Tracing artwork onto leather

[Regis]

As I am edging more and more into carving, I'm curious about tracing process. Books tell me to trace object onto clear tracing film and then onto cased leather. That sure works but, is that what most folks do, especially for "one-time" designs (or practice in my case)? Just want to know if I should order and keep ordering film supplies or just use readily available things, especially for one-of's.

Thanks,

Regis

[pete]

As I am edging more and more into carving, I'm curious about tracing process. Books tell me to trace object onto clear tracing film and then onto cased leather. That sure works but, is that what most folks do, especially for "one-time" designs (or practice in my case)? Just want to know if I should order and keep ordering film supplies or just use readily available things, especially for one-of's.

Thanks,

Regis

[pete]

Hidecrafter has a pack of vellum that works ok but the Tandy film is better in my opinion. Get it by the yard as it is cheaper. It lasts longer and doesn;t get soggy like the Hidecrafter if you use it many times. I went to an art store and got "rag" vellum for architects. It was about $1.50 a sheet but it is 24w x 36l and works really well.pete

[The Major]

For a one time project I will print it out on vellum. For repeats, I print the pattern on the clear transparency film used for overheads (commonly refered to as mylar's)

[MatthewD]

I did that the other night on one I was working on. The only problem I had was that it seemed to scratch off a bit of the pattern as I was tracing with my stylus..

[SmilinJim]

You can get pads of 8 1/2 X 11 and sometimes 11 X 17 of 100% rag vellum at most office supply stores. Look in the drafting sections (use this regularly). Hobby lobby and Michaels usually carries it too.

Jim

[Dale]

Don't over-think it. Use what you like best. Printer paper, drawing paper, notepad paper, (fill-in-the-blank) paper all works just fine if that's what you want to use. I frequently go from (laser) printer to leather with the same paper, then throw it away when I'm done...no mess, no clutter. Works for me.

[Regis]

Thanks for all the tips. Looks like I'll try 'em all and see what sticks.

Regis