Aussie Newbie Leather Question

[Thyri]

Hello all!

So a newbie question- particularly for any Australians. Have you imported odd leather from other countries? (eg. moose) If you did, how much did it cost to get it past customs?

I'd love some exotic leathers to make some quivers for SCA use, but I'm not sure how to go about getting them. I'll just use cow and anything else I can source locally, but I'd love some other leather.

I have a bag full of furred cow leather, its mainly offcuts- but I'm considering my options Sporrans, patchwork quiver maybe, medieval purses....I also have a friend who wants me to make him a guitar strap- but that won't be for a while yet.

[Ladykahu]

I purchased some pig skin lining (veg tan) from the UK and it just came normal post with no problems.

AQIS allow tanned leather through happily, I can't find the page now, but I did find the full info on importing leather before I purchased. So long as the seller states its 'tanned leather' on the outside you should be fine.

Birdsall leather stock a few odd skins http://birdsall-leather.com.au/home.php?cat=97 and are good to buy from.

Leffler leather in melb might have some, but good luck with finding their website up and running. The manager thinks he's an IT wiz.. so breaks it constantly.

Cheers Natalie from Melbourne

[jimsaddler]

Hi Thyri

I'm a little out of date,but if you get Leather from Overseas the supplier should put a Statement running something like this on the paper work.

I declare that;

The Leathers contained in this shipment are new fully tanned ....type of Animal... and are free from all disease and contamination.

Packed in new materials free from Contamination.

Signed.. at........ dated............

It may have changed so it would be safer to check online first.

then go for it carefully avoiding protected species.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler..

I purchased some pig skin lining (veg tan) from the UK and it just came normal post with no problems.

AQIS allow tanned leather through happily, I can't find the page now, but I did find the full info on importing leather before I purchased. So long as the seller states its 'tanned leather' on the outside you should be fine.

Birdsall leather stock a few odd skins http://birdsall-leat...home.php?cat=97 and are good to buy from.

Leffler leather in melb might have some, but good luck with finding their website up and running. The manager thinks he's an IT wiz.. so breaks it constantly.

Cheers Natalie from Melbourne

[TapTapTap]

Hello all!

So a newbie question- particularly for any Australians. Have you imported odd leather from other countries? (eg. moose) If you did, how much did it cost to get it past customs?

I'd love some exotic leathers to make some quivers for SCA use, but I'm not sure how to go about getting them. I'll just use cow and anything else I can source locally, but I'd love some other leather.

I have a bag full of furred cow leather, its mainly offcuts- but I'm considering my options Sporrans, patchwork quiver maybe, medieval purses....I also have a friend who wants me to make him a guitar strap- but that won't be for a while yet.

G'Day Mate, Welcome to the forum. I have used Birdsall's for over 20 years and their service is highly recommended. Ask to speak to Tracy. Another source worth trying is www.nswleather.com.au. I have a site bookmarked called www.aussiecrafts.com.au and in their section for leathercraft they list over half a dozen suppliers from around australia. Worth a try.

regards,

TapTapTap

[Ladykahu]

G'Day Mate, Welcome to the forum. I have used Birdsall's for over 20 years and their service is highly recommended. Ask to speak to Tracy. Another source worth trying is www.nswleather.com.au. I have a site bookmarked called www.aussiecrafts.com.au and in their section for leathercraft they list over half a dozen suppliers from around australia. Worth a try.

regards,

TapTapTap

Thanks for that info TapTapTap

Always nice to have a name to contact at a store. And thanks for the nswleather link to. They have an office here in melb, which gives me another place to shop apart from Leffler (I wasn't that impressed with Lefflers range to be honest. I went through a good dozen hides before I found an ok one and they don't stock dyes or many tools)

Cheers Natalie

[Thyri]

Thanks everyone for the welcome and the advice!! Its much appreciated! I'm playing with some fur on cow leather I was given- its proving to be fun- I'd forgotten just how soft cow fur can be!

I look forward to getting to know you all!