Newbee

I made my Grandson a checker board for his birthday. It is Suede. What do I use to Condition & Seal it? Any suggestions would greatly appreciated. Learning Granny

I am so glad you asked that question. I have been reading everything I can find, trying to learn about acrylic paint,dye,conditioning, and sealing leather! (all will be performed on a project) Should I condition the leather before acrylic paint and dye?..or after?...should I apply a conditioner after sealing the leather? Is Neat Lac a sealer and conditioner or just a sealer? Is Super Sheen just a sealer or is it a conditioner too? I would love to know a procedure for a Newbee (me) to follow that would involve acrylic paint, dye, conditioning, and sealing one project. I know there are a lot of products out there to use. Maybe if I start with a way that will work for sure, I can experiment as I go from there.

Heeeelp............I have read so much trying to find a straight answer to this question, I have confused myself! Should I condition the leather before applying acrylic paint?...or after applying acrylic paint? Should I condition leather before applying a sealer?...and/or after applying a sealer? For a Newbee who is going to use stain and acrylic paint, what would be the best procedure to stain, acrylic paint, condition and seal a project? I have learned so much from this site and really appreciate all the advice and information. Is Neat Lac a sealer or conditioner or both?

Thanks for all the advice! I am learning more and more that I do much better when I can get past the fear that I am going to mess something up because I am not doing it exactly right! I am also amazed at how many mistakes I have made and have been able to find a way to camoflage them. The advice really helps my confidence!

Can leather be carved/stamped before or after molding?

I am definately a Newbee. I am curious about molding leather. I have done some research, but I haven't seen anything about the carving I have seen in molded leather. Can someone list a lint that would explain the procedure to use if I wanted to carve leather and mold it?

I am a Newbee. I have created a few things and love the craft. I have purchased several books,craftaids and such. Each project shows which tools were used. I need to know, does it really make a difference if you use the tools that the pros used when writing these books, or if I have a bevel tool that is close the same size as the one recommended, will I do just as well? I am a firm believer that having the right tools for a job, can make most of the difference. I own several tools, but I have a lot of projects I would like to try that calls for tools I do not have. I don't want to waste money on tools I don't need, but if it really makes a difference it would be worth it to me. Any advice would be appreciated.

I am very new to leather carving. I love this web site! I have learned so much! Of course knowing and doing are two different things, but I sure have a lot of fun trying! I was searching for the best method of gluing leather to hold for carving and I think I found my answer. Thanks, everyone!

Thanks for suggesting the book Al Stohlman's book, "Picture Carving Finnese" I just finished ordering it. Looks like it may be a lot of help.

I am new to Carving Leather. I finished a Chess Board with Snow White & 7 Dwarfs along the border. I am pleased with how it turned out. I am starting a new project, carving the house I where I grew up in WV. It has mountains in the background. It is the fall of the year. Can anyone instruct me on how to carve the trees. Maybe which tools to use, and in the picture the trunks of the trees are apparent, with no detail at all. The trees are not close up.

I am new to leatherworker and leather, so I hope I am doing this right. I alos would love to see a cutting pattern and short instructions on making those beautiful roses! Beautiful roses! I am a newbee and I also would love to have a pattern and short instructions for the roses.