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Thanks all for the replies. Wizard, I understand what you mean, a dark brown thread would have matched far better. I was just thinking of contrast. From what I've seen others do, it seems like most people go for a complete difference in thread to create contrast. I will definitely try what you suggested and see what I like best. I was thinking of doing black leather with either a dark blue or red thread. Thefanninator - I definitely had the leather too wet. I actually soaked it until bubbles stopped and then proceeded to stamp. This is the part I think I will have to practice on some scraps to get it right. I've looked at some youtube vids and it seems like most just moisten it with a sponge and then stamp. I thought that unless it is really wet, the impression doesn't come out. Live and learn. I did not do any finish on it. Could you recommend any or explain what you mean by using a finish. For my learning of course. Thanks to all who have commented, it's nice that people think my first attempt was pretty good. I know it's not perfect but it will definitely be used by me no matter what, especially since it's my first project. Andrew

Hello Everyone ! So, here is my very first creation in Leather. I'll explain what and how I did it, but I don't necessarily know all the proper terminology. I started by finding a pattern online. I found one and resized it in Photoshop so that the 2 slots on each side were 1 3/4" long since I have a punch that size. I traced out the patter on the rough side of the leather and cut out the front piece. Once that was done, I moistened it with a sponge and traced out the stitch lines and the location for the pattern. I then used the letter stamps to imprint my initials. I soaked it pretty good before I did that. I then used the stamp that has the triangular pattern and stamped the pattern. I did the border with a croissant shaped stamp. I cut out the slots with the punch and then I glued the top piece to the bottom, just the edges and the area that is not opened. Once dried, I used a groover to put the stitching groove and I used a rake like punch to make the holes. I stitched it with a white waxy tread. I started at one end and did a continuous stitch. Once done, I sanded the edges with 60, then 80, then 400 grit paper. I dyed it using an English Brown dye, and did the edges too. I think I did 2 coats. Once dried, I used a buffing wheel to do the edges super smooth, and then did the surface on the buffing wheel. Some thing I would do different. 1 - Stitch after I dye it so the thread is vibrant white (although I kinda like it the way it is). 2 - Take my time. I did the whole thing in about 2 hours, minus the drying time. 3 - Side stitching should be parallel, but it fits the leatherman tool really well. So, all comments and critiques are welcome and please be honest, I want to learn and without criticism, you can't learn. Thanks! Andrew

Hello All ! I'm Andrew, and I've been lurking for a bit and have tried my hand at a few projects. Some I am very happy with, others not as happy as I could be. I'm a Vet (Canadian) that teaches High School, and I love to try different hobbies. Recently I tried my hand at leather working simply because I wanted a few things but couldn't find them, so.... make them myself !! I'll post pics of a few things I made and always appreciate critiques. Both good and bad. That's how I learn and get better. Thanks and hope to learn from all of you ! Andrew