Blending Leather Dyes?

[mrdabeetle]

How do you blend two colors of dye on a single piece of leather? I want the edges to be a reddish color and fade into a yellowish center similar to the pic below.

I have tried this before and had poor results, but I guess I just want to know the proper way to do this.

I'm making a leaf-shaped fan but I don't want to ruin all of the carving work that I've done so far.

[BearMan]

Hi,

What you are looking to do is done by "dry brushing" This proceedure is for "Spirit" dyes, like Fiebings leather dye. Don't try this with any oil dye,,, it won't work the same. Basically, the hi-lite color is added after the brush is dipped in the DILUTED dye,about,, & wipped on a paper towel, until there is just a small amount of dye left in the brush. It takes repeated applications, to get the color depth you're looking for. How much you dilute the dye with denatured alcohol,,, depends on how rich/strong of a color you want. I would have you start with about 1/4 teaspoon of dye, to about 5 teaspoons of alcohol.

To do this type of coloring,,, it will take you lots of practice,,, but I'm sure you can get the results you want.

Here are a couple things colored using Dry Brushing,,, Ed the"BearMan"

[mrdabeetle]

Thanks, BearMan!

It's not what I had hoped, but it is much better than previous attempts. My carving needs work as well, but it looks like I have come to the right place to get better.

I accidentally let the two sides come together before putting the dowel inside, so it doesn't sit centered. I am pleased that it came out looking this good. I don't carve much at all, and mostly I dye everything black, so this is a welcome change to the routine.

[js5972]

Peter Main has a great instructional book.