Cuff Question

[cleverpig]

I'm new here, and one of the reasons I found the site is I was looking for answers to a (hopefully) quick question.

I've been making masks for a while now, and I recently thought I wanted to try my hand at making some other wearable stuff-- specifically a wrist cuff. I'd really like to shape and carve it the way I do my masks, but I only know how to do that with vegetable tanned bellies and sides. I tried making myself a cuff that looks like octopus tentacles wrapped around my wrist, but the leather is rough and stiff to wear, just as I would expect.

I know I've seen flexible leather pieces with designs carved or stamped on them, and I'm wondering how to do that. Do I need to use a different type of leather? Should I treat it differently than a mask that I want to hold its shape? Do I need to use two different types of leather, one to carve and one to line it?

I've had a blast looking through all of the impressive work everyone does here, and I hope this isn't too basic a question to bother you with. I've never had any real training in leather work, just kind of made it up as I go along. Books never seem to answer quite the specific question I'm asking. Thanks for any advice!

cp

[Tree Reaper]

Here's something new to hit the arborist industry for working in trees.

They protect the arm from abrasion, A cuff would work as well.

http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional-Gear/Armchaps

[KAYAK45]

Welcome, welcome. Come one and all!

This forum will have all you answers, somewhere?!.

Check out all about leather for your question on types of leather for projects.

Dyes, etc to finishers and conditioners, should get your project as soft, or hard as you want.

And by all means ask, ask, ask if the search feature does not get you what you need.

You are in the correct location for cuff ideas. Posting include items from watchbands to 11" old west cuffs, to full arm shields for sword fighting.

Personally I prefer holsters for fights, but to each his own. I don't like to get that close; to use a sword! LOL

Again welcome, and surf to your delight.

Kevin

[Ladykahu]

I know I've seen flexible leather pieces with designs carved or stamped on them, and I'm wondering how to do that. Do I need to use a different type of leather? Should I treat it differently than a mask that I want to hold its shape? Do I need to use two different types of leather, one to carve and one to line it?

cp

HI I am new to leatherwork to.

I have seen quite a few cuffs here that are not lined, and I don't plan on lining the pair my daughter wants me to make her.

You might try rubbing saddle soap into the back of your cuff to soften it, and there are plenty of oil or beeswax products that might help overall with softening it up a bit, but that will depend on what finish you want and if your painting the cuff or just dying it.

Also, are you wet molding your masks? because that will stiffen the leather and you shouldn't need to wet mold a cuff.

Just keep reading on this forum, there is a wealth of info here!

Natalie

[cleverpig]

Thanks for the replies! I'm excited to look through all of the accumulated wisdom on these forums. Maybe the key is just to case the side of the leather I'm carving and not shape the whole thing. I'll give that a try and look into the finishes and oils that might keep it soft. Thanks everyone!

[KAYAK45]

Oil IS the secret! Neatsfoot, pure neatsfoot, Olive oil, extra virgins.(?) Somebody, everybody! has there favorite. Do not reinvent the wheel, we already have enough wheels.

Just search for "softened" or oil or such, and you'll get a weeks worth of reading.

Good luck!