Needs Some Direction Please

[Jaymack]

Edge, I've been there. Plus, It's taken me some time to get the number of tools I have. I have created my own tools to save some money. for example, my first edge burnisher was a champagne cork and a drywall screw with the head ground off. I've bought most of may tools on ebay, but you have to be patient and wait for an occasional good deal. It always blows me away when people bid thing up too high on ebay.

My first project was a dice cup. I had to dye it black because of all tbe blood smudges on it since i had no idea how to sharpen or use an awl. I'm just starting to learn how to use one, and am just getting away from using a dremel to make holes. I bought a old used head knife on ebay, and was able to get it very sharp. I still couldn't effectively use it and gave up on it until I watched an older Mennonite harness and saddle maker use one. The only trick he taught me was to stand up when using it instead of sitting down. Go figure!

I'm not that good, but I'm getting better in the couple years that I've been doing this. I carve within my limits. I admire sheridan style carving, but I know that I am not very fluid with a swivel knife, so I stay away from it. I really admire someone who can use just a swivel knife to create spectacular works.

The other thing I've learned, is the mistakes we think we've made is what makes each project unique. The manager of the Richmond Virginia tandy store taught me this. Compare your recent work to the last project that you did, or the ones that you did last year. You'll be blown away in you improvement from one year or even one month to the next.

I made that first dice cup for my best friend because his father had passed away, and we used to play liar's dice with him. I just made this friend a new dice cup because I knew how bad the first one was, but he told me, and I knew that the first cup will always mean more to him than the second one.

I've also learned most everything I know about leather from this site! Keep pluggin away!

[edge2009]

Jaymack,

Those are inspiring words, thanks. Its good to hear all of this from you. I'm going to do a little research, and possibly just do a belt or sling... Something with little stitching and not a lot of wet forming or hardware... I'll post what I end up with... Like you said, I'll just keep comparing to older work! Thanks

[Jaymack]

Edge,

I just checked to see if the site was still available, and it is. I ordered this tutorial from Paul Bunett's website called the painted cow. He recently passed away, but from what I can tell, he was a great guy and leathercrafter. I learned alot from this particular tutorial that is downloadable!

http://paintingcow.com/content/index.php/publications/books_and_pattern_packs/wildlife_studies__the_american_kestrel/

[Cyberthrasher]

Edge,

I just checked to see if the site was still available, and it is. I ordered this tutorial from Paul Bunett's website called the painted cow. He recently passed away, but from what I can tell, he was a great guy and leathercrafter. I learned alot from this particular tutorial that is downloadable!

http://paintingcow.c...erican_kestrel/

The free tutorials there on beveling actually helped me more than most things I've read. Just keeping the thought process straight was a big eye opener for me. It's one of those things that seems obvious after reading it but just seeing it laid out the way he did helped a lot.

[thekid77]

Edge,

If you are looking for a good starter set for tools, contact Bruce Johnson out of Oakdale, CA. I just started leather working at the beginning of last month and I told him the kinds of projects I'd be doing--he put together a fantastic tool set for me for a great price..

Don't skimp on your tools. Bruce is a stand up guy who is always willing to help. Many of the tools he has are decades old, and work like the first day they were made.

His website/contact details are all on this web site:

http://brucejohnsonleather.com/content/

Good Luck to you!!!

[lightningad]

Edge - I started out a year ago when my wife bought me Tandys Standard Starter kit. Theres plenty of projects, tools and dyes, glues etc. Working through the projects gives a good basic understanding of the techniques. That was enough to convince me i was hooked. SO i bougt some cheap leather and just dived in.

First thing i made on my own was a pouch for a leatherman. Using the info on this link as the initial inspirationhttp://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=31601

i just adjustd it for my needs and was really pleased with the results.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=galleryℑ=16682

Ian Atkinson has some very good videos online http://ianatkinson.net/leather/videos.htm and he specialised in knife pouches, so give them a viewing.

As already said, the main thin gis to practice, learn from your mistakes, and read up on stuff - this forum is excellent, and there are loads of good books that wil help you...Al Stohlman wrote masses of books, and is often quoted as a great source of info. I have three of his books and they have been very useful.

I always find it helps to have a project in mind before starting, otherwise you'll be floundering in a sea of information. A project helps focus you on what you need to learn to complete that job.

good luck

adam