Pip

Wow!! that is fab!!

Thanks kathy, and bezzachopper, I will post some pics once Ive given kathy's advice a try, my previous efforts have been too embarrassing to post, more like messy scratches.

Yeah, mounting onto forks below the headlights, I quizzed him about the bike and he is getting from a local shop about forty miles away, so I have made an appointment with the guys there and am going to go and measure it up. I didn't know about the light bar and didn't ask so i may have a second mounting position possibility hmmm. Thanks for your help.

Beautiful stuff, If I get half as good as you i will die a happy man.

wow

Thanks John, yep it helped, I can see the stitch created now and everything makes sense.

Thats a great sentiment, and yes one of my concerns was that people think me ungrateful and as a beginner in this fine tradition I would hate that. Thanks Johanna.

I know this sounds silly but I can't get a natural look with my hair tooling, some advice please!

Hi folks you are all fab and beyond helpful...... I want to say thanks and whilst I do it in the threads, I wouldn't want you to miss it? can i leave rep for people who are particularly helpful?

Thank you gary I will do! I will give all these a look first!

Hi folks I have been asked to make a tool wrap for a friend, for his new bike, which he gets for his birthday. I know this is probably overstepping the boundaries of politeness (but I am new to leatherwork, with very limited skills, but not new to the friendship and would really like to do it) what I am asking for is ....... Has anyone got a pattern for a cylindrical tool roll for said motorcycle (triumph America 861)? Would some kind person let me have a copy? Please

My question is I think a simple one, when should I use a 2 needle technique or a stitching awl and what are the pro's n cons? On the face of it I think the stitches are similar but seem to wear differently with the harder wearer being the two needle stitch.....mmm why? I am trying to learn stitching, as a stereotypically educated male I have found my schooling neglected this fundamental skill. Thanks folks

Anyone got contacts in britain for leather stuff other than Le Prevo...... They are good but a little expensive on the P&P etc

A belt pouch for pipe and tobacco, for a collegue.

I get this effect from inks, overlayed with antiquing wax....... I know the design is very cartoon like and simple, but was for girl nextdoor whose camellian (mm thats not right) chameleon (still not) just died. The overall design is uv reflective due to nature of the inks I use, has interesting effects under blacklight.

Thanks ClayB, just what the doctor ordered.

Thanks guys, all really useful stuff! In response to vodka. I used to drink a lot of vodka but since the stomach ulcer, I have a stock knocking about, I find denatured alcohol takes my skin off but vodka doesn't. I have made a mix of different designs so far, koi carp, lizards, oak leaves, sunbursts, ivy leaves, tentacles and newts (don't ask) 28 in total and have so far sold all but five at £5 a hit.... I think this is because lots of people know me, but they are all wearing the things. I am starting to get asked for specific designs, which I have so far turned down bar a couple from close friends. The bracelets where a practise option to try and off set the cost of the leather. They seem to have worked so far. i don't like doing specific designs as I feel encombered by other peoples styles, how do you either put people off or realistically price so it feels worth the while?

Can I make a suggestion on courses! the way I would do it, is like this! Week1 I will give a bit more detail on how i run my sessions then just cover the subject matter for the rest. it is age dependent. Week 1. Introductions and ice breakers 5 mins starting with a few different leathers, where they come from and brief talking session, while touching/feeling and pointing out the obvious differences that you feel as well as those you see. Some of the leathers will be different colours, for younger children who might not remember the names too well depending on the age range, and size of group... (refering to the red peice of leather works for this). Then we have a blindfold game (with older kids) recognising each peice by the flexibilty courseness etc etc. its only a quick session 20 mins max. then introduce the concept of tooling leather, cut each child a 2 inch square and explain about wetting and how to tell its too wet/too dry. 3mins - 5mins. Seal over with cellophane and take a quick break! 10mins I have a series of games to play organised. Quiz to what we learned so far! Introduce swivel knives (h&s rules first) working bits, grip, cutting lines straight, angles! then curved lines, reinforcing the importance of angles (obviously in child friendly language). Then let them practice or play until they get the feel of it. Get them to draw simple leaves which are a combination of the curved cut and the straight. Once they get going they will forget the wetting and quickly discover it is more difficult to cut while dry. They will learn not to let it happen quicker if you let them make the mistake at this stage, obviously don't make a big deal of it point out that its harder to cut when dry wet half the leather and get them to try both. I guarentee lesson will be learned, rather than tedious repetition, and they will let others know too! Then introduce the bevelling tool and how to use it 20mins-25mins Then cut 1inch x 2inch fob sized leather bits, natural cordage in thirty cm lengths. Set the children the task of making a fob leaf necklace. Using the skills you learned earlier ......... make a lovely leather fob necklace. Set them going and give help when its needed. Once the children have finshed their designs inrtroduce coloured inks. This means the slower ones can catch up..... take note of the speeds of your group. Then wax seal the fob explaining to each child as they finish why we seal the leather, this gives the slower ones time to catch up and paint their designs. I introduce holes punches at this point and some decorations. Punching a hole on a practice peice then I teach the larks foot knot. The children punch a hole somewhere on the fob tie the knot. I generally tell them to leave the fob until they get home and give it a polish to give the wax a sheen. say goodbye. Week2. Quiz what we learned last week. Introduce stamps and paterners etc. drawing designs, transfering designs using the little plastic envelope windows. Make a keyfob! Do not seal and tell them to bring it back next week or keep it till next week. Request old cloths next week. Week3. Quiz what we learned last week Cutting patterns, finishing edges, Dye and dying - practice and different techniques. All hail to H&S. Week4. Quiz what we learned last week/so far Putting it all together so far, bracelets cut, carve, dye, paint, wax, hol punching, eyelet fixing..... beginning of lacing (3 holes). Week5 Quiz what we learned so far Using patterns cut and dyed in week3 simple stitching to create pouches for tools. or belts, tool rolls depending on group. Week6 Quiz what we learned so far Finishing pouches/belts, name tags for drawstrings. Games, food with parents and certificate Presentation. Thats my twopence worth.

I have used metallic acryllic inks, which work well, I apply before dying then antique wax over to give contrast to the design as some contrast is lost by the reflective properties of the inks, it works well. I am in the process of trying to get gold leave to adhere/stay, I have never used satin shene thanks for the suggestion.

Hi guys thought i'd say hi. I live in the uk and have been doing/dabbling in leather for a couple of months so far. I really enjoy the experience. I have done wood carving for a bit but leather feels natural, right, almost primevel..... "me make fire... ug!" not to say that its easy i am still struggling with the (very) basics. anyone else from the uk? I am currently buying from a company called Le Prevo who have been really hepful so far.... If a little expensive I am told, any help? I am a Ranger based on a farm, and started leather work to teach children (to whom meat comes from the supermarket in plastic trays) about uses of some animal parts and that it is a crime to waste natural resourses. I have had some stick from the anti-leather brigade, but have been supported by my boss to continue.... I am concentrating on projects kids can do at present bookmarks, bracelets and keyrings. There is a real passion for people practically getting involved in crafts over here, especially if you are willing to let watchers get their hands dirty. anyways thats why i am here, and congrats to everyone who has astounded me with their talent on this site, I have been in awe on more than one occasion. I hope to in the future be half as good as you guys, which will still make for impressive viewing. Thanks Pip

Hi guys I am very new at all this and learning from books so I am starting small but have had a degree of success so far. I now have the tools to stitch and thong so I will be asking for advice in the relevant forums but.... here goes. This is a 30mm wide 4mm thick bracelet, dyed with leather dye diluted with vodka and antiqued with an antiquing wax. It is a simple free hand design which took approx 3/4 hr from start to finish. I wear it all the time and have had several orders for more. My concerns and wants really from this posting, are 1) is the depth of carving ok about 1.5-2mm? 2) I have no modelling tools except for a stylus and a spoon bit, a swivel knife and ten basic craftool stamps what can you guys recommend as a progression in tools. 3) can anyone recommend how to incorporate gold/silver leaf onto leather (a request on a design which someone is willing to pay for and thrust bank notes at me as a deposit) and get it to stand up to wear and tear? As a beginners tip, I have found the little plastic windows on envelopes that don't recycle make an excellent transfer medium for small designs. thanks everyone Pip