Members ericluther Posted June 7, 2009 Members Report Posted June 7, 2009 This is one I am workin on, this was my frist attempt at tooling and could really use some critique and pointers. I have a little more sewing to do and I will post finished photos tomorrow. Quote http://lutherdesigns.com/ http://www.facebook.com/LutherLeather
Members CitizenKate Posted June 7, 2009 Members Report Posted June 7, 2009 I really like the distressed look in leather, and you have achieved that very nicely! And that's a pretty good job you did on the lettering for your first attempt. In my own work, I like to see more depth in the beveled edges and the background. I also like nice, crisp edges around the carved objects. The photo looks like you did mostly modeling around the outside edges of your skull. If that is the case, you might consider beveling your edges instead. I also put a little more emphasis on backgrounding nearest the edges to enhance the relief effect from the beveling. Look forward to seeing the finished wallet! Kate Quote
Members ericluther Posted June 7, 2009 Author Members Report Posted June 7, 2009 thank you Kate!!, how would I achieve the sharper edges etc?? using what tool? I'm pretty clueless, I got a whole bunch of tools off eBay and have no idea how to use most of them correctly, I do know the names, just not totally sure the correct way to utilize them Quote http://lutherdesigns.com/ http://www.facebook.com/LutherLeather
Members CitizenKate Posted June 7, 2009 Members Report Posted June 7, 2009 Do you have any stamps that look like these? These are called bevelers. After cutting the pattern lines with your swivel knife, you use a beveler to tuck down the leather on the outside of the carved object to make it stand out from the background. It looks like you did a little of that on the letters, but I can't really tell from the photo. Kate Quote
Members ericluther Posted June 7, 2009 Author Members Report Posted June 7, 2009 Do you have any stamps that look like these? These are called bevelers. After cutting the pattern lines with your swivel knife, you use a beveler to tuck down the leather on the outside of the carved object to make it stand out from the background. It looks like you did a little of that on the letters, but I can't really tell from the photo. Kate I have one that looks like the one on the left except it is perfectly smooth on the face. Thanks again!!!! Quote http://lutherdesigns.com/ http://www.facebook.com/LutherLeather
ETW Grumpy Posted June 7, 2009 Report Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) Good looking first attempt. The design is good, but when you fold it, you're going to eventually going to "erase" the part of your design that's right on the fold. The way I do mine is to have one graphic on one half and one on the other half. Don't forget to leave room for your stitching groove too. Any basic leatherworking book can tell you how to use the tools you have. Keep at it. Edited June 7, 2009 by ETW Grumpy Quote
Contributing Member UKRay Posted June 7, 2009 Contributing Member Report Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) You seem to have quite a number of little marks and scratches on the surface of the leather. This maybe due to one of the following: Long or sharp fingernails, rings, a watch with sharp edged or angular case, a bracelet or maybe you need to be a little more careful where you put your tools down and how you deal with cased leather - you are casing the leather aren't you? You will get much more depth in your carving is you make the leather wet before you start work - this is called casing. Apologies if i've just told you a load of stuff you know already. Ray Edited June 7, 2009 by UKRay Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
Members ericluther Posted June 7, 2009 Author Members Report Posted June 7, 2009 You seem to have quite a number of little marks and scratches on the surface of the leather. This maybe due to one of the following: Long or sharp fingernails, rings, a watch with sharp edged or angular case, a bracelet or maybe you need to be a little more careful where you put your tools down and how you deal with cased leather - you are casing the leather aren't you? You will get much more depth in your carving is you make the leather wet before you start work - this is called casing. Apologies if i've just told you a load of stuff you know already.Ray Hey ray, Thanks for the response, I did case it althought I'm not sure if it was done correctly, I used a sponge to wet the front and back then made my cuts, taped it then did the tooling, I don't believe I wet it again after taping, should I have? And do I let the color return almost to normal like when cutting?? Also this was a crappy piece my cat had scratched up lol I didn't think it would turn out well so I used it Thanks!! Eric Quote http://lutherdesigns.com/ http://www.facebook.com/LutherLeather
Members CitizenKate Posted June 7, 2009 Members Report Posted June 7, 2009 Also this was a crappy piece my cat had scratched up lol I didn't think it would turn out well so I used it LOL! And here, I was thinking that was just your artistic style! I didn't say anything about it because I thought the marks were intentional. Kate Quote
Members ericluther Posted June 12, 2009 Author Members Report Posted June 12, 2009 well shes finished, I learned alot, made mistakes, but know how to avoid them next time. Quote http://lutherdesigns.com/ http://www.facebook.com/LutherLeather
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.