New to the craft- eager to learn

[Mike81]

Good evening everyone.  I am Mike. I am just getting started in my leather working journey.  I am starting off small and simple and plan to work my way up to crafting some leather cosplay armor.  I made my first leather purchase yesterday- a bag of scraps from Hobby Lobby and finished my first craft today.  A simple mystery braid cuff.  It won't win any awards, but I'm satisfied with it.  I found some videos on doing a 5 strand mystery braid and want to try that next.

On another note- I had to do a captcha while signing up to this site, then another to start posting, then ANOTHER halfway through this post.  Is that the norm? Because it was annoying as hell...

Hope to be here learning a lot! 

[Hags]

Welcome!  We all start somewhere. It's not bad, but as you say, room for improvement.  Try to find a Tandy or something. Hobby lobby scrap bags are as described....

[JDFred]

You’re one mystery braid ahead of me.  Looks like you’re headed the right way keep it up.

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

If you're into the armor/cosplay leathercraft, you need to check out the Prince Armory warrior helmet kit from Weaver. It may be available elsewhere to, but I know weaver has it for sure. It might be a little pricey ($98) for a beginner, but all the pieces are cut and hardware is included, along with instructions. A kit is sometimes the better way to learn some basic skills. You may need to buy some tools, don't go all out and spend a fortune on them. Go with the cheap tools first and figure out what you use and don't use. I got a shop full of expensive unused tools.

I started with hobby lobby kits before taking a serious plunge into the craft. Then I went to my nearest tandy (5 hour drive at the time) and bought a pattern pack, a side, some tools, thread etc. to make a western style gun rig for my 44. After a couple trips to tandy I started shopping online because the drive. I knew weaver was reputable and I started doing most of my leather and tool buying through them. As I developed skills and knowledge of what I was looking for, I have since found several sources to go to depending what I'm needing. Weaver is still a top choice for most things, especially since they have a point program that does pay off, but they're super pricey compared to other suppliers out there. 

[JDFred]

To piggyback on Tandy if you get on their website and look up your local store they offer classes you could go to typically they are kits you’ll have to buy but they will help you put it together and let you borrow the tools you need for it.  That way you can get a feel for what you need.  My local store has an open table on Saturday and you can bring in a project that you’re working on and need some help with.  I don’t know if all stores have that but it helped me get started tooling.

[tsunkasapa]

Greetings and welcome to the craft. You sound committed to continuing, great. Others have mentioned Tandy, and that's great. I would add that if you get to actually know the folks at Tandy, you can talk to them when you order and tailor your order to your needs.  Also, some good deals on tools can be found on eBay. Just be sure to shop around for the better price.

[Mike81]

Thanks for the tips!

There are actually two Tandy locations within 2 hours of me (Harrisburg and Baltimore if anyone here has specific knowledge of either shop). I already told my better half I am planning a trip there in the coming weeks! 

I have watched several tutorial videos from Weaver and found them useful- prime example the mystery braid! Just turn your volume down when watching them, the guys voice is LOUD!!

I actually tried a 5 strand mystery braid last night but I am not happy with it at all... it turned out too large and the braids just don't look right. I want to try again with a stiffer leather but for now all I have is the scrap bag. I am always happy to receive constructive criticism, and from what I've seen that is plentiful around here!

 

[AlZilla]

Welcome aboard.

Try a bleed knot. Simple and satisfying:

https://www.instructables.com/Bleed-Knot-Leather-Keychain/

 

[TonyV]

That's a good start.  Simple yet functional.  What knife did you use to cut the strands?  It could use some honing to give you a smoother end product.  I think sharpening/ stropping our bladed tools is one of the most important skills to learn as a beginner.

[Mike81]

22 hours ago, TonyV said:

That's a good start.  Simple yet functional.  What knife did you use to cut the strands?  It could use some honing to give you a smoother end product.  I think sharpening/ stropping our bladed tools is one of the most important skills to learn as a beginner.

I used a basic box cutter.  I changed out the blade for my second project and had cleaner cuts.

22 hours ago, AlZilla said:

Welcome aboard.

Try a bleed knot. Simple and satisfying:

https://www.instructables.com/Bleed-Knot-Leather-Keychain/

 

On my list!