Phillip Carr

I'm working on my first briefcase / msgr bag. I'm modeling it in miniature with scrap paper and have already run into an issue with the front and the back being the exact same width. I used staples to simulate stitching, but my side gussets pull the front to touch the back. Should the front panel be slightly wider than the back? Thanks in advance!

great advice! I like that the top layer helps hold the piece in place, now, how do I taper the leather just right to make the MOP flush with the leather? Thanks

So I'm wanting to inlay some pretty thin mother-of-pearl I found at the river in some 10-12oz leather. My first thought was a Dremel router bit, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions? On a side note, I'd also like to know if anyone has found a Dremel cutting bit that you can push the leather against while the Dremel rests in a press, in practice like a bandsaw or jigsaw maybe? Thanks!

Very cool idea! I love it. I was thinking of a lame frame kind of thing. So, how do I fade and darken the dies (Fade out from the middle)?

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I'm needing some suggestions here, not how-tos, but if you want to post a how-to, by my guest! I'd like to display my Eagle Scout medal in my office at work, but I'm at loss as to what to do. I'd rather make the display myself than buy a shadow box. Thanks! Phillip

Bought some 10-12oz saddle skirting from Tandy Saturday for $90 (on sale). The salesperson told me that at the belly it would be about 8oz. I did some quick math and here's what I got: Veg Bellies: $30 each 4-5 sq feet low quality 6-7 oz for $90 12-15 sq feet still low q 6-7 oz Saddle Skirting: $90 21-22 sq feet better quality 10-12 oz, with some 8 oz I think the sale ends pretty soon. It seems like a good deal to me, but I'm still very new at this. I'll still probably use the heavier stuff to make holsters, which someone on the forum recommended. Anyone hate saddle skirting?

Meaning you slick and then wax? I thought wax was a part of the slicking process?

Thanks for the advice! Perhaps I should have placed this under the "critique" category. I do bevel, but perhaps inefficiently. Any tips? Also, please further describe burnishing for me. I wax and slick the edges, but I often do two at the same time. Thanks for the back-stitching tip. I do use a groover and rowel wheel, but I'm afraid I'm impatient and not meticulous enough.

Some samples of my first work. None of these are done with pre-made patterns, and I actually made the knife in the pictures as well! Critiques are welcome. I'm trying to improve my technique. The picture next to the shotgun shell bandoleer is the back of it where the belt enters.

Hello, folks. New to the forum, and leather in general. I made some craft kits when I was younger, but now I focus on making my own patterns or free-handing it. I have mixed feelings about my work, but I can't fault myself too badly; they are my first tries! I'll hop over and post some work.