bison

Try cutting it 50/50 with the correct solvent. I use denatured alcohol with my spirit dyes. That way you can get the darkness level they way you want it by applying as many or as few coats as you like. Good luck! Dave

Maybe as an insert in a cover of a log book for hunters? Something like this image?

A guitar strap pattern works well. Just adapt it for the size strap you're making.

Beautiful work Kevin. I especially like the idea of mixing media...leather and copper mesh. very cool. Dave

Hey BanjoMan, I use the USMC Black, it's a spirit dye. I dye with a dark color, blue or green first (in the attached photo it was dyed green first), then apply the black over it, usually two coats, then let dry for a day or so. Then I oil with neatsfoot oil and let dry for a day or so. Then apply acrylic resolene, cut 50/50 with water. Gives a nice satin finish. Follow up with black leather balm with atom wax and you should be in good shape. That's just my way. There are others who are more qualified than me who might have a different take. Good luck, Dave

As a proud Scot (Clan MacKay) I say "Weil Dun!" Dave

I'm not a big fan of black dye, but I'd suggest you look at some of the biker seat threads for advice on dying a saddle black. The big issues seem to be sealing it so it won't come off on your britches and making it as weather resistant as possible. Dave

Luke will know better than me, but I suspect you did ruin it. Depending on the thickness of the leather, I'll usually case before molding. But a thinner leather can be wet for a shorter period of time and then molded just as Luke suggested. Dave

Hey Trout, While you had the right idea about getting the leather wet, the hot water really isn't going to give you the effect you're looking for. Casing the leather is what you're looking to do and the best instructions for that are found in the first post when you click here. When you case it, you'll be able to mold it. I cut to size after it's molded so I know I'll have plenty of leather to work with. One of the best respources you could find is Al Stohlman's book on making leather cases. Tandy or any leather company will sell it. Good luck Dave

I've had some luck with Eco-Flow's Chocolate Cherry.

HI Andy, Knife making got me into leather working too. be careful...the leather will take over! The post you need is HERE. You'll find that proper casing really is the key to getting the stamping impressions you want. And this forum will be a real treasure trove of information. Good luck, and be sure to post photos of the finished project. Dave

What's to blame?! It looks great and the pony looks happy!

Very nice job, Chris. It's going to be in their family for years to come. I've never used the chrome-tanned leather, and have wondered if you could tool it. It looks like you can. Does it carve and stamp like any other leather? Dave

I second that. The SK-3 made a world of difference for me. Sharp, glides through the leather, and makes it easier to alter the depth of my cuts. Great service too.

Hey, great job. I know he'll love it. Is that a shark's tooth sewed on there? Very cool!

I think Dwight and I are using the same tool. The FatMax is similar. The blades I use are the gold titanium coated. I've found they last quite a while between stroppings, depending on what you're cutting. As for the edges, I'm not quite sure what you mean, but I use an edging tool to bevel or round over the edges. Different size tool for different weight leather or to suit your taste. I use a #2 and #3 most of the time.

Beautiful carving. Really nice work and it will certainly be loved by those who receive it!

I'd check Tandy or Barry King Tools and get a mallet that's designed for what you'll be using it for. It will make your life easier and leather work so much more fun!

I've used both but have tended to use the box cutter more often because it's blade doesn't bend. I keep it sharp by stropping like I would any edged tool. I use the Stanley gold blades.

Thanks for posting this...it's great! I just sent the link to my whole family. Merry Christmas!

I wouldn't use cardboard because it's bound to absorb moisture from the body. Tandy sells a stiffener that would work. It's pretty thin and I use it for notebooks, portfolios, etc.

Like many of you, I've been working on gifts for my family. The portfolio is for my son-in-law who is at AFIT at Wright-Patterson. The Bible cover is for my youngest daughter. The Celtic salmon on back is a tribute to her summer as a mission worker in Alaska. The Celtic cross is for my middle daughter who is a medieval studies scholar, and is a cover for a small moleskein brand notebook. The last one is for my oldest daughter and is a moleskein cover as well. It is a design I created that was inspired by packing up Cow Mountain and watching the sun rise as I cooked breakfast for about 20 hungry cowboys! As usual, all criticism is welcomed. Merry Christmas everyone. Dave

I have my backup disk set to once per hour...I've had a hard drive crash and lost everything once, so I'm all about being on the side of compulsive about it. IMHO, you should consider a new computer if you can afford it. Processor will be faster, you'll get a bigger hard drive and more memory. If money is an issue, then replace the hard drive and nurse the machine along as long as you can. But whatever you do, get a backup drive ASAP! Staples sells Iomega external drives pretty cheap. Good luck.

Very nice work. Where'd you get the lining leather?

Well done. I like the contrasting colors and textures of the leather and it's a very nice design.