landm42006 Report post Posted April 17, 2011 I have gotten this pic from another website. The owner of the pic states this is "Itialian Leather". I love his work, and want to do this for my personal straps. I love the look of this leather, but cannot figure out how it is replicated. Also, what kind of stitching do you guess that is? How is this effect achieved, and what colors would you guys use? Or, any ideas where I can purchase "Italian Leather"? Thanks, Marty Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boertjie Report post Posted April 17, 2011 Looks like only spirit dye and plain old saddle stitching to me! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
landm42006 Report post Posted April 17, 2011 Spirit dye? Is that the Fiebings dye, or something else. How is that different color effect achieved? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bison Report post Posted April 17, 2011 Yes, it's probably something like Fiebings pro oil dye (also spirit dye). I suspect that the color is just the natural result of the dye. I would wipe it on with a piece of wool (I trim my wool to about 1/4 inch). Yhe holes and groves will pick it up a little differently and that's where you'll get the color difference. I'd try it out on some scrap leather to see what I get. And it looks like saddle stitching as Boertjie said. Good luck. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frogman Watch Straps Report post Posted April 18, 2011 (edited) that would be my work Just buy one of my straps bro I'm going to be releasing a new line of product this year....the first strap pictured will be in that run. In all honesty, the leather itself is one of the key factors to getting that look. It's all in the grain. Edited April 18, 2011 by Frogman Watch Straps Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
landm42006 Report post Posted April 18, 2011 Frog, I am out of that paygrade. I would love to, and perhaps after my financials straighten out, I can get one of your masterpieces. But half the fun is trying to master that dye job. And so far the fun is frustrating. But thanks for the insight on the leather grain being the key element in that look. You are the man. I would love to see an updated "play by play" of how you make these babies, but that would give away too many secrets. Thanks for posting the motivation of a Frogman strap. I will keep on plugging away trying to be half as good. Regards, Marty Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frogman Watch Straps Report post Posted April 19, 2011 I'm just joking with you ......I remember you from some of the other forums. You're always welcome to email me and I'll help you out. It takes a long time to truly master leather work.....hell I'm still learning every day! Don't get frustrated.....keep trying different techniques and by all means utilize forums like Leatherworker.net to enhance your skills. I've seen some fine craftsmen on this site! Perfecting your skill set will take time and it's not going to happen overnight. It took me a long time to get the color tone down from the first strap you posted. Funny part about your post is I recently started putting together a new product line and this is the first strap I wanted to offer. I had to go back through my notes to figure out how I did it . I'll post some pictures on the forums of the prototype in a few weeks. Like I said, I'm in the process of redesigning the entire line. With that said, I'd keep a good record of what you've tried that way you can always reference it when necessary. Every strap I've ever built (prototypes) have a detailed build explanation with them. This list defines the hide, stitching style + punch used, dye colors (if applicable), etc... Good luck and send me an email if you need anything. Frog Frog, I am out of that paygrade. I would love to, and perhaps after my financials straighten out, I can get one of your masterpieces. But half the fun is trying to master that dye job. And so far the fun is frustrating. But thanks for the insight on the leather grain being the key element in that look. You are the man. I would love to see an updated "play by play" of how you make these babies, but that would give away too many secrets. Thanks for posting the motivation of a Frogman strap. I will keep on plugging away trying to be half as good. Regards, Marty Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
landm42006 Report post Posted April 19, 2011 Thanks. I am to keep plugging away, and do plan on selling some of my less used watches and will probably be getting one of yours to see and feel the difference. The first one I referenced will go nicely with the Pam 359 I will be getting in the next few months. Keep up the awesome work. Regards, Marty Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites