f1humlam

Yes something like that or this

I would be curious to hear some ideas on how you would go about making an expandable pocket in full leather. Like the expanders on the ends of the pocket are leather too. I tried one time and failed miserably and ended up just making a pocket instead. Thanks!

Hmm. I may have to try that. The resolene used in full strength definitely leaves it shiny.

The mixing with water and using a brush helped a lot. Thanks!

That would definitely help the little bottle I got go farther too haha. The first watch strap I ever made bled bad so I've been kind of overdoing the sealant ever since. I probably need to focus more on the amount of dye that is used too. For some reason, when I use dark brown it turns into a reddish color at the end of it all.

I have some stencil plastic that I may cut out some and then just use those to mark the leather with chalk or the back with a marker and then go from there.

I have neither. I really don't do a mass quantity. Right now it is just for friends and some others, but I was just curious for in the future if I decided to up the quantity.

Where would you get the dyes from?

Oh for sure. The efficiency is definitely the biggest pro.

I have fallen into a watch strap making phase and the hand cutting of it I like, but it is tedious for me. That maybe just because I am new to all this though. Do you have any thoughts on hand cutting vs press cutting on something that is like that, ie where you could have strap stamps made to certain widths, lengths, etc? I tend to think there is something just added with hand cutting it and while there might be a small discrepancy between different pieces it adds some character and individuality to it.

Haha I have been using it full strength on a damp part of towel this whole time, so I guess it isn't quite full strength. I have found that it is only the smooth leather that the streaks are most noticeable. I have some textured leather I use that it seems to go on more evenly, but I will try the new process tonight. Nothing like a little whiskey and leather work, good for the soul.

Awesome! I was thinking using an air brush would also be kind of hard since what I am really focused on are small leather projects such as watch straps and wallets at the moment. Do you just take the bottle of resolene and mix with the water as soon as you get it and work from there or mix on a project by project basis?

What would be the best thing to get for spraying or what would be the most basic that works, like a mister spray bottle? Also, what causes the dark brown color to turn to a reddish brown at the end? Me not being patient before applying?

Fiebings is the only dye I have used so far, but this will probably help a lot too. I get so anxious to get going on it that I don't really let it dry all the way that I should and forget to buff before applying to the finish on it. Thankfully I got a big ole piece of veg tan to do some trials on. Thanks!

That would definitely help the little bottle I got go farther too haha. The first watch strap I ever made bled bad so I've been kind of overdoing the sealant ever since. I probably need to focus more on the amount of dye that is used too. For some reason, when I use dark brown it turns into a reddish color at the end of it all.

If you took that as the implication I apologize. I was just giving the reasoning why I was looking for a leather alternative in the first place. I'm done with this conversation as I didn't mean for anyone to interpret it as what you say.

On the instructions it says to apply in long straight brushes, but at the end there is kind of a streakiness you can see. Do I just need to keep buffing in order to remove those or am I applying it the wrong way?

See the response below you as a proper response on this thread. The person's opinion on the quality of it without passing judgment. Thank you for the response! I appreciate the breakdown very much.

Will it wear out or is there something I can do to keep it working for a long while?

Here it is with the stud. I like it.

Not asking for judgment. Just asking a question. I'm not the moral authority and I am sure you aren't either, she believes what she believes and it doesn't harm anyone, sorry if you have a problem with that.

Thanks. I know of the pleathers and such. I should have clarified and if anyone had personal experience working with a particular brand of faux leather that they liked. Something that could be used for a wallet or like.

I know I may get run out of this forum for asking this, but if someone were to want to make something very leather like, but not leather, what material would you suggest? I ask this because I would like to make my girlfriend something, but she is vegan and while likes the look, doesn't want to contribute to the animal side of things. Thanks!

Cool. I'll check it out tomorrow. I'm also thinking of maybe using some of the stitching thread to make a little holder.

It is only a quarter of an inch from one side to another. Where would you suggest going to get a kind of skinnier one?