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Hi everyone! I'm Micaela, also known in internet circles as Dia or Crystallink. I am very much a newcomer to the world of leathercraft, having only been tinkering with the medium for a few months. I am mainly a character artist/illustrator, but I also love dabbling in other crafts and mediums (watercolor painting and making, hand sewing, a bit of knitting, clay sculpting and even some doll customization). Leathercraft was one thing I at first hesitated to get into because of how expensive it can get. But I was also drawn to how versatile the medium is, and all the beautiful items I've seen people made. After buying my first box of scrap leather and tinkering with it with my beginner tool set for a good while, I think I can safely say that I want to hone my skills and work my way up to doing larger projects. So far I've been starting out with rings, since they are the smallest and most simple thing I found I could tinker with without feeling bad about wasting large amounts of leather, and I discovered they're way more comfortable for me to wear than metal rings. I ended up going a bit crazy and creating a lot of them. I decided to sell most of them on my Ko-fi shop, so you can take a peek there to see what I've done so far: https://ko-fi.com/crystallink/shop If you're interested in my digital illustration, please check out my portfolio! (I'm a freelancer, so if anyone needs a mascot or a character based logo for thier business, or artwork for personal uses, I'd be interested in working with you!) https://crystallinkcreations.com Recently I've decided to step things up and try making a bracelet. This is my first one. It was done a bit hastily, so I know the crafstmanship looks a bit crappy. I'm hoping to better hone my skills and make these look more professional!

At a concert recently, a friend was having a problem with the inexpensive leather choker she was wearing. She said it was so uncomfortable that she had to take it off. So, for her upcoming birthday, I put together an alternative that I think will be more comfortable (and safer). The chains on the front are optional; they have lobster-claw clasps at each end for easy removal and re-attaching. Elastic is integrated for "give," and the the links on the adjustment chain in the back are "breakaway." Just sharing! Thanks.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me back to this forum these past few months. We've taken feedback you have shared into consideration and we are working feverishly behind the scenes to make buying from Ohio Travel Bag even better! You may even see your comments and feedback on our website homepage under "What people are saying about OTB" or the BUZZ. Exciting things to watch for: New website, scheduled to launch November 1st, with easy online searching and shopping. New OTB Catalog, scheduled to be published January-February 2016. Other Important Information: OTB has a $30 minimum (not $75). Call us to register for an account today. Can't reach that minimum? Only need one or two small items? Shop at http://www.hardwareelf.com or call us and ask to place a retail order. Thanks everyone

Hi Everyone, I have been lucky enough to be chosen to show off my leather accessories at RAW: Boston. This is an art show for new and unknown artist. This show will be on July 8th at the Middle East Bar in Cambridge, MA. To learn more about me and my work check out my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JosieDybeDesigns If you live near Boston come check out the show: http://www.rawartists.org/josiedybe Please help me spread the word by inviting your friends to this Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1640829849462747/ I am pretty new to the Boston area and this will be my first big show so I would appreciate any help spreading the word :D Thank you!! -Josie

I have been a silent participant on leatherworker.net for years now. I thought it would finally be a good time to introduce myself and show off a little bit of my work. I learned how to work with leather while I worked at Paco Collars in Berkeley, CA. I recently moved to Cambridge and have been working on my craft. I set up my little studio where I hang out with my awesome dog, Aloo and make cool stuff. I mostly create dog collars, dog tags, pendants, bracelets, and belts. I would love to have some feedback from fellow leather workers. Please let me know what you think My website: http://www.josiedybe.com/ My Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JosieDybeDesigns My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JosieDybeDesigns My Flickr Stream: https://www.flickr.com/photos/123458807@N08/

Looking for a few watch face suppliers so can make leather bands. Any suggestions for quality faces, not junk stuff. Thanks.

I can't figure out whether to use calf lace or silver plate chain to finish off this set. Opinions greatly appreciated. Cheryl

Hi, I'm a brand newbie to the Forum... what a great wealth of info on here!! :-) Was reading through tons of posts about machines and just very confused. I am looking for a machine to sew lightweight leather for bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc... basically to make decorative stitches and to sew a couple pieces together. I'm guessing the maximum I would sew would be about 1/4" and under. I do also sometimes make cosmetic bags and use vinyl lining... so I would be doing that as well. And... of course my budget is peanuts. I think I'm doing a tune on my regular sewing machine and don't want to burn that out... so just need something to handle what I will be doing. Would the Consew portable 206R be good for my purpose? To start out with at least? I don't think I really need anything TOO heavy duty. (if I could afford it though... I would get the Consew everyone talks about... but can't really plunk down that much $$$ at this point). Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks! Kim