EmbossingDieCompany

Do you use inkscape, illustrator or coreldraw? You can easily resize it in any of those programs......or you could completely re-draw it. I can resize for you if you tell me how big you want it. Do you have any more patterns like this?

I'm looking for a source (preferably free) for templates for various items such as iPad cases, portfolios (that hold legal pads), phone cases, wallets, etc. I'm not looking for patterns (ie. flowers, celtic designs, skulls, etc) but rather the outlines for cutting the leather parts. I would prefer if the templates were actual line drawings (ideally in a vector format) rather than hand drawn ones. I've searched this section of the Forum for it, but haven't been able to find anything. Generally, when someone asks for a pattern for a wallet or phone case, people tend to either post a photo of a finished product, a written description (ie. "just cut a 4"x 3" rectangle and sew it") or a hand drawn template. Instead of creating my own templates from scratch, I'm wondering if there is a source for quality templates that someone has already made and tested. I would like electronic versions rather than an actual book where I would have to scan in a paper version. Tandy has good paper templates that are included in their kits, but again, I had to scan them into my computer.

I just ran across this thread......this concept is fairly easy to do. I went to Tandy's website, downloaded a few stamp pictures, cropped them and then you can manipulate them any way you want to create your design......then convert it to outlines and print. Obviously you need a CorelDraw, Illustrator or Inkscape to do this.

Haha Mike! That's what I thought, which was why I mentioned it.......I was a little impatient today! I'll try the oil dye too Mike.....thanks! Also, is there a better mask than blue painter's tape? The dye bled a little.

I'm usings Fiebings Marine Corp black dye and after letting it dry for an hour, I buffed it before applying the Ox Blood die.......however, the black smeared all over the tooling leather.......is there any way to prevent this? Pics attached.

Even if you don't post regularly, I think everyone should have one......it's almost like the yellow pages nowadays......people will search for you on FB before they look for your regular .com website. And definitely have links to any other selling sites you are on (Etsy, etc.) and your contact info (phone number, e-mail address).

I found using a leather conditioner without buffing: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/2807-02.aspx

What is the best way to get acrylic paint to be only in the impressions of a stamp? Take a look at this picture.....how do I accomplish this?

I use Mylar or Duralar : http://www.dickblick...ckTracking=true If you have an art store near you, they typically carry it in different thicknesses. Craft stores might sell it as a stencil material.

How about a belt? I found this pic on Google images.

Sorry......I actually just sent out the last box of it today.

I need 250-500 low cost leather luggage tags......with a strap and plastic window insert. If you know where I can get some, please e-mail me at: CustomMadeStuff@gmail.com

If you spend alot of money with one manufacturer, you should ask them if they have a cooperative advertising program. I have one supplier that gives me 5% of my total annual purchases towards print advertising......it's only a few hundred dollars a year, but it's better than a sharp stick in the eye. There are alot of manufacturers that offer a co-op advertising program and they will generally give you 3-6% of your total purchases to be used toward print, TV, radio and even pay per click advertising. Some will match dollar for dollar what you spend. So if you are spending, let's say $5,000 (6% = $300), with any one supplier.........contact them and ask if they have a co-op advertising program.

Thanks for the tip......the airbrush jars should work!

Glad you like it Billy!!!

I have about 8 colors of Fiebings Dye including "Light Blue"......but when I put it on tooling leather, it is REALLY dark. What is the best way to lighten it.......by mixing it with denatured alcohol? Can I mix the dies to get other colors......ie. red and blue to get purple or red and yellow to get orange? Does anyone have a chart of some sort of ratios to get certain colors? And does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can get small bottles to keep the mixed colors in?

Love them!!!!!

Maybe the Admins (or someone else) could create a list of people that want to be on it by category (ie. holsters, purses, etc.) and then pin the list to the top of the Help Wanted section. Not sure if you would want it to be alphabetical or first come first serve,,,,,,because the people at the top of each section will always get contacted first.

That is a great technique......thanks for sharing.

I use both a table top vice (that I bought at Harbor Freight for $20) or a 1 ton arbor press (currently on sale at Harbor Freight until the end of the month for $38 with coupon). Coasters should be no problem whatsoever with either one. Here are pictures of some larger plates I did with the vice.

Thanks Cyber.....I was in my local Tandy store and asked them about both NeatLac and Resolene and they told me that both would be glossy, so I didn't buy either. They did suggest applying (without buffing) EcoFlo Conditioning Creme and that might tone down the gloss......so I plan to try that tomorrow. The SaddleLac works well (water beads on it) and since it is sprayed on, there is no smearing.......but it smells pretty badly.

Is there any type of waterproof sealer that has a matte finish? I have been stamping tooling leather, then using EcoFlo HiLite stain, which gives me the look I want......but then what can I finish it with. I tried the EcoFlo Super Shene and it was too glossy, so then I tried the EcoFlo Satin Shene......the problem with these is that when applying with a dauber, the stain starts to smear. I tried the EcoFlo Carnauba Creme, which gave me the look and feel that I wanted, but when you wipe it with a wet paper towel, it comes right off with the stain......so obviously it isn't waterproof. And then I tried SaddleLac, which works very well to seal it, but it ends up looking and feeling like plastic. Any advice would be appreciated.

I have a few boxes of what I believe is oil tanned leather........it was given to me by one of my customers that makes leather shoes. I'm attaching a picture so you can see an example of what it looks like......I put an unfinished Tandy key fob (not included) in the middle so you can see how dark the leather is. Most of the pieces are 1 square foot or smaller, but I do have a few 2 square foot pieces. The leather itself is free........but you will have to pay for shipping (I suggest using USPS flat rate boxes and I will put in as much as will fit in the box). I accept Paypal for shipping. If you are interested, please e-mail me at: CustomMadeStuff@gmail.com

I ran across a website today: CustomMade.com that some people might want to check out. The website is for people who want to request custom made items......and they do have a section for leather goods. Since the cost to set up a shop is only $1 per year and you pay 10% of the cost of the custom item to the website (which can be built into your "bid") I thought it might be good exposure for a few people. Even if you don't win any bids, I'm sure people who are looking for custom made leather items will check out the shops of the leatherworkers on there. If anyone has or had a shop on there, please chime in with your experience.

"Wow, now THAT is a business card." ........that proves my point. Thanks for posting a picture of your card Kate.......it's beautiful.....and I don't think anyone can dispute that.