captain

Can anyone else confirm that pecards would be the best for valuable old leather? The leather I'm working with isn't cracking or super brittle, I just want to rejuvenate it a bit. Thanks

Hi guys. I find myself buying more and more antique leather items. Up until now I have just been lightly cleaning the leather with soap and mild detergent, and then conditioning with Bick 4. It works well and doesn't darken the leather...but it polishes it a lot more than I like. Makes the leather shiny... I'm just curious what your guys recommendations are. Keep in mind that the things I am using it on are fairly high value (monetarily and historically). I just want something that will keep the leather supple and strong. Thanks!

Very nice! A4 as in a4 paper size? Mine will be similar but I plan using old buttons as the "clasps"

Sorry Chief, Didn't see that post earlier. Thanks so much!

Oh really? What kind of glue? Again...sorry for the ignorance here

Thanks! That definitely helps (shows how much I know!) Is there a trick for getting the holes on both sides to lining up perfectly when making holes with the chisel?

Hi guys. I am very new to leather. I want to make some simple, high quality leather portfolio/envelope/clutch pieces. However, Ideally I would like to not have to use a sewing machine (1. because I want a more hand-done, authentic look, and 2 I don't have an industrial sewing machine So I was wondering what the best way to approach this would be. I was thinking a tonging chisel/punch like this: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/3008-00.aspx Is there a better way? Is there a trick to lining it up so that the holes match on both sides for sewing? I will be making my own template, but here is a rough idea of what I am looking to make: http://www.swellmayde.com/2011/03/diy-envelope-clutch.html I'll also need help with correct thread, stitches, etc. But I'll take it one step at a time. Thanks guys! (I will most likely be using a 6oz weight leather)

Thanks! I actually have a few old steel stamp sets I'd like to use. And I'm considering getting a few custom brass stamps made. I will definitely look into chrome tanned leather and oiled leather. On that note...does anyone know of a good place online to buy chrome tanned or other pre-dyed leather? Can't seem to find any suppliers that have anything other than regular vegetable tanned leather (and exotic leathers) This is one good site I found http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/sides.htm but just curious if you guys have experience with others.

I guess one of the reasons I'm concerned is I don't have a proper shop or anything...I don't really have the means to be working with a lot of chemicals. I will look into it, and look into some pre-dyed leather as well. For my hang tags I might just use regular veg-tanned leather. but for the folios I really want a different look

Thanks guys! Any recommendations on dyes or stains...or good resources for how to apply them, etc? Also, are any of them "natural" or is it similar to a wood stain? For some reason I was always under the impression that that rich leather look was "natural" for some reason. Thanks again!

Sorry, yea I was referring to vegetable tanned, tooling leather. Ya, for the hang tags I was thinking hand stamping them...but a press would probably be better. Trying to keep the initial cost of the launch down as much as possible, but I think that would definitely make things easier. And I will look into pre-dyed leather for the folios (I do not plan on doing any tooling with those. I will have to start another thread on those once I start because I have a few more questions regarding them) Is there any easy way to dye or age leather in general? Thanks again! ps...Ideally I want something that will get richer and get a patina with more handling/use.

Hey guys! I've always wanted to get into leather working but just have never gotten the opportunity. I am launching a clothing brand this year and I really want to work leather in in a few places. Ideally I want to have small leather hang tags for the shirts, and I possible want to make a small amount of leather portfolios to sell. I know very very little about leather working in general. I got some samples from a supplier and they are all very lightly colored. (tooling leather) I want to get that deeper, rich, "leather" look to these pieces...as well as a slight vintage feel. What is the best way to dye leather? Can this be done naturally? I tried to apply some vegetable oil to a few pieces but it really didn't do anything. Also, do you guys have any tips on wearing down the leather to give it a slightly vintage look? Can you buy leather like this or is it mostly "raw"? I'm sure I'll have more questions in the near future and I look forward to hopefully contributing as well! Thanks in advance. ps...Ideally I want something that will get richer and get a patina with more handling/use. And here are a couple images of the general look I am going for: