"semi-Homemade"

[thecalicowgirl]

I'm just starting out in my leather adventures- which currently is going down the road of horse tack. The approach that was recommended to me was the Semi-Homemade. I'm far from knowledgable in the area of creating leather horse tack, but I do not lack creativity or skill to know what I'd like to see. My first project is a breastcollar. I have purchased a plain breastcollar that has a very light oil on it. I plan on doing the stamping/carving by hand. I know that in order to work the leather porperly I should remove oil and start fresh so there is no spotting.

Does anyone have any recommendations on products or processes for doing this? Thank you in advance for the help!

[terrahyd]

HI girl ;; you may be better served to use the piece as a pattern, use some fresh tooling leather, and avoid problems with the oiled piece,,,,just a thought;;;; ..DOC..

Edited July 25, 2010 by terrahyd

[thecalicowgirl]

HI girl ;; you may be better served to use the piece as a pattern, use some fresh tooling leather, and avoid problems with the oiled piece,,,,just a thought;;;; ..DOC..

Thanks! Sounds like that may be the way I need to go. The sewing part is going to be my biggest hurdle since I've heard that's the hardest part unless you have a great sewing machine.

[bex DK]

You can minimize the sewing by using a single layer of thick leather instead of two thinner layers for your breast collar. Then you only need to sew where the rings and buckles go. If you really hate it, you could consider whether you'd be happy with rivets or maybe a style that needs less sewing?

I was all paranoid about the sewing until I tried it. I found it quite enjoyable. Now I just need some more practice.