A Serious Question For Leather Carvers.

[DoubleC]

No Brian, your opening yourself up to being broke the rest of your life, LOL. There's always one more tool you just have to have, or one more kind of leather you want to try I just got in an order of elk, bison calf and soft beige pig lining. And I haven't opened it because I have no where to put it, LOL. And my new lacing chisel is in there too. Cheryl

Edited June 17, 2013 by DoubleC

[KnotHead]

LOL... I am already broke. LMAO..

B...

[Bob Blea]

Brian, you are motivated and now you have tools, so that's a good place to start. Here's some advice I was given when I was starting off carving. Start with a simple carving pattern and some scrap leather. I was using a craftaid floral corner design. Carve and tool that design, then take a good look at what you've made and decide what you like and don't like. Then, make another of the same thing. Repeat that process five times. You will find your work has improved tremendously by the time you do it the fifth time.

Also, in case you haven't run across this recommendation yet, make sure your swivel knife is sharp. If yours is a Tandy knife they don't come from the store as sharp as you need.

Good luck and post pictures, we'll be glad to help you out.

Bob

[KnotHead]

Hi Bob. Thanks for that advice and it is very sound advice. I do have one of those cheaper swivel knives from Tandy. I still need to get the sharpener for the swivel. The value of a sharp blade can't be said enough. I do agree with that for sure. I need to get some better scrap from Tandy or something anyway. I was thinking of starting with a simple coaster or something like that. What do you all think?

B...

[Bob Blea]

Yes, a coaster is about the right size. You want something you can easily tool in one sitting and that gets you practice at the basics: cutting, beveling, shading, etc.

[DoubleC]

Brian I think a coaster is a great idea.