churchjw

I wonder if I used a smooth backgrounder to push those areas down but not texture them like the background if that would work better. I think you are right is it a flaw with the design. I think next one will have more smaller gears in the background. I think the big back ground ones are not working. This all really helps guys thank you. Jeff

Thanks guys. I didn't think about lining the flap. I was worried about it getting to thick/stiff. Not sure I know how to do a lining like that yet so will look around at ideas. Most of the brown area behind the gears is another level of gears. Or was suppose to be I might have failed with that part of the design. The black areas are the areas where both sets of gears are not over the background. I wonder if I died the second level of gears a little darker if that would bring it out more. Can you die leather after you have oiled it?

Thanks for the add to the group. Very new to doing tooling. Did some years ago but just really picked it back up. Very interested in making my own tools. Here is my first tooling project. Did some sample pieces to try and get the feel of it but this is the first finished piece. Would love feedback and helpful advice. I did not make the bag it is attached to just replaced the original front. Jeff

Wonderful design great back grounding. Jeff

Nice design. Great results. I am surprised the tooling marks did not transfer to the leather. Did you off set the size of the design by the thickness of the leather? Have done this with sheet metal dies but never tried leather. Jeff

Love the dragon flesh one. Do you have process pictures? The colors are incredible.

Nice tooling. I loved seeing the unpainted ones. thanks

Really well done.

Really nice love the keepers. How did you join them in the back?