Hi Everybody Im New At This

[halfwit]

I just wanted to say hi and thanks to everyone on this forum for being very helpful and informative. I'm obviously new to leathercraft and only started out a couple months ago. The only reason I actually started was because I couldn't find good or strong enough tool holders and pouches for work. I am a ironworker by trade so I need strong holders and pouches to keep up with my strenuous(on tools) craft. Usually I would just find someone on the job that did some kind of makeshift leather work. But finally I took it upon myself to put together some long lasting rigs for less than half the price. The following images are a few of the first things I've put together, now keep in mind I had no idea of the art that you do on leather. Up until recently I didn't know of all the punches and swivel knives and all of the specialty tools that are available so I just made due with what I could find or make.

AWESOME! As I am writing this the UPS guys shows up with my first Tandy leather package hopefully containing a basic set of punches, swivel knife, practice coasters, dye, and 4-6 sqft of shoulder. Now I'm really STOKED!

The bag has definitely seen some hard use but I clicked pics of inside and out just so y'all could see how I put it together. I also took pics of the beater holder with and without the beater so you can see how strenuous I of work I mentioned(yes that is a 6lb sledge that I wear on my hip). Also made a tool holder for my dad(he's an electrician). I'm a bit embarrassed by this one because of the crap leather I bought for it but it'll hold up until I make him a new one. Lastly really isn't too much leather but instead of buying a $50 poly mallet online I made one for about $6 and wrapped the handle (which is actually just a 3/4" bolt) with some of the scrap left over from the bag.

[benlilly1]

Your photos must not have been attached. You can edit I think. So try again.

Edited August 28, 2013 by benlilly1

[halfwit]

Yeah sorry about that. I this up on my phone thinking I had the pics but they are on my laptop. I'll try again tomorrow.

[halfwit]

It only let me post 4 pics. I'll try to get the others on another reply. Sorry about all this confusion, some stuff I really suck at lol.

[halfwit]

OK here's the mallet and my first ever tooling project. Its supposed to be a plumaria.

[Sturme]

Welcome to the Forum. you off to a nice start. and the information on this forum will help guide you to a great hobby. your off to a good start. one thing to help you along, search "casing leather" here, it will make your stamping and carving easier and look better.

[halfwit]

Cool, thanks Sturme. I will definitely check that out

[halfwit]

Should I case the leather multiple times during tooling or just once before I start? With the flower I wet the leather down with a rag fairly good and let it dry back to its natural color then began tooling. I suppose I should also mention that I spent about 30 minutes tooling and then went to dinner, came back and spent another 30-45 minutes on this.

[Sturme]

case it, let it set and cover it when not tooling. People use ziplock bags, plastic sheets, plastic bags, and store it in a fridge if not working it for a extended length of time. Personally, for small pieces I use mylar plastic I got at a art supply shop. they are 8.5 X11 in a pad like I notepad that covers small projects well. generally you can case it once and it will last a while.