WScott

Ya JLS, I was all ready to drill out the clasp and re-rivet it to the back with copper rivets I was going to destroy my old portfolio and re-use the clasp, but it has sentimental attachment to me and was made in Canada..of fake leather The cheap binder solved the writing on a solid surface problem so I was going to keep it intact Folding those long four edges are what prompted this thread, as well as the curses when trying to skive them perfectly with out wrecking any edge You guys are full of great ideas! I am going to take the kids swimming and ponder this in the pool....last two outdoor public pool days:)

Ooh, like a rare earth magnets to hold the clipboard in place???? Great idea!!! Then I wouldn't have to glue it or stitch it down permanently and he could remove it when he wants I have some Lee Valley earth magnets sitting on my shop desk I was looking for a paper clasp like on the original, but could only find the cheap clasp from a dollar store folder I could re-work the folder in wood or kydex too, but would want to find a better clasp See, this is why I posted before plunging ahead Fire away with more ideas to help the design challenged

I think I have totally lost it now, wife is gonna kill me!! I have 5 bought hides of Horween leather this month Black, tan, brown, blue and chocolate. The leather is so nice to work with, great smell, cuts well and has a great feel to it. Have lots of supply for Christmas and birthday projects now. I am stocking up as a small leather supplier in Vancouver BC has some now and is unsure of when he will get more. Since it is so hard to obtain I have basically bought one of every color I feel I will use regularly. He threw in some dies for nada as they are downsizing their store...another reason I thought I should stock up in case they close down. Some pics

Hello all, would like some input on this project to get some other ideas before I plunge into assembly. I am making a leather portfolio for my son. He is left handed so I have modeled a design from a "pleather" portfolio that I used in University. The writing pad is on the wrong side for him, so new design is for writing pad to sit on the left, clip above it, pocket on the right, fold down the middle and a leather tab and snap to close it. We want a plastic solid writing surface on the left. I have cut out the 4 main leather pieces (back, sides x2, pocket) and am especially pondering how to : 1. Attach the plastic clip board to the left side so there is a solid writing surface or maybe have it slide in and out? 2. Do professional looking edges...idea was from the back folding to the inside? Skiving will be a B as I will have to do it all by hand, but oh well The photos show the rough pieces cut out, I have a 3/4 inch seam allowance from the back for the edge fold over I am open to any thoughts, as I have had great luck with other eyes giving me great new ideas. photo 1: the model photo 2: loose assembly 4 pieces photo3: plastic writing surface for left side photo 4: right side with white pocket

Cool, got a couple bar stools to do this to Can he get out, looks kinda stuck might need a tow truck!

bean bag, darn auto correct

It's a ban bag!!! Looks like ediname beans

You guys are so fortunate to do this. It is something on my bucket list. My wife wants to do cooking school in Tuscany, so I figure a leather tour for me. Florence is big on leather but I have not researched things yet. Good luck and keep us posted on the trip.....some holiday photos would be a cool thread!

Thanks for discussing this guys, learned something new and useful today!

Cool stuff Looks better than the reproductions

I would describe Chromexel as waxy rather than oily. It feels and smells great, really nice stuff! What color is it??? I have a chocolate brown roll that is much waxier than a black roll. Looking forward to seeing the bag Cheers, Scott

Would wait and see how "oily" it is. would think the fabric canvas would take care of any oil rub off. I used a Tandy Mustang oiled leather that is fine, is stored wrapped in brown butchers paper with no oil transfer. I also carry a Chromexel wallet in dress pants and not seen any oil staining. It will depend on your leather so test it out first. love the look and feel of oil tanned leather it is some of my favourite for sure Keep us posted Scott

That looks like an English skiving knife ....they come in a few shapes

I asked a smaller leather supplier I visit what his opinion was on storing leather. He prefers to hang or drape softer leather on a vertical rack. He has rolls ,grain side in , of large hides and the veg tan hides are flat on a shelf. He rolls my purchases grain side in wrapped with butchers paper. I store them like that on a shelf with similar leathers together ie oiled leathers away from veg tan

It is really well done, perfect in fact just like it is

Wow, nice!!

Really great job Both look very well made and stylish!

Almost missed this one Super cool as always, such great work the dude looks on fire! Was watching an American Pickers episode and they were looking at a samurai warrior mask and armor and I thought "I know some one who could make an awesome samurai outfit"

This is quite a tease Nice work and photos so far....I am getting a pea or bean theme here

Those look great! I love the nose artwork of planes

Nice !!

Beautiful work!!!

White pencil and a LED headlamp works for me My eye sight is changing too

Use a kitchen fork to mark the spacing in your stitching line....easier to keep in a gouged line than a wheel

Yes you can use acrylic artists paints on leather which IMHO are better than Tandy's Cova colours. Coloured markers, like sharpies also work well for outline work. Definitely seal the surface with a clear acrylic spray like this Fiebings one. http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/leather-dye/leather-finish/2205-00.aspx There are a couple threads on what paints to use in here if you search acrylic paint or painting leather. Hope that helps, Scott