bikermutt07

Thanks, Brian. So, you're using a 3d printer to make molds from? That is pretty interesting. How are you applying the mold to leather? Are you using a press or maybe a roller?

That looks like a lot of work. Good job.

Yeah, I don't think anyone will mistake that as feminine. I like it, looks great.

I would just like to take a moment to be grateful for all of you people. I love wandering around and reading the threads and learning all kinds of tricks and techniques. You guys have so much knowledge and talent, it really humbles hobbyist. Thank you for sharing.

Good question. The demand could be much lower with developments in plastics and resins. Or it could be in high demand after our current civilization folds. It's always a crap shoot.

Well his mom is an art teacher and he already has lots of fun painting. We aren't the pressure type parents. It's all just really a pipe dream/ daydream at this point. I was just curious about options and all. Being the proprietor of 2 failed small business attempts I do know it's not all about hard work and the product.

She's the best. She gets up at 4 every day for work.

Thanks, guys. We do have a horse track here and the gentleman who has the local store stays really busy with saddles. Ethan may have an opportunity as an apprentice someday. I was just thinking ahead. I'm a carpenter by trade and will definitely be teaching him about that. I (as any father) just want him to have options.

Howdy, my name is Matt. I live in the Shreveport area and have taken up leather crafting. At 42 years young, and quickly approaching some serious arthritis issues, I have no intention or desire to make a career out of a fun hobby. I have made a holster, a few sheaths, and am currently working on a tote bag for my wife. It has been fun and therapeutic. We have a three year old son who likes to come in and tap on the stamps while daddy's working. So, here's my question: if I can learn enough about leather to get him started (as he gets older, and shows interest) could he scratch out a decent living later? I know there's lots of variables in this question, but basically, are y'all able to make a decent living? Thanks for any replies.

Awesome

Mr. Art, this is a great post. Thank you.

I like it.

My wife is pretty easy going and stoked that I'm actually expressing myself in some form of art. It's coming along well and I'm almost down to the assembly.

Tooling wise you won't need much to get started as long as you steer clear of tooling/carving. Even if you want to tool leather different providers sell basic carving kits for 40 to 50 bucks. You can find YouTube videos on getting started and learn plenty there and here. Just dig around a bit and you can find some easy projects. If your sister has an I pad, a slip for it would be simple enough. Just get a 4-5 ounce single shoulder. Then you would only need a basic square, razor knife, straight edge, stitch groover, an awl, sewing needles, some thread, and a cutting surface. You may even have a few of those tools lying around. Also, you would want to put a finish on it. There are lots of threads about that on here. From one newbie to another, have fun. Otherwise, what's the point?

I am a complete novice. That being said I use fiebings leather sheen. I have it in gloss, but I believe it comes in matte.

What a beautiful bag. I'm currently working on my first tote (biggest project yet) for my wife, the art teacher. Looks really great, I'm sure your daughter will cherish it.

Thanks Mr. Oaks.

Never heard of him, but his products look great.

Thank you. I will try that. Funny side note, I was wondering yesterday morning.... how do these guys connect the lines together? I even thought, I need to ask the guys on the forum about this. Then, I figured out I could go back and make tiny nicks to connect the lines. I was so proud to have figured that one out on my own. It reminds me of what my old framing boss used to say: "it looks real good boys, but it's all wrong". HA! :-)

I have started trying to do a little carving and I'm having some trouble. I can't seem to make the tiny spots look clean. Example: practicing with craftaid: I tried to do the celtic heart and that small intertwined areas just look like a muddled mess. I also tried an old English looking "E" and while I got it looking decent, the small spots are still junkyard looking. I have the modeling spoons and they are helping me get the larger spots under control (when I can keep them from spilling out onto the surface). So, how do you don't that?

Really beautiful work.

You sir, are well on your way to be a sought after seat builder ( eat your little heart out , Corbin). Wow! Amazing work.

If you have a Tandy nearby they usually have them. Just make sure it's stainless because they carry a lot that aren't.

The guy on the bike looks a lot like my grandfather, Ky Sitton.

Oh, I thought you were making a pattern with a beveler. (Newbie here).