what steps in what order for preparing a piece?

[shard]

I've got my first piece of leather in hand. (veg-tanned, I think, and pre-dyed) It's a red/russet color, not bad, but I was thinking of dying it water/wax boiling it to make it rigid. So I figure...

1. Cut out my pattern

2. dye/sealant

3. make holes and attach rivets/eyelets/D-rings etc

4. boil and set into shape

Is this right? Or would boiling destroy the color, or would the sealant prevent wax from soaking in? Urg.

P.S. Can leather be re-dyed or will it be like mixing paint and end up leaving me with a new color?

[Luke Hatley]

YES THAT IS RIGHT. post photo when you get....IT.... made....

I really do'nt think that you boil just place it in hot water for a short time.

then let it dry, then finish............just what is your project?

Edited March 4, 2009 by Luke Hatley

[Leather Bum]

I've never done something like that, so I don't know for sure the outcome, but it seems to me if you boil the leather after applying a sealer, the sealer may be ruined. Also the wax may not soak in properly through a sealer. . .

L'Bum

[ferret]

Here's how I would do it

1. cut out pattern in paper

2.cut out another pattern 1/4" larger on each side to allow for shrinkage (this is just a guestimate, varies with size and thickness of leather).

3. Cut leather to larger pattern.

4.Dip in hot (not boiling) water for a few seconds then form shape and allow to dry.

5. When dry use first pattern to see if it needs trimming down.

6. Experiment with dye on offcuts till you get the colour you want then dye. 

7. Make holes and attach rivets/eyelets/D-rings etc.

8. Apply sealant