Seamus76

There's lots of places for dies. A&A Die in Georgia will take paper. aadieinc.com I have visited their shop and met with them personally but not used them. I always just poorly sketch out the design, add the measurements, take a picture of it and email it to my guy in China. He makes high quality, cheap dies, that have lasted years.

I just bought a Consew 206RB-5 and looking in the owners manual it says: "THREAD: Cotton, synthetic or silk thread can be used according to your purpose. *Always use left twisted thread for upper (needle) thread, but you can use either right or left twisted thread for lower (bobbin) thread." I have alwasy been a hand sewer, but just bought this machine last week to use on larger items such as totes, etc., plus I got an amazing deal on it. I have used Maine Thread Waxed Poly since I started, but for the last year have been using Japanese Vinymo thread for a lot of my projects. It's beautiful thread, vibrant, and soft to the touch. It's unwaxed, which I don't mind becuase I have my own wax and don't mind waxing it. That's what she said. And since it's unwaxed it can be used on my machine as well. I like the ruggedness of Maine but it can be too waxy sometimes, which is a common "complaint" about it, but I don't mind that too much. Vinymo comes in tons of colors as well, which is really great. It's also available in large and small spools for US based suppliers. Hope that helps a bit.

Oh I have no doubt. It was just laying around and I figured I'd give it a shot, but yeah you're right, I can imagine even the cheapest airbrush is better than that.

Thanks for the thread. I was looking at HF brushes and had seen some bad reviews, but I think I'll give them a try. Especially given I won't really use it much. I was able to pull this first attempt off, only using a small Preval disposable sprayer from Home Depot. The stencil was cut by hand from a sheet of paper. Not bad I thought.

My pleasure, I'm sure it will work out, but be sure to post a pic when you're done.

Like I said, I mainly use the Hemp or Bamboo, so a quick search on Hemtique.net gave me this. http://hemptique.net/products/hemp-cord-variegated-rainbow-20 Not sure it's what you're looking for, but I also found it by searching "hemptique rainbow". And I'm pretty sure it comes slightly waxed, but waxed or not, I always wax it by hand (yeah I said it) with beeswax. It's a good selling point and helps from fraying, etc.

Wallets, journals, and clutches are primarily what I do, and for everything I use Hemp or Bamboo thread. Personally I like touting the amazing "natural strength" of both, and they come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. I have use the below person on ebay multiple times and will continue to use them again, and again. They always throw in samples and sometimes larger spools as a thank you. I know there are stronger synthetic threads, but I have never had a problem with Hemp or Bamboo, and they have a greater novelty factor if you're selling your goods. http://www.ebay.com/itm/261618438048?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=560492890699&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I would think someone on here has some good recipes, hopefully they'll share. In the mean time I've been playing around with this formula, and have had some good results keeping it simple. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-High-Grade-Natural-Beeswax-Leather-Pol/ This also has some good things to consider. http://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-leather-conditioner/#.VeY6WPZVhrM