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It's done! Next on the list: a set of coasters for my sweet wife, and a replacement camera case for my son's antique Minolta SRT201. This was a fun project. It took so long because it's a hobby, not a job. I envy those of you who can turn around projects faster than this. I did find two serious design flaws. The three folds? gussets? (the places where it bends) are all the same 2-inch width. I should have made the inner one 1.5, the middle one 2.5, and the outer one 3.5 inches. I thought the 2 inches would be more than adequate for the tools inside. Related to that, I need to rethink the closure. I had been planning on using a simple Prusik knot to attach a 12-inch thong to the flap, and then wrapping the thong around a concho in the foreground of the waterfall. Now I don't know if I really want to do that. So for now, I've tied it shut with a bootlace. Got any advice for me? Some things I like about the design: The inner panels are removable and interchangeable. I'm going to make a second panel for stamping tools, to replace either the handled tools panel or the inner pouch. And if I decide to trade leatherwork for another hobby, I can design brand-new panels. The lacing looks so retro! I love it! My next project will be sewn, but I love the old-style look of this double-loop lacing. The carving and coloring is *chef's kiss*. After a hiatus of more than 30 years, I've still got it. But now I need to get serious about brushing up on Western Floral. Outside and inside One-third closed. This panel is hidden when it's fully closed. Front, back, and side when closed Tied shut with a bootlace I carved this little piece to match the base of the waterfall. I was going to color it to match, and cut out a circle in the right place, so I could use it as a concho . . .

Looking to make my first purchase of Dye to use on Veg Tan cowhide, have looked at old posts but there seems to be two opposite views on what to use Spirt v Water based Perhaps someone can explain the main difference between the two if any, and if there are any other good consistent makes available in the UK. Resolene, seems well spoken of for the final coat, would that be a good choice for me to start with or any other outstanding finishes

I was using Eco-Flow Waterstain (green and blue) to color the knotwork on a belt I've been working on for a customer. After finishing the hand-painting with the colors I applied Eco-Flow Super Sheen Leather Finish to protect the colors before applying the black for the background. Apparently, unlike using other dyes, the Waterstain covered over everything. Including the "protected" colors. It soaked into the entire belt and effectively wasted hours worth of work. My plan to fix this is to use Kova Colors to paint over top of the black. I thought that for anyone who doesn't already know, "resisting" techniques do not seem to work with Eco-Flow Waterstain. Unless I'm doing it completely wrong, in which case I'll be happy to learn the right way. I'm a bit sad though, as I was nearly done with the belt before this happened.

Hi there, I just dyed and finished a little keychain; when I went to bend the leather around the key ring, cracks developed (picture attached). Does anyone know why this happened? I used the Eco-Flo Pro dye line and the coorisponding matte finish. Super new so feel free to throw out any ideas! Thank you!!