Leathercrafting Full Time

[David Fields]

I was laid off from my job as a graphic designer and realized that now would be the perfect time to try making a living doing leathercraft. Before, I never had the spare time to pursue my hobby but now I have all the time in the world. I've only done a few pieces from kits but have discovered that I'm pretty darn good at tooling florals and really enjoy doing leathercraft. I'd like to start making my own pieces but don't know where to begin. What items sell the best and how do you get started doing this for a living? Where can I sell my finished pieces? How do you learn to make something that you have never made before, is it just trial and error? I simply don't know where to begin!

Any help would be appreciated!

David

[AKRob]

Getting fired was the start for me 6 years ago I started with a one page website and a few free classified ads to promote my business. 18 LONG months of selling on eBay until I could self generate enough business to keep my self as busy as I could stand.

As I have mentioned before Joe Rollings book Artisans & Money REALLY is a great help. In fact, I'd call it required reading for anyone that plans to sell their leatherwork.

Good luck, go for it! Quick working for the man.

Rob

[David Fields]

Getting fired was the start for me 6 years ago I started with a one page website and a few free classified ads to promote my business. 18 LONG months of selling on eBay until I could self generate enough business to keep my self as busy as I could stand.

As I have mentioned before Joe Rollings book Artisans & Money REALLY is a great help. In fact, I'd call it required reading for anyone that plans to sell their leatherwork.

Good luck, go for it! Quick working for the man.

Rob

Are you able to live off of what you make working in leather? That would be a dream come true if I could make a living doing leatherwork, and as you say quit working for the man. Where can I pick up a copy of "Artisans & Money" and how much is it? I searched on Amazon but they didn't have it.

Thanks,

David

[Butch]

I can't tell you where to start, but I wish you the best. I've heard if you do what you love you'll never work another day in your life. Sounds good to me.

Butch

[David Fields]

I can't tell you where to start, but I wish you the best. I've heard if you do what you love you'll never work another day in your life. Sounds good to me.

Butch

Thanks for the moral support!

David

[kevinhopkins]

Hi David,

I hope all works the way you want. I think the secret is to do smart stuff, and don't do stupid stuff. Give me a call anytime, and I'll be happy to help any way I can. 800-668-8518

Kevin

[GrampaJoel]

David Fields

Where can I pick up a copy of "Artisans & Money" and how much is it? I searched on Amazon but they didn't have it.

Here you go David. Direct from the horses mouth.

http://www.thingswestern.com/8.html

Edited August 11, 2009 by GrampaJoel

[UKRay]

This ought to be 'required reading' for anyone starting out in the leather business. I just wish I'd had a copy thirty years ago - I might have stuck a bit harder to the leather! Still, it got me back on track in the end. A great book and well worth the $s.

You might also want to take a look at http://knol.google.com/k/ray-hatley/the-ba...uhfjt5pdr2mt/2# - yes the URL is a bit long winded but the information might be useful. There are a few more of these in case you get interested.

Ray

Here you go David. Direct from the horses mouth.

http://www.thingswestern.com/8.html

[Mtcowpony]

Here you go David. Direct from the horses mouth.

http://www.thingswestern.com/8.html

perfect timing as i was looking at amazon too .....

[DCKNIVES]

Well maybe my recent experiences might help.I have been making knives and doing leatherwork for about 18 years part-time.I was layed off my day job in Febuary 2009, and called back in a month, but at reduced hours and thus pay until July 30 th when we were layed off again.Due to a paperwork screwup with our payroll company I am not getting any unemployment money at all which is all our income.I immeadiately started working fulltime in leather and knives and fortunately I am making as much as if I had been working for my boss.

The interesting thing I found was that before, being part-time was holding me back on taking jobs due to time constraints and I held back on advertising for fear of getting to many orders that I would have trouble filling.Now with a bunch of orders from my repeat customers and new orders coming in weekly things are looking hopeful.I also have time to surf the net now for more work.I am still working long hours but they are for me and my family and they are very satisfying hours, almost enough to make me wish I didn't need sleep.Good luck friend and I wish you the best. Dave