immiketoo

Don't worry, sorry for the VERY delayed response! I do not seal the leather before I paint it. I use thin paint to achieve the color and coverage I want. It is all done by hand, and the blending is done with my finger between colors while the paint is wet. I only use Golden Hi Flow acrylic paint because it has the characteristics I like for painting. There is a base color that goes on, effectively sealing the leather, then the blending happens on top of that. It also adheres nicely. All by hand. Blending with finger and brush while the paint is wet gives a nice fade. Over tooling is one of my pet peeves Thank you! Again, thank you! Lol...I say that all the time!

Would have been cheaper than the original 600 bucks I'll bet! But the journey is priceless. I got my start from a career in law enforcement and carrying crappy holsters. My family is filled with creative people, and all I had ever been was a consumer. I got tired on not being able to do anything other than buy things, and so after having a conversation with my dad about the "holsters" he made when I was a kid, I was encouraged to go to Tandy near my house. A few thousand dollars later, I had my first beginner kit and a new passion. Like Jeff, I mangled hide after hide, trying to figure out this craft. Leatherworker.net was a huge help as were many of my friends in the leather world. I was so inspired by what I saw here that it drove me to improve my skills. I focused mostly on carving, because I love that aspect the most, but I have tried all sorts of things since then , and I love the camaraderie amongst leather folks. Some of the best people on the plant I say!

I have several classes about this on my website, www.learnleather.com. Introduction to embossing and Facial Features-Eyes both cover this topic. Intro is more comprehensive. If you want to ask me specific questions, I am all ears.

A simple photo editor on your computer or phone will allow it. You can also set the resolution on your phone or camera to lower, internet friendly sizes

Message the site owner Johanna. Only she has the power to completely remove you.

Class number two is in the books and will be available on the website soon. Join us for part three by registering with the link below! We have been full or nearly full in each class so remember to register early to reserve your spot! IF YOU HAVE PAID FOR ALL EIGHT CLASSES, YOU MUST STILL REGISTER FOR EACH CLASS! Britt Nantz will be teaching his theory and methodology of floral design and layout. Normally a two day class, Britt and Learnleather.com will bring it to you in your own home in one hour segments! Join us for part THREE of an eight part series where Britt breaks down his method in easy to understand foundation, upon which he will build in each subsequent class. Each class is $35.00 and this alone will save you tuition form his live class, and you can learn in the comfort of your own home! Class three will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 8 PM CST. They will be approximately every two weeks until the series finishes. Britt STRONGLY recommends that each student attend all eight sessions as they build upon one another and a missed session could cause confusion later on. As always, you will receive a video recording of each class and have the opportunity to ask Britt your questions during the live session. Please register for Principles and Foundations of Floral Design and Layout - With: Britt Nantz - Part Three on Monday, November 20, 2017 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/9102514105351211777 PART THREE Floral layout is one of the most popular styles for leatherwork around the world, and it is also one of the most difficult. Join Britt Nantz as he shares the secrets to his unique approach to floral design and layout. In this eight part series, Britt will take you from the absolute basics to the intricacies of master level layout and design. In part three, the foundation is finished and Britt will demonstrate how to add elements to the backbone and fill out the flow of your design. Britt will talk about negative space, balance and trouble spots. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.

ONLINE LEATHER CARVING CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT REMINDER! Part one of the facial feature series - Eyes with Michael Dale The eyes are the window to the soul. This is true in any art medium, and throughout history, eyes have helped artists capture the breadth of human emotion. Join Mike in this multi-part study on carving faces. Part one will explore how to carve realistic looking eyes. Mike will discuss artwork selection, realistic vs. cartoon eyes, carving techniques, tool selection, common mistakes and answer any questions you might have. This class is $25.00 and will be at least an hour long. As always, there will be a recording available if you cannot attend. Please register for Facial Features-Part One: Eyes on Thursday, August 17, 2017 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM CDT at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/3511349041589877250 After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.

Sad news. Ray was a staple for this site for the entire time I've been here. I will miss him. Rest in peace, Ray.

Why not just line with more herman oak? Thinner than 9/10 perhaps, but go back to back and you're done!

I just meant the news part. Not sure what the rest of the posts are all about.

Lol...so true!

I agree with Halitech on the stitch line. I should work as is for a while with no issues. You can always add another stitch line inside the existing one to make it last longer. Also, I would suggest you clean up your belt holes by edging them and then burnishing. Otherwise, looks good.

An excellent point! I got my start right here about 4.5 years ago. Its an amazing community with a lot of collective knowledge. Welcome. This is true. Its ok to ask a lot of questions, and take from them what works for you, but if you don't put any of it to use, it can be a bit confusing.

Lol...good!

I miss the chat too.

Two? You need at least 8 to make sure you have a good collection.

ONLINE LEATHER CARVING CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT! If you're like many people, the idea of carving faces gives you nightmares. This class is designed to help you get over the fear of making Aunt Myrtle look like Uncle Marv. Or the family dog. Or whatever. Join me as we embark on part on of a facial feature series! This class is $25.00 and will be at least an hour long. As always, there will be a recording available if you cannot attend. Please register for Facial Features-Part One: Eyes on Thursday, August 17, 2017 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM CDT at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/3511349041589877250 The eyes are the window to the soul. This is true in any art medium, and throughout history, eyes have helped artists capture the breadth of human emotion. Join Mike Dale in this multi-part study on carving faces. Part one will explore how to carve realistic looking eyes. Mike will discuss artwork selection, realistic vs. cartoon eyes, carving techniques, tool selection, common mistakes and answer any questions you might have. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.

I have two of each. They're both awesome cutting tools.

Sweet. I love it! Oh god no!

A. You'll never live it down. B. In this, we are in complete agreement. C. Greece is full of those. Good coffee too!

Jeff, I appreciate your reply. Its true we have never met, and that Robert was a good man. Wish he was still with us. The gal was from right here on LW.net and we now live happily in Greece. Hats off to the forum for getting me out of law enforcement after 20 years so sucking shit for a living. As for the rest, I have nothing against you, I just feel strongly about the subject matter and the good of the industry. There are a lot of good resources out there, this site being one of the best. In retrospect, I apologize for derailing the thread. Some things just stick in my craw and I can't let go. So, all that said, its generally my policy to leave the thread alone for posterity, but I can clean it up if that is your preference.

Since you've made the connection between me and my business, I'll address it. You're right. I do have a site for live content that is paid. It costs a little bit of money to make live video classes happen. Can't get around that. It's the infrastructure. A for arguing, nobody is doing that, just having a bit of discussion. Jeff keeps emphasizing FREE in his posts, and it automatically excludes a lot of excellent content. This is my issue. Free content is good. Paid content is usually better because it HAS to be. Otherwise people wouldn't pay for it. Also, in most cases, I agree with Jeff. He is extremely knowledgeable, and an amazing resource to all of us here, myself included. On account of that, Jeff has a following and a voice here and it's irresponsible to ignore excellent content on account of it costing a few dollars. For example, John Bianchi made a whole series of holster videos that are comprehensive with regard to making gun leather. They are expensive, but worth it. Obviously, I can't post them here as it would violate all kinds of copyright laws and be morally objectionable. My point is that while its ok to have an opinion about FREE, I have a differing opinion about paid, simply because of my experience. Let me ask you this. Would a week long class with an industry professional where you build three holsters side by side have value? Of course it would. It was also one of the best investments I've made into leather work. If we keep the FREE thing going, are we doing a disservice to those in the industry who offer live, hands on classes? Where is the line drawn? That is my only point. Not poking the bear, or arguing. Only offering a differing opinion. And, for the record, my site has ZERO holster content, and the majority of the classes are taught by professionals OTHER than myself, so please don't confuse my differing opinion with a conflict of interest about my site. Its not. Its about a conflict of interest with an entire facet of the industry.

Never leave rouge on your blade when you carve. I wipe it on a rag before I touch it to leather. And buy the green. Its the most versatile IMO

How about an airbrush and masking? Dry brushing? Use less dye so it doesn't bleed? and FYI, properly applied paint does not crack. Just like properly applied dye doesn't bleed. Perhaps a picture of the problem you're having would help diagnose your issue?

You sure its not George? Sorry this was sort of emphasized so it seems you did mention it. Pardon my confusion if you didn't mean to.