RaeNae

Oh my gosh! Carson - It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Thank you so much for joining the challenge, you did a fantastic job! C - I love the sketch, it looks like you've gotten all the correct lines done for shading and cutting. I can't wait to see you transfer it to leather! As for everyone else, I'm sorry I've been sorta MIA. My personal life decided to kick me in the pants so I've been dealin' with that. I'll have my sketches done by the weekend. Thanks everyone! - Rae.

Welcome to the forums! Make yourself at home.

Hi, Jim and welcome to the forum! I hope you find all the answers to your questions, check out the chat every now and again - There is usually someone around who is willing and very helpful. All the best, ~Rae.

Welcome to the forums! Grab a drink and get settled, it'll take forever to dig through all the useful information.

Hi, Edd and welcome to the forums! If you don't really feel like waiting for a reply you can always pop into the chat, there's usually someone there who'll help answer questions, or find the answers for you. ~Rae.

What beautiful work! I've always had a thing for Sugar Skulls and other Day of the Dead items. If you're interested, we're hosting a challenge which is all about figure carving and the human form. We'd love to have new members join and try their hand at it, from what you've shown, you'd be great at it! Here's the link: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=47722 All the best, ~Rae

May the fourth be with all of you today! As I promised here's a little info on what I am going to be doing for this project, you may do whatever you wish to create your final carving. I personally love the fact that leather can be molded, so I'll be trying to create a more 3D effect with my own personal project, though you do not have to do exactly as I do. Step One: Wetting the Leather I have two pieces of scrap I've been playing around with for the past hour or so, one was completely submerged in a bath of water for a minute (until all the air bubbles vanished) (#1) and one I have been applying a generous amount of water every so often(#2). The First piece of scrap was cut into, I made a simple round figure to play with. While the cuts I made were deep the wet leather easily made it so I could "cover up" certain lines and push the leather surrounding the shape I've made down so it was smooth. Thus allowing me to build the middle so it takes a more rounded (3D) form. After I smooth over the cut lines, I started using my modeling spoon on the fleshy side of my piece of scrap to continue building the form I wanted. Granted, this is all a learning process for me too. I'm just trying out new ideas that randomly pop into my head before I start on a rather large project and end up ruining it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. And remember, you don't have to get fancy with the challenge! It's stress free!!

Hi, lovelies! After joining the April Challenge, Cheryl asked me to step in for Q this month. Welcome to the May Challenge; Figure Carving! I’m going change things up a little and actually give you a choice between a few different reference photos to study and work from – A full body nude, or Anatomy (hand, foot, arm, etc.) The whole point of the challenge is to mold and manipulate the leather to fit within the contours of whatever design/ photo you’ve picked. For example; I would take a thin (2 oz or so) piece of leather, case, cut and mold before attaching the leather to another, more thicker piece. (Photos and more detailed example to come a bit later.) Here’s the catch; you’re only allowed certain tools to work with: Swivel Knife Beveler - Be it regular or carving/smooth. Modeling Spoon/Tool Dye (If wanted) & Glue Photos: [Photo 1] [Photo 2 - You may pick one of the six photos.] [Photo 3] [Photo 4] That's it for now, let me know of your thoughts and I'll be posting my own images tomorrow, as well as answer any questions! ~Rae.

Welcome Mike! I hope you find everything you're looking for here, feel free to look at the forums and don't be scared to ask questions. -Rae

Hi, folks! I undercut the "tears" and dyed everything. So I'm just gonna call it finished for my first dye project.

Might I have access too?

That is a beautiful leaf! I love the pin idea.