chrome-tanned leather as well and with softer leathers. I get the feeling the edge is coated with some sort of rubber or melted plastic as you can see the layers blend together seamlessly. Any thoughts on what I'd need to get an edge like this?

Just finished this for a customer up-island. Would love to hear your guys' thoughts! Specs: 7oz oiled cowhide oiled 17th-century style tanned lambskin lining (I wish I knew a bit more about this lining...smells a bit like playdoh and has a really interesting finish) fully hand-stitched, no sewing machine. solid brass hardware

Hi, quick question...I made a post and realized my country is set to "united states". I took a look through my settings and didn't have any luck finding a way to change my country from US to Canada. Any chance you could change this for me? Thanks! -Andrew Name: Andrew Diba UserName: conceptdiba IP Address: 206.116.61.137 Email Address: diba_diba@hotmail.com

First post here, but I thought I would kick things off with my latest work. Comments, advice, and critiques always welcome!! Details: two compartments, snap button closure bison body, waxed horsehide lining and detailing fully hand-stitched, no machines used at any point. solid die-cast bronze rings, solid brass clamps and buckles