Beadweaver

Hi All, I found out from Angela Swedburg, who is a NA reproduction artist, to use hide glue as the solvent to mix the pigment in and apply it that way. The hide glue acts as a carrier and affixes the pigment to the hide e.g. Stains it. Any excess pigment on the hide is removed by brushing off the dried surface. She also uses a vacuum. I had thought hide glue acted more in the way that paints work but apparently the mixture works more like a stain. And of course, along with everyone's recommendations, Angela also suggested experimentation. Thank you Bob for the information on the Blair products. I haven't heard of those - good to know there is something workable out there (I am only familiar with the Krylon products). Sounds like it might be good for stiffer, smoother surfaces? Thanks again! Sue

Thanks for your comments Grey. Well....this type of staining was traditionally used for certain items, such as Sioux warshirts. When applied to the grain ( smooth) side of leather, it can give a lovely watercolor affect. You are right that applying it to a buffed surface would create a mess. Since the topic is kindof specialized ( although I would have thought some would have tried pigment staining) I will ask the reproduction artists... Yah, that fixative stuff is a mess which is why I was surprised to see it suggested on earthpigments.com but perhaps they were referencing using it on parfleche and not clothing. If I learn anything more, I will post it here. Maybe it will help someone else in the future.

Hi, I'm relatively new to working with leather. I do beadwork and work mostly with tanned hides. I have a question.... I would like to stain an elk hide for a possibles bag (contemporary design) and would like to use some Mayan Blue pigment. I've done my research ... and all signs point to mixing the pigment with vodka for the best pigment dissolution and applying it to a dampened surface by vigorously rubbing it in. Then, let dry. Then buff (to remove excess pigment and rub in the stain) ... What would you recommend I seal it with? And will the dye rub off after it is sealed? My hide is very soft and I'd like to keep it that way. I plan to put the buff/sueded side on the interior and the skin side on the exterior. The skin side is what I'd like to stain. One site, Earth Pigments, recommends sealing with a fixative spray such as that which charcoal artists use. I'm not sure that will work for leather? The hide is very likely German Tanned since I got it from Crazy Crow. Not sure if that means it has been veg tanned....and how that will affect the pigment uptake. Thanks! Sue Mandel

Hi, I'm relatively new to working with leather. I do beadwork and work mostly with tanned hides. I have a question.... I would like to stain an elk hide for a possibles bag (contemporary design) and would like to use some Mayan Blue pigment. I've done my research ... and all signs point to mixing the pigment with vodka for the best pigment dissolution and applying it to a dampened surface by vigorously rubbing it in. Then, let dry. Then buff (to remove excess pigment and rub in the stain) ... What would you recommend I seal it with? And will the dye rub off after it is sealed? My hide is very soft and I'd like to keep it that way. I plan to put the buff/sueded side on the interior and the skin side on the exterior. The skin side is what I'd like to stain. One site, Earth Pigments, recommends sealing with a fixative spray such as that which charcoal artists use. I'm not sure that will work for leather? The hide is very likely German Tanned since I got it from Crazy Crow. Not sure if that means it has been veg tanned....and how that will affect the pigment uptake. Thanks! Sue Mandel

Hi, I've been watching eBay for a few years and every now and then a 95k40 will pop up for sale. Usually it's just the head. And the sellers will say its in good working order. Is it worth taking a risk on, to buy this machine? These are old machines and I just wonder if there are any foreseeable issues. I know that no one can predict what might go wrong but I was wondering if it's wise to invest the time and money in one? The machines are usually not that expensive, its the shipping.... Thank you Susan