If You Could Give Just One...

[TwinOaks]

Ask the questions you need to ask before you need to know the answer, or, as my sig line says "Don't learn the tricks of the trade, learn the trade."

We have a 'Critique my work' section here in the forums, and many times the critiques have been gentle and somewhat "beating around the bush". If anyone wants an absolutely no holds barred critique, y'all are welcome to contact the moderators and we can post your images without your name attached to it with instructions to be brutally honest. I did this a good while ago and the critique of my work was ...sobering. But that type of critique is sometimes exactly what we, as artisans, need to improve.

[raysouth]

The one thing that I would suggest, you have already done. BECOME A MEMBER OF LEATHERWORKER.NET. You can find everything you need by talking to folks on this site.

Welcome and hope you have wonderful experience here.

God bless.

Ray

[David8386]

No such thing as a dumb question. Make things out of paper or cardboard first until you are sure that it is what you want and measure twice and cut once. Leather is expensive. Welcome to the forum.

David

[Jazznow]

A dull knife is a dangerous knife believe me, I know that for sure

[humperdingle]

Thanks for the answers so far - Keep them coming! I've managed to learn a lot of the pitfalls already, purely by making mistakes! Also, this forum has given a few 'Heads-up" moments.

My own advice to my noob self, after being in the hobby for just 2 months would be: "Don't stress... it's just for fun!"

[JD50]

Learn how to use and sharpen your tools. Get the book "Leathercraft Tools" by Al Stohlman

[lightingale]

1. Wet leather is easier to edge and skive than dry leather.

2. Be creative and go beyond kits, materials, tools, and patterns from the leather store. You can take inspiration from other crafts to make something very unique. Example: pick up a cabochon from the jewelry section of the hobby store and try embedding it in leather.

3. If you have a great idea for a project, make a list so you don't forget.

4. Many people will tell you to get the best tools you can afford. I disagree. Try the cheap Tandy ones to learn the techniques, and if it's something you see yourself using a lot, then upgrade to the best you can afford (exception is the Tandy diamond awl; that thing is useless, so get at least the Osbourne one). You don't need to start out with a full set of Barry King tools and a Bearman maul! This way you'll quickly build a repertoire of tools so that you are able to make and learn from a variety of projects.

[Jason Austin]

Don't be afraid of hand stitching. You don't need a machine to do beautiful work. Check out Nigel Armitage's work and videos.

[lightningad]

don't get hung up on "the right way" to do something, as there are usually many different ways to achieve your aim.

Just make sure you learn from everything you try.

[Basically Bob]

Hook up with a local leatherworker's guild or association and develop an informal mentoring type of relationship with a respected leatherworker that produces the type of work you are planning to produce.