I'm working on a coffee table that I plan to 'wrap' in leather. I have a toddler and plan to have more so I want to have the edge of my table wrapped in leather to lessen the pain of head knocks. I plan on using some belt blanks that I was given (for free-can't beat that) and dying them to a color similar to the wood which is black walnut w/ a warm mahogany stain. I've experimented with Eco-Flo leather dye, with the combination of a few colors I can get the right color. To stay with the simple lines of the table, I don't plan on doing any stamping, contemplating running a creaser around it but may not. I want the leather to stay semi soft to the touch. I don't want the shellacked / hard crust surface. Is there some kind of finish/ conditioner I can apply after the Eco-Flo to keep the dye from running, but also keep the soft nature of the leather? perhaps something like Lexol or Eco-Flo Carnauba Cream? or would I need something before that? (I've been using the water based stuff, b/c I am currently pregnant)
also what would you recommend for adhering the leather to the wood? the table is 3' X 5' so contact cement scares me, I'm not sure i can place a 5' length on straight all at once.
thanks in advance for any tips.
~Butters
