thefanninator

Falo pouquinho. Minha esposa é do Brasil. Eu preciso aprender mais.

Tudo bem? Bem vindos.

Not sure but maybe Renia.

My mom wanted a new bag. The leather is Blue Lagoon from the close out section at Maverick.

Thanks. Looking at yours I see a few things I can do to improve mine. I see how your bill pocket piece is shorter on bottom... I need to do that... that would help thin out the edge even more. What are you creasing with? I got the Regad electric creaser a while back and it has greatly improved my creasing. Things look much finer with that nice crease. Your edges are smooth. Nice.

Really nice work. I also did a couple based on the style Petewon has done. I did not do the middle interior piece. My leather was some cheap calfskin from Springfield. I rushed the dyeing and finishing but I think the construction turned out pretty good. A few more to really nail them down. I'd like to use some thinner, nicer leather.

Thanks Monica. Yours looks nice too and the magnet closure is a nice touch.

Serious construction. Cool latch. Where'd you find that little gem? What was the liner? Nice work.

Click on More Reply Options and you can attach pics.

I would strongly suggest starting with a quality pricking iron and if leather work doesn't suit you, you can sell it and get your money out of it. There are some new pricking irons that are Vergez Blanchard quality or better for much less. Google Atelier Amy Roke. They look awesome.

I have the Regad single unit with the F2 tip. That size thread may be fine. It's always hard to tell in photos.

I don't think the everyday consumer would pay more than $100 and some might scoff at that price. It's hard to explain why handcrafted items cost more. I'm also moving toward the more refined European style leatherwork so I"ll touch on that. 1) It needs a nice crease on all the edges. 2) I can't really see how nice the edges are in the pictures. 3) Stitching is good but there is room for improvement. What size thread and how many SPI? The thread may be slightly too thick for 10 SPI if that's what it is. I've been using 632 Lin Cable for 9 SPI. Did you stitch from inside out? Personally I prefer wallets stitched from outside in. Most of all - Although I like some Horween and have used some I don't think it has that European style look. The pockets look like they're nicely cut and well placed. You're on your way. Keep improving.

Looks pretty nice to me. I guess I've got two last ideas. If it is paint use another coat or two. If it's dye you might try a coat of lacquer based finish... Something like Clear Lac or Wyo Sheen. Well good look. Take a look here: http://www.watchesbysjx.com/2012/08/how-to-hand-making-watch-strap.html

There are several youtube videos of Hermes making watch straps. Do a search there. My guess is they are using calfskin from Haas Tannery in France. There are several great strap makers out there. Check out Hughes Low. http://hughes-handcrafted.tumblr.com http://www.watchesbysjx.com/2012/08/how-to-hand-making-watch-strap.html

If it's paint you're using and not dye, don't use saddle soap.

I can't read Swedish but that doesn't look like paint but I may be wrong. Sometimes I put wax on after the first coat of paint and I heat treat with the fileteuse. Then sand and add more coats.

When you say edge ink, do you mean the Fenice Edge Paint? How many coats are you doing? I'd do 3-5 coats. I don't bevel anything that I'm going to use paint on. I think a flat edge is better for paint. I only bevel when I follow Bob's (Hidepounder) tutorial. I just started using the gloss edge agent and I think it helps some. Only edge paints left I'd like to try are Giardini and Beraud.

Pretty cool...

I saw the movie Once but don't recall a violin bag or wallet in it - their website says it was inspired by the movie Once. Monica, you're very creative - move on and stay two steps ahead of them!

Thanks, Lin Cable 432.

I've got the F2. At first I thought it was too close to the edge but after using it for a few months I think it's great for small accessories...wallets, pockets, card cases, key fobs. A 2.5 might be nice for larger items like briefcase and duffles...but you can get by with the F2 for those too. Yes, I stitch just beyond the crease. Pic attached of pockets creased with F2, 7 spi. It takes some practice to do curves, just tilt the tip on one end.

Do you have some pics of the Giardini edge paint? I have Fenice, Stahl and Fine Leatherworking's brand (not sure of their manufacturer). So far Fenice seems to be my favorite. It seems to have the hardest finish with no peeling even after several coats. I've used it with and without heat treating. I have the Regad unit from RMLS. The hardest thing to do is get that center line to disappear and get rid of bubbles. If Beraud were easier to get in the States I'd give it a try.

... and a second one. Horween Orion, 432 Lin Cable @ 7spi.

Spanish calfskin, 632 Lin Cable thread @ 9 spi, edge paint and some 8/9 oz Hermann Oak inside.

I'm actually looking for blue. Guess I'll just order it. Thanks!