Ok... Here It Is... The Very First Leather Project

[Havamal]

I decided to just use one of those kit things from TLF to see if I had any kind of aptitude for tooling leather. I went with the check book cover... simply because it didn't look too difficult, but yet not as simple as some of the others... or it might have had something to do with it sitting in front of me when I decided to jump in with both feet... either way, here it is. Let me know if I should continue down this path of leather addiction or if I should get into a 12 step program before it is too late...

One thing I noticed right off... when you take a picture of the finished work the camera sure brings out the imperfections! You can see where I was heavy handed and where I was too light with the mallet!

[Andrew Chee]

For first time tooling, that's really good. Keep practicing!

[immiketoo]

Hey Matt, looks good for a first effort. All of the things I see are things that will improve with time and experience. I would never dissuade you from continuing, and if you love it, you should start saving your pennies now! The camera ALWAYS makes your flaws show up way more than the human eye, so don't let that discourage you. I LOVE working with leather, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. Except a billion dollars, which I would use to buy leather, tools and all the other stuff I'll need!

[LederRudi]

I wish my 20th would look like your first!

[Aurelie]

same here! looks good for a 1st!

keep going if you like it!

[JLSleather]

If that's the first shot at it, then we'll assume you're a natural. I can tell you my first project was not good

[DoubleC]

Very good job, I should have your aptitude with a tool. Cheryl

[jkwparrott]

I agree with everyone else, for a first project you did an excellent job. I still have my first project, a key case, that I made 37 years ago. It doesn't look as good as your first.

[particle]

I think it looks great! Your lacing looks 10x better than anything I've ever laced. In general, on-camera flash makes stuff look bad. Try photographing with natural and/or ambient light - this helps show the depth of the tooling and eliminates the harsh reflections and shadows. Very good work - be proud of it!

[Havamal]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I do love working with leather, so I do believe I will continue on and develope this addiction. I work a high stress job and I found that doing this is really therapeutic compared to other things I have tried. As far as the cost of leatherwork, no need to save pennies, I bought a powerball ticket for tonights drawing of $500,000,000. I figure that would keep me in hide for a while