Aethelhelm

Thanks very much. I think I will just buy a kit or a book and just get stuck in. Heres hoping you will all be checking out my first projects in a few weeks! Tom

Hiya Regis, Thanks for the quick reply! I have never touched a bit of leather for crafting purposes it must be said. I have done a few bits of carpentry a couple of years ago. I am a civil engineer by trade so spend most of my time doing consulting, figured it was time to get my hands dirty! My final aim would be to be able to do the whole process, carving, dying, tooling, assembling etc. I prefer lacing or sewing items as it gives it the look I am probably going for. Initially I'd probably like to learn some of the processes involved and go from there so it might be better to learn assembly and cutting to begin with? There are a few general craft/hobby shops here but they tend to not contain many specifics for each individual craft. I am quite into celtic and nordic themed items and so would most likely want to be making bags, bracelets, bracers etc etc in that sort of theme. Very much like things such as this, this and these. Many Thanks, Tom

Hiya guys, I've been considering starting up at leatherworking for a year or more now and have finally decided to take the plunge. The thing that really prompted me was a friend of mine who made some bracelets and so on from old leather jackets taken to charity shops. I was wondering what you guys might suggest for a beginner, what projects to attempt and what tools to buy etc? I was considering buying a ready made kit from a shop with sections of leather and the tools included but wondered if this was really the best approach? Is it better to buy a decent set of tools by project and practice on small objects like bracelets and so on to begin with? Can anyone recommend a book that might cover all the questions I have? I'm aware of the fact that practice makes perfect but I've always found that having a good initial basing from an expert or at least someone who vaguely knows what they are doing is for the best! My aim is eventually to be able to make bags, bracelets, rings, wallets, guitar straps etc for my friends and family and possibly to sell to others if I get that far. Sorry to be a pain but this seemed the most appropriate place to ask! Many thanks, Tom EDIT: I am based in the UK so any US specific advice might go straight over my head, bear with me if it does! :D