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Showing results for tags 'tooling'.
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Got it all stitched up tonight! The Lewis Chessmen are a group of chess pieces found in the early 1800s near Uig Bay, on the Isle of Lewis. They are Viking era pieces, carved out of walrus ivory, and nobody knows why they were cached there. The pieces can be viewed in the British Museum in London, and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. They're wonderful pieces of early Medieval art. This is the first of a set-- Queen, King, Bishop, Knight, Rook/Warder. The pawns aren't quite so photogenic for bags. Leather: 2 mm veg tan, Eco-Flo Red Waterstain. It's probably one of my Tandy stash of miscellaneous hides. Thread: Ritza Chestnut, 5mm spacing Fabric: Black denim (on the inside) and red Harris Tweed (backed with an iron-on stabilizer). Harris tweed is manufactured not far away from where the chess pieces were found, so it's fitting for use here. zipper charm: a Lewis chessmen bishop, from Ebay. Strap: purchased from Amazon. I could make a strap, but it would take FOREVER to stitch by hand. The price I paid is less than I could actually get the hardware and leather for.
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I want to start a large project, I want to make a vest that emulates a biker vest but has my school logo on the back, I'm a teacher. I also want to have a number of smaller logos on the front of areas that I teach and clubs I am a part of for school. I have made material vests before so I am comfortable with making the pattern and think I can tackle a lot of the simple problems of sticthing etc, but its the actual tooling side I am getting a bit caught up on as I haven't done much of that and am uncertain how to approach it. My mind says to simply tool the back as one piece and do smaller things on the front but that, obviously, means I can't add to it later. I am worried that if I tool a patch and stitch it on, it will be too much weight. I plan on paiting the tooled areas but just want to get my head into how this will work. Anyone tried this sort of thing? Advice? I should add that I've gone full leather for the experience as I've got a heap of cheap stuff that's been sitting rolled up for too long
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Free vintage pattern book: Le Cuir. Compositions Decoratives – author Jehan Raymond (published in 1908) pattern book has some wonderful and unique Art Nouveau designs for leather work - pocket cases and wallets, cigarette boxes, bindings, calendars, music portfolios etc. The descriptions are written in French. This is a PDF (240MB) on Google drive: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Lc95mJPz-dwGupVhW2XmYGis4D5fcvpz A few of us are fortunate enough to own a hard copy of this treasure, I searched for 2 years to find my mine (and paid dearly for it). Now, because of its age; it was added to Public Domain in 2016. *This book is very rare, some copies are preserved and archived in some museums - MET. I hope you find these awesome patterns and illustrations useful. Big thanks to Letter T for condensing the PDF, Nuttish, Chirsash, and Buttermutt07 for testing the link on multiple platforms. P.S. Source files are in the Library of Congress - National Archives site. Enjoy, Deb
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Sunflower Wallet
mikesherman posted a topic in Purses, Wallets, Belts and Miscellaneous Pocket Items
This here is a mid wallet I'm working on...assembly design is mine. I'm sure the 'Eagle Eyes" among you will recognize Jim Linnell's sunflower pattern. I got it years ago, but this is the first time I've tried it. Those same sharp eyes will see a couple of tooling mistakes, but I'm trying to ignore them for now, as this is my first attempt at this pattern; I'm sure I'll have to tweak some things a bit and do it all over again. I'll post an update when it's done. -
Hi everyone. I tooled a leather coaster (constructive critique welcomed) and someone wants to order some. I know it’s an age old question, but what do you guys charge for tooled coasters like these? thanks
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I'm working on this Green Man face for a bag. I've got a handle on the floral tooling (oak leaves), but I'm not sure how to best do the face, especially the nose (and by extension, the eyes). I'm not sure what tools I should use, or what sequence of techniques, to get it right. Any of you figure modeling experts got some advice?
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So I made my first full box (I've made small ones with wooden lids before). I was originally hoping to have it so the top and bottom hinged together, but I would have needed to use thicker leather for it to work well (or glue another layer inside), and more importantly, take into account that all that surface tooling on the lid would significantly expand it. Turns out it made it the perfect size to slide over the bottom, so it's not a complete loss. Next time I'm doing all the lid decorations, *then* cutting the sides and bottom. Also made the sides out of one long strap, and it would have been easier on me if I had just cut each side separately and done a tiny bit more stitching. If I had more time, I would have lined the interior, but as it was I ended up waxing it the day it was given out. I included a pic of the sides before I stitched them, I'm sure you'll recognize some standard stamps. ;)
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Second video I've done trying to show stamping/tooling. Tried to add music, subtitles, etc. Still getting the angles down so folks can see what is going on under the tools... open to comments and suggestions if you are kind enough to take 48 seconds on the first and 5 minutes (on the second) out of your day to entertain yourself with my efforts! Thanks much. YinTx First video: second video: -
Hello everyone, I hope that you are all well and staying safe during this pandemic. I wasn't able to find a solid answer to a question I've been trying to research. Where did the Sheridan style of leather tooling come from? The floral design is very similar to the "okir" designs from Southern Asia. If you know awesome! If not perhaps you know of some literature that covers it? I've tried searching the internet but much of it discusses technique but not history. Thanks! Teo
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tooling Artisan's Choice veg tan leather- does it tool well?
AllStitchedUp posted a topic in Suppliers
Hello all, So I was wondering if anybody has worked with Artisan's Choice veg tan leather, sold by Leather Guys out of Minnesota. If so, does it tool well? What other leather is it compatible too, etc? I've developed a fondness for Wickett & Craig veg tan, I love the way it tools, even more so than Herman Oaks, and is my usual go to. But as you probably know, it's not the cheapest and usually takes close to a week to get to me when shipped. I've only ordered exotic leather from leather guys and it's been high quality not to mention I live in Minnesota so it only takes usually 2 days to arrive. Any feedback would be much appreciated, thank you! -
Simple question, is there much or a difference in quality ? what is the best leather and why ?
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I found this image on Pinterest and the link led me to the Leatherworker forum. I expect that the stamping and carving belongs to someone here on the forum but I don't know very many crafts people here who I could maybe match up their work styles to this one. Any ideas on who did this very good looking work, I wanted to pick their brain with a few questions .....
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Like new Barry King 48oz mallet! There are a few scuffs on the brass nut, otherwise very little use to the nylon head. Carefully-crafted mallet is a true work of art. Durable nylon head stands up to heavy-duty use. Contoured handle offers extra cushioning and is comfortable in the hand.
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Does anyone have any tips for getting really tight/ uniform flower centers using a very small seeder? I've had OK luck with it but I see some other craftsman absolutely killing it on this. Is this an actual one hit style of stamp or is it a series of multiple hits on a "one seed" style seeder. How do you get the layout so uniform especially in such a small space as a flower center? Start in the center and work your way out or vice versa? Any tips or tricks are much appreciated.
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dog collar Finally done! Carved dog collar
YinTx posted a topic in Collars, Cuffs, Leashes and Leads
Finally finished this up today. Took half a year of Sundays it seems, but ready. 1" wide strap, Hermann Oak leather, Fil Au Chinois Thread, solid steel hardware. Learned a thing from @RockyAussie's watch strap tutorial, and tried to apply it here. Thanks for that! Plenty of little mistakes, and things I'd do differently (like only use that style of buckle with very thin flexible leather), but I think it will be serviceable! From what I understand, LuLu is a girly girl boxer with white fur, so I think she'll like this style. YinTx -
Hey folks, I've got a project in mind and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with it. I am wanting to make a tooled leather lap board. I'd like to be able to use it for writing and working, and obviously a tooled leather piece isn't the best for that purpose. So what I was thinking was to pour a leveling hardening epoxy over the top of the finished leather piece to make it smooth and suitable for working on. Would this be possible? Any tips for making it work or any other ideas for this type of project?
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What's it been? A few weeks, a month, or even longer since I posted my last cane with a leather handle? Anyway, at that time YinTx mentioned commissioning one for his dad and after talking back and forth we decided I would do the wood and he would do the leather. So the collaboration began. Things have been moving slowly along since then. YinTx sent me a goody bag full of veg tan of different weights and brands along with a couple of tooled pieces to practice with and we decided on a shank and a handle style for the cane. This wasn't all the choices but the picture does show the one he chose. The left hand stick is a nice rustic black walnut sucker with a very small and even taper at the top and some nice knots in the bottom for a bit of character. We're still working on the final wood choices for the handle but it will be a Fritz style similar in shape to this one. Right now the hold up is on my end. I have three handles I'm currently finishing but with the weather getting colder it's taking forever to build up a good shine. YinTx can't do a whole lot on his end until that part is done so he knows how big his tooling area is. We're almost literally sitting around watching paint dry. While I've been waiting on that I've started practicing wet forming with the pieces of veg tan YinTx sent me, mostly trying to figure out what works for this application and what doesn't. At this point it's mostly what doesn't work. Here's my first completed wet formed handle. The cane is a one piece cane made from a dead oak branch. I decided this was a good practice piece because of the nearly round handle. Honestly I think it could have been done without wet forming. The leather is Tandy 9 oz. veg tan. I chose the thicker leather because the branch making the grip was a little small so it needed something thick. I skived the front and back edges down to get rid of the pig in a blanket effect and stitched the leather on wet with 1.4 mm Tiger thread. After I thought I had things trimmed to fit I tried pressing a decorative line about 1/8" from the front and back edges and next to the stitch line. The more I look at my stitching the less I like it. I have to get over the idea of using the stitching chisel I have as anything more than a spacing device for my stitch holes. A round awl is much better for this kind of work. Stitching the leather while wet was a mistake too. It stretched the already too-big holes and even tore one a bit. I also had to re-work the stitches closest to the shank and messed that up. Lesson learned. That pretty much brings things up to date for now. More later.
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Hello fellow Leather Crafters! I need some help finding a border tool with the exact design. If not exact then extremely similar... See attached photo. I have been commissioned to reproduce three leather panels to an old chair bought in Costa Rica. As you can see from the photos the leather has certainly seen its days. I could maybe get a way with a diamond pattern. Before I bring up options to my customer, I thought I'd share with you all and see if there may be some leads in hunting down that design. (I could carve the original design myself but that'll take way too long and not be cost effective to my customer.) Thank you for your help! W/ gratitude, Brett C.
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Does anyone have a good template or any pointers for making a tooled pistol pouch? Something with a zipper, lined with something soft and a braided edge? I have tooled before and done some basic hand sewing but want to try to step it up. I have never attempted a braided edge but I have always wanted to try it. I really like the look of it.
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Hey guys, I am in need of some advice, I have been working on a 22 x 22 chessboard for a buddy of mine. I am using Chahin Weaver veg. tan 5-6 oz. leather. I went ahead and used clear packing tape on the back and now I have cut all my lines and cut a 1 1/2 rose border. but now all of the edges and borders are beginning to warp or curl up. Honestly, its beginning to look like a giant valet tray lol. I still have a lot of stamping to go, should I just continue with tooling or should I remove tape and glue it to cardboard? I would appreciate the help? What would you guys do in my situation? Frank
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This was my very first knife sheath. I bartered a custom holster for a custom knife a few years back. It has just been sitting in my desk in a cardboard sheath (cringe). I know. So...it was well overdue. I started out with simple expectations to "just make something leather to hold it," but that very quickly went out the door. It was much more involved than I had expected. It took considerable thought and planning. I had to layer up the leather to make a shelf on which the handle could sit, otherwise it would push the loop back when inserted. I had to consider so many other aspects. For example, I made the retention strap replaceable with a Chicago screw, so that, in the event that I cut the strap, or it became worn over time, it could be replaced. I had to carve out a dimple in an inside layer where the Chicago screw head could rest, allowing the layers to lie flush. On and on. I suppose these, along with the other things I had to figure out for myself are old hat for some of you, but it was probably faster than spending hours researching like I did before I made my first holster. Anyway, as always, I am all ears for constructive criticism. Oh yeah, the bear was from a practice scrap I did for a holster request that fell through. He sat on my workbench for months before I found a use for the poor fella. Never tooled any animals before. That was a whole other experience. Let me know what you think, and/or where I could improve on the next one. Thanks, ladies and gentlemen.
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Myself and a friend were booked for the making realistic figure carving pieces. We were to make a lifelike portrait of sitting bull. He is horribly ill and cannot make it. If you are going to the southwest leatherworkers show and was interested in an 8 hour class tomorrow please call the Brian at leathercrafters and saddlers journal. 715-362-5393 -
Hi y'all ~ I just found this site last week; it's amazing! I finally found someone who shares my addiction (not that any of you are addicted to leatherwork.) This headdress is on the top of double-stacked luggage for an Indian Motorcycle. The MBs are too large to post any photo of it here. I was going to post it in the gallery but didn't understand why there were different ones; therefore, I didn't know where to put it. Any suggestions on improving the headdress would be greatly appreciated as well as explaining the gallery photo process. Thanks so much. Many blessings ~ WVMoonshine
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Hi i am working on making leather fire helmet shields and had a few questions. Made my first one the other day but having a hard time with the beveling with it leaving alot of uneven marks. Any suggestions on how much to wet down the leather or how to start so that its more even? not sure if im wetting the leather to much or possible not cutting my lines deep enough before i bevel? Any suggestions/ tips would be great thanks!
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Hey guys, me and my husband got bit and have been hooked on leather crafting. It started as a hobby a few weeks ago but we both found a passion in it. A few of his buddies from work want some stuff for Christmas so we want to make it look more 'professional' and last better. We picked up a basic tool set and some stamps. But we are pretty clueless when it comes to how to finish our leather. We have a Tandy's about two hours away we are going to next weekend to pick stuff up, but I wanted to get some recommendations on products from Tandy's you guys like. I've seen a lot about the Clear-Lac/Neat-Lac, saddle lac, tote lac, ect. We know we want to do a lot of antique finish but according to Tandy's website you dye, use a pro resist, antique finish, then neat lac. But won't a resist keep the antique from absorbing? Also, what is the proper process? So far we follow this- cut, groove, bevel edges, sand, burnish, tool/carve, oil (let soak overnight), then sew together. Is there a better method and how to do we finish? I posted my first project I did, a sheath for my throwing knives. I did the art then colored it with regular acrylic paint from Hobby Lobby (which I'm sure you probably shouldn't use). We are looking at getting the Eco flo glue, fiebing dyes, fiebing all in one antique finish, fiebing pro resist, eco flo neat-lac, and neats foot oil. Is there anything else we should get? I'm sorry for all the questions. Just want to make sure we are on the right path
