jinrui73 Report post Posted November 22, 2010 Hey all! I've got a few stupid questions; 1. How do I learn what types of leathers are for what projects? i.e. which ones are for lining, garments, tooling, lace, etc.? Are there books on the subject? Do I just need to ask around here? 2. How do I learn what to color my projects with? i.e. Is oil based superior to spirit based or is it just for different applications? Where can I learn an effective and lasting process for finishing my projects and keep them from fading or rubbing off on someones clothes/skin? Many more questions to follow, but I'll try not to annoy too much,LOL! Thanks in advance for any help, you are all great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted November 22, 2010 Your experience may vary, . . . but I have the privilege of having two really knowledgeable people working at the local Tandy Leather Factory store in Columbus, Ohio. I have successfully stumped them one time, . . . and it was only on a preference thing, . . . which product to use for a certain application, . . . If you have one available, . . . I would go there first, . . . get a kit of something you would like to have for yourself, . . . do it, . . . using their advice. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CitizenKate Report post Posted November 22, 2010 It sounds like you have a lot of ideas floating around in your head for different projects you want to do. I think it may simplify things for you if you start with just one or two projects you have in mind to start with, and what kind of look you are trying to achieve with them, and narrow your query to what you will need for that. So I guess I'll answer your question with another question: What kind of project do you want to start with? Kate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terrymac Report post Posted November 23, 2010 Tandy has a couple of books on dyeing and coloring leather. One is put out by Fieblings and the other is their own. You might also go to the forum section devoted to dyeing, etc. There have been a bunch of questions asked and all kinds of answers from very knowledgeable people. Your tooling leather is primarily veg tan, and the weight needed will vary according to what you are trying to do. There is also a section in the forum that addresses all different kinds of leather and their applications. Good luck, Terry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jinrui73 Report post Posted November 23, 2010 (edited) It sounds like you have a lot of ideas floating around in your head for different projects you want to do. I think it may simplify things for you if you start with just one or two projects you have in mind to start with, and what kind of look you are trying to achieve with them, and narrow your query to what you will need for that. So I guess I'll answer your question with another question: What kind of project do you want to start with? Kate Actually I have a bajillion (is that a number?) projects whirling around in my head. Some is stuff I don't think has been made yet, others are pretty common. I guess I'm starting with really simple stuff like the tandy kits, belts, wallets, cell phone cases until I can afford to buy the leather and patterns to get into some real handmade stuff. One of the projects is I want to make shoes that are specifically for martial arts training, lean, lightweight, snug, durable enough for daily wear. I also am practicing Paul Burnetts figure carving course because I want to make quality products that are also beautiful and personal to people. I am working on 4 belts for my boss after showing her my first attempt and selling it to her assistant, which really blew me away. And she told me about her friend who has alot of swords that need scabbards, so there might be that coming up pretty soon. I also want to make a snakeskin inlay belt with some carving (not in the snakeskin) and conchos, probably lined, hand stitched. I think I'm starting to ramble, lol. I could go on for a while with other things I want to do, but I'm trying to give you a feel for whats going on in my head, hopefully it answered your question. -jerry Edited November 23, 2010 by jinrui73 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jinrui73 Report post Posted November 23, 2010 (edited) Dwight, thats a great idea and I intend to use it, unfortunately the nearest tandy store to me is in Houston, 3 hours drive and alot of gas, so that may have to wait till I move back to Phoenix. lol. Terrymac, I think those books are in my wish list on the tandy website, if they're not they will be when I get done typing here! And I will definitely look for that forum. I keep getting distracted by the interesting posts in other places lol! Thanks guys! -jerry Edited November 23, 2010 by jinrui73 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
