6sigma

Thanks for the additional info. Now for the rest of the story. The Midori is (as one put it) a flap of leather with some elastic. The scheme for putting 3 notebooks in that flap of leather is a little bit clumsy (in my view). I've found an alternative method for threading the elastic cord so that 3 notebooks can be added, removed or changed more easily. Today, I picked up some 4-5 oz veg tan. Over the weekend I expect to make a couple of prototypes. Cutting the leather to size and shape and punching holes will be easy. It's the finishing where I'm inexperienced. The Midori in the video is certainly darker than (raw) veg tan. However, I couldn't tell whether the darker color resulted from dye or the old baseball glove treatment with neatsfoot oil or something else. Or, was it some sort of oil tanned leather? Each of you has added to my knowledge and, after visiting Tandy, I've got some ideas about how to finish the leather. I'll post some updates when I've got something to show. Again, many thanks!

Again, many thanks, and my compliments on some beautiful work in your gallery photos.

Thanks so much for your reply, JustKate. I'm willing to buy good leather because I'll be using pieces that are only 6" x 8" or so. From your answer, I think I see three finishing products/steps: Dye Antique paste Leather finish If I have that correct, then I'll be looking for a "finish" that gives the leather a flat/matte/satin finish rather than a glossy or painted look. If you have something in mind that does that, I'd appreciate the tip. Again, many thanks.

Perhaps I've posted my question in the wrong forum. Or, maybe I've violated some rule by using the video. Whether those or something else, if someone can point me toward the proper place or way to ask my questions, I'd appreciate it. I simply want to use the proper veg tan and finish it in a way that makes it as soft and flexible as the video shows. Hope this clarifies.

First post here. Go easy if I'm asking something inappropriate for the forum. I want to make some notebook covers to fit (up to 3) 3.5" x 5.5" notebooks. I'd like to buy the right leather and finish at Tandy. My challenge as a rookie is knowing how to identify the proper type of leather and finish from this video: http://youtu.be/AmUbokv1HzQ To save your time, look at 3:50-4:10, 11:00-11:40 and 14:00-14:30. For those experienced with leather, those clips might allow you to identify the best leather for these projects and the type of finish to apply. Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.