DoubleC
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Posts posted by DoubleC
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I am honestly beginning to wonder how dumb one person can be, and I think I'm that squared. I have a really good friend in NH; although we only know each other by internet. He has always been supportive of my various schemes to try to make a little money, and recently sent me acrylic and a ton of other things so I could make my own templates. My partner and I split finally, so Double C is mine. (Cheryl Crossan). Yesterday I did a horse's eye for critique, only second try on it, but I was pleased I could do as much as I did from a picture. And I've had people helping me on here on how to get the depth I want, the definition and I was happy about that. I sent him a picture of my original eye after I scanned it, and he asked why was I suddenly going technicolor. I said I painted it as closely as I could to the picture.Then a member on here showed me how to get the definition and he dyed his. So I sent that pic to my friend and said, "this must have been closer to what you expected.'
He said no, he thought I should use one of my cat eye stones, and make a slit in the the leather from behind, smaller than the cat eye, push it through, and glue it and another piece of leather on the back.
I wrote and asked him when in the 'Hades' did he come up with an idea like that? Then he wrote me and said, "I assume the help you're getting is on the eye highlights, so use the spring loaded awl I just sent you and put an Austrian crystal in for the highlight. I told him I thought that would make a killer HIGHLIGHT, but I was a leatherworker now, not making blinged conchos like in the past and until I learned how to work the leather, it didn't matter how many crystals I added.
Just got an answer....Whatever.
I am so sick of people telling me where I should head, and what to use, and how. I was sad but relieved when my partner walked away. But almost overnight my friend of years has decided to steer me, and in exactly the place I just came from.
Does anyone know where you can buy a backbone? I know this isn't exactly leather work topic, but it is to me. I want to create beautiful things with leather that I'm not ashamed of people seeing, and I want it to be more than a 10 buck set of conchos. I want to learn to carve. I want to learn to tool better, I want to learn when to paint and when to dye. I don't want to learn to put a catseye? in a horse eye, for heaven's sake.
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Hi, I'm not a leatherworker but I'm hoping someone here can help me anyway:
I recently bought some tall leather boots online, that arrived mismatched in terms of the finish/distressing, one being very distressed, cracked and pebbled (which is how I expected them to be) and the other seemingly "untreated" or aged in the same way. I want to keep them, I cannot return them to the store I bought them from because there are no more in stock, and even if there were, I need the boots for a trip I am taking next Wednesday.
So, I figured I would try to distress/age the unfinished one to match … but, obviously there are lot of techniques used to do this and all of my novice efforts have not made much impact. Here is a photo of the two boots, the one on the left being the cracked effect I'm hoping to recreate on the right. I don't know how to get that wider cracking, or the black waxy pebble patina with the warm brown cracks. Please help if you can offer ay advice on how I might go about doing this myself.
Thanks!
Hey Yah, man even as new as I am, I can see you don't have two matching boots. Neither in style, or type of leather. Try Syl's techniques and see if it helps make them look more 'alike' and hope nobody notices the difference. The angle of the laced piece you're showing us isn't the same, and.....oh jeesh, what can I add? I'm really sorry but you got fleeced. Cheryl
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After it was done I could still see errors from the tracing.
It would be nice to have the image on a laptop next to you for clarity.
The white lines in the image show the deviations to be corrected.
Anyway I think you can see how it raises up from being flat.
On thicker leather you might have to skive the back to use the modeling tool.
Oh yes, I can see how it raises the design. And I actually did have Sienna's eye on a laptop in front of me when I did it. But instead of painting to try and add definition, I want to try what you did to get the definition, and use dye instead of paint. You took less and made it more and no it's not perfect as to shape, mine was too rounded even though I had the picture right in front of me. Horses have round eyes that are actually almond shaped when they are calm and soft like she was the day I took the picture. I was brushing her, and afterward I took the picture, and her eyelid had drooped from relaxation. I looked at my dog after we talked about your Golden and said, 'yes of course, when I get better I will immortalize you in leather too.' I think if I can get my all-in-one or SOME program on this thing which I think I've used before but I'm not sure, to convert sienna's eye to B/W then I can print it out and make a template for carving, and the use the techniques you've shown me to define something very hard to define, an eye. It's only so hard to do Kevin because it IS the window to the soul (mood, whatever you want to call it) and getting that down on leather is hard. It's hard even in a picture if you don't have the exact angle but I know this is only going to get better.
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Nope Fiebing is just a brand of dye Tandy happens to carry.
For what it's worth Angelus is made in the USA as is Fiebings.
:D
And you KNOW I'm liking that already.......
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Cut and bevel.
You have two raised areas, one being the area around the eyeball and the other being the eyeball itself so I see back to back beveling to raise both areas to reduce the flatness of the leather, probably use blockout around the lighter areas of the lid if using dye.
Under cutting the leather won't do anything for this that I can see.
You can see the raised affect by using a modeling spoon on the back of the damp leather after all the work is done.
Each step in the eye is a raised progression.
I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for but you can let me know.
I didn't have the lighter blue so my eye looks like it was out a little later at night than yours!
Kevin
Once again, I didn't get the rest of this message, this time just the first. It is incredible how you did that Kevin and in such a short time. Shame on you letting your horse 'run wild' on weekends, LOL. I like this much better. Thanks again, Cheryl
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+1 on Stecksstore at Ebay. And I've bought from their online .com store too. My advise is to compare prices ebay to their online store because sometimes it's less expensive on ebay with shipping and sometimes it's less expensive at the online store.
As for dyes, I found Angelus dyes and paints at http://www.dharmatrading.com for a LOT less than "leathercraft" places and ebay even when adding in the shipping. They even have the Quart bottles of the dye. New customers get a free gift too (see main page)
I'm going to check out your link Syl and also wanted Chavez to know Stecksstore SELLS the fiebing, I though it was a Tandy product, LOL
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That's the thing with working on leather carvings for the first time and not getting the proper instruction to help you advance.
I'm just as new to carving and my experience is the same, don't expect to get it right the first time.
That eye has a lot of surface area and appears flat because the leather is flat.
One thing you can try is to raise the eye from the back side with a rounded tool large enough so that is doesn't leave small marks in the leather or maybe a modeling spoon.
Keep thinking and trying different methods on scrap until you get what you want or a result that you are happy with.
I have your picture so I can experiment on it a bit, not that I know what I'm doing but it's hopefully better than no help at all.
Kevin
At 1 I think you need to bevel the eyeball to get rid of that sharp edge and at 2 I think that needs to be cut and beveled in the same manner.
It's not that far out when looking at it when made smaller and a little tweaking is all it needs but do it on scrap first, that's what I learned on the dog carving.
Oh for heaven's sake, I had to come back and edit because I downloaded your pic of the eye and was going to copy and paste what you said and I missed all of the first part. Thank you Kevin, it is hard when you are trying to figure out by trial and error and any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. I'm going to let you see the picture I went from, that might help.
All of these are pretty much scrap conchos. I started out making blinged up leather concho sets that no one wanted so now I have tons left over.
You're quite right about the two places, and it really looks like an eye on the 2" concho, LOL or if not turned right, pop art done badly. I drew it all first, and then tried to use my beveler but it was going to mash my other things. so I ended up using a utility knife and pushed the edge back with a nail. Actually I made the whole thing with a stylus, utility knife, small round metal concho and nail. I guess I'm saving all my tools for something else :-) The same thing happened with the eyelashes like I told you, didn't pre plan so ended up having to carve and paint them 4 times and and not so well by number 4. I learned a lot about carving as far as PLANNING on this. On the pic I was looking at it was 2 dimensional, and I didn't realize that to carve this, I needed to do it in layers, or stages or something.
Kevin what do you do your cutting with before you bevel it? I had just heard about 'undercutting' on here and wanted to try it on here. I learned it's not with a utility knife and nail :-) Thank you so much for the help. Cheryl
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That parallel crease wiuth a border can be done a couple ways.
1). Like Luke mentioned an edge creaser is the tool designed for that. One ridge longer than the other to ride down the edge and the other ridge presses in the crease. These creasers come in a few varieties. The single line creasers make one line parallel with the edge. There are two ranges of sizes. The normal creasers are usually numbered 1-6. There is a wider set that is called layer creasers that are across the board wider and likewise numbered 1-5. I usually have quite a few creasers on hand. edit - There are also double line creasers that will make two crease lines parallel with the edge.
2). The other option is a two stage process. You can use either a stitch groover or wide beveled swivel knife in a border guide to cut a line. Then go over the line with a tickler or beveled tickler to burnish the line. Ticklers are pretty easily had also.
Hi Bruce. Could you put up a pic of these tools. I started less than two years ago, and when I did a friend of mine sent me a 'care' package. It had these wooden handled 'somethings' also in the box that I just put away because I'd just gotten the basic set of 6 tools. Recently when I was trying to find something I needed on eBay I realized the man had sent me a goldmine that I just couldn't see at the time. I'm using a vintage wooden stitching awl, and I have figured out I have a number 5, oh darn, round thingy that marks where to stitch, two bevelers, a french beveler and one I finally asked him about, a 'gutter tool' to make sewing easier? It kind of gets away from me still, and I don't know how to control the depth, and it leaves a raw edge. Is that where you use a 'tickler' to smooth it? I want to make sure I know what I'm doing before I start on my first headstall. I practice on leather conchos because i have a gazillion of them but I'm still feeling very unsure about these tools. Thanks, sorry I ran on, but I'm just trying to learn so much. Cheryl
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Here are the tools. The ones on the right are the original size. The ones on the left are the ones I ground down. One Beveler and 3 Background.
I never cease to be amazed on this site....I mean everyday. I would never think of modifying some of my tools for what I need. Hat off to you (if I had a hat, LOL)for this creative solution.
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Hello everyone. Ive been slowly gathering materials to begin learning Leathercraft and have a question about what dyes and finishes to purchase for what I will be working on. Basically I just want to get the hang of everything and will be making small pouches and a wallet. I know I want to to dye it brown. How do I know what kind of finish to purchase? Id prefer something to help with waterproofing and be a matte finish. Something to just preserve the natural look of the leather. Also, what should I look at for edge dressing? Im going to be shopping on the Tandy website if that makes any difference. Thanks for any help!
Hi JK. So far everything I use is Tandy, but I've been getting my things at eBay instead of Tandy. I've bought from the same man there for two years and he'll answer any questions you have. I'm not sure you'll get the same type of help from Tandy's website. I can look up his webstore for you and his name is Bruce (no I don't get a commission, LOL, just mean what I said.)
You don't have to join eBay to look! http://stores.ebay.com/stecksstore?_trksid=p4340.l2563
Oh and for edge dressing, Bobby Parks, a member on here did a great tutorial on that. Since I don't know what forum I downloaded it from I'll upload it for you. His work is pretty renown on this board.
I hope this helps. Cheryl
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Well, got myself some plastic folders which come down to about 40p per an A4 side. The plastic is good and they are of different colours, so its easier to find the required pattern.
Thanks all!
Hi Chavez. I just had a friend me acrylic in all kinds of sizes. I haven't actually made a pattern yet to cut though (well only got it yesterday). I'm going to try some grave rubbing techniques with rice paper and India ink on parts of an old saddle I have along with a Victorian embossed leather chair seat. He also sent me an exacto knife to cut out the patterns after I trace them onto the acrylic. I am the world's worst at cutting things, so will post a picture after I run through the house with scissors AND an exacto knife
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I may be close to having what I want after reworking the nose.
Well I didn't even SEE the third one, shouldn't come here this early. Great job. Cheryl
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Thanks Cheryl;
There's something with the nose that seems to be missing, almost too flat like a pigs nose.
I don't know how to improve that and get it raised, maybe open up the nostrils and bevel the edges inside the nostrils but there isn't much room to work.
Kevin
Kevin, I noticed the nose right off, which I didn't on your first one so I went back and looked at it. But I swear I can't figure out why they're different. I just carved my horse's eye looking at a picture I took, on my laptop while I did it. It was my second attempt and I thought it looked pretty good, but I couldn't get a good picture of it for the life of me, to put on here. So I hooked up my scanner to this computer and took another one to post, and let me tell you, it shows every hair out of place. Things I could see with my poor old eyes. Like the eyelashes...I'd painted over them 3 times because I didn't really pre-plan, just painted. When I did them the 4th time I scratched down into the raw leather and didn't get them covered up again. I'm not upset, but like you I know it's not right yet. I think animals are hard but when you get them right, it's so cool.
I am not up to even trying my dog yet, has all this wild spaniel hair, etc. Has 4 different colors on her face, and some that are kinda blended, LOL. Anyway, I'm going to try and make a template of the eye, run the pic off etc. but it was fun doing it free hand.
Anyway, both of yours are beautiful, just different and I can't tell why on the nose. Sorry I could be more help. Cheryl
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"Sometimes I feel like.... somebody's watching meeeeee...."
Sorry... it made me think of that song.
You crack me up woman!
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Ok, the scanner hooked up and a new pic straight off the press......Thanks, Cheryl
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You can't tell anything from the picture.
I was very excited to see it too.I'm really sorry She....better one tomorrow after I get my scanner set up. Cheryl
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You are going to need to do a lot better with your photo than what you have. Impossible to see anything much.
The photo is pixelated.
ferg
I know Ferg. I'm transferring my all-in-one right now, but couldn't find the installation disc so having to download everything from Epson. I I'll and have a better photo up tomorrow. Thanks for looking. Cheryl
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from a picture of my horse. I apologize for my picture, I know it's blurry, as all mine are unless taken from a distance. I don't have my scanner hooked to this yet but will get another picture when I ever do. Anyway I went for it all, LOL, everything I've heard people talking about on here, like undercutting. I want you're honest opinion; you don't even have to be nice, LOL
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I finally made something for myself. I've been looking to carve Tiger or Wolf eyes on the back of a belt, so I'm experimenting on this checkbook cover. I generally like just leather dyes, but dye didn't bring the eyes out, so I painted them with acrylics.
Thanks for looking!
John
John see what you inspired me to do. I was at the barn yesterday afternoon and took my camera with me to get a picture of Sienna's eyes. I know it won't be anywhere as dramatic as your eyes, but man did i get the shots I wanted. She was being wiggly and silly while I was grooming her, but when I took the pictures you can (hopefully) see how soft her eye was. I put up the original picture then cropped it to show the part I want to be able to catch on leather. Thanks for showing us your beautiful work.
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LOL I got them back when I had "extra" money at a local sew shop. A boutique like place that over priced everything. They came with a nice tin and everything. They are supposed to be the best and most sharp shears ... ha I guess I'm not supposed to be cutting thick leather with them.
I don't know, maybe the dressmaker shears might have been a clue. Not that there isn't an abundant supply of lovely leather apparel but I don't think it's the 9oz weight, LOL. You keep me laughing, you are a really special person Sylvia.
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Yeah, dang it these $100 pair of shears... cutting 9oz leather. Just a chunk, mind you a cut about a foot long and when done they wouldn't close. Big nick on one of the blades... and one of the blades was bent. What the heck? Hubby came home and "un-tweeked them but he sharpened them like you would normal scissors. (Thank you, Dear.
)Now I have to find a tutorial on how to sharpen knife edge scissors. Or just send them in to Gingher and have them done for $7 plus shipping. Now... were is that Alaskan Ulu knife I used to have... that would cut this leather!
$100.00 sewing shears? And your husband tried to fix them instead of stab you with them?
Oh I've done that kind of stuff before (well maybe about weekly) but I don't have anything in the house I paid 100.00 for except my computer and so far I haven't tried to paint a wall with it, or clean my shoes treads.....
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Yes, I noticed that too about the addresses and meant to say something about it. It would be different if you had a brick and morter shop, but from your homes... probably not a good idea. One never knows who's watching. I know that you can get a street address and post box as some of the UPS stores. That may be the thing to do. That and a Telephone number to a V-mail box. Just remember to check it often.
Oh yes, Ha ha ha.. that Aroma you speak of is called the smell of money. I call it "eau d' Barnyard" lol
Have fun. I think I just tweeked my dress makers shears... argh. The blades won't shut now.
Well years ago you wouldn't have been considered a legitimate company without your address, and that was the last time I built a website. The internet, like the world has changed a lot since then. ROFL, is that the smell of money pouring out of your pocket into others? Since you put it that way I BETTER savor it, LOL.
ROFL, sounds like my 'tweeks.' A little turn of a screw there, and realignment of this or that, and it's not like the computer, no UNDO button in sight!!!!!
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Thanks Cheryl: (I like the improvements you've made on your website btw.)
Well, It's dyed, but I don't think I did a very good job of it. It was my first time working with EcoFlo hi light over Super Sheen. I think I need to learn to be more patient. LOL
I'll probably have to go over it again. I know I want the letters darker and the background behind the leaves. Has anyone noticed that the Super Sheen smells like Elmer's White Glue? So does the Tandy Leather Weld for that matter. I'm thinking about trying to use some of my Fiber Reactive dyes mixed into the super sheen to see what that does. Maybe some pearl pigments would add some excitement. hmmm...
LOL helps if you add the photo.
I haven't worked with either of those products yet from Tandy, I intended to get some super sheen but someone told me resolene would work better for what I am doing. Now I love the idea of pearl pigment in it. I think it's beautiful, really I do but did notice the letters.
Thanks about the site......worked on it on and off last two days in between other projects. My MAJOR project today was going to see my horse and I'm sitting here in the sweat pants I wore to the barn enjoying the little bit of left over aroma, LOL. Lace looked at the site and really liked what had been done, except thinks our addresses on there is too cheeky for her. I thought about it a few minutes, and I think she's right. I don't know, the craigslist thing has me as worried as anybody I guess because I've used that a lot in the past. So I'm on my way to take the addys off. Wanted to swing by here first to see what you were up to, LOL.
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I finally made something for myself. I've been looking to carve Tiger or Wolf eyes on the back of a belt, so I'm experimenting on this checkbook cover. I generally like just leather dyes, but dye didn't bring the eyes out, so I painted them with acrylics.
Thanks for looking!
John
John, I keep coming back here to look at how you did those eyes, they are mesmerizing. I want to try and do a horse eye and see if I can bring out the detail like you did. Great job.
In The Eye Of A Horse
in Figure Carving
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