Hi Everyone

[sharkeyfinn]

i just wanted to say hello,i am hoping to start this nice little hobby very soon, i have many interest, astronomy, scale model building/painting(military mostly) motor cycles,gardening,and a few more toboot, i suffer with depression and find things like the scale modelling are a real stress reliever and focuses my thoughts in a positive way. im hoping to find the same thing from leather working.

oh i forgot, i love archery,which is where the idea came to try this, my dear old dad who is in his late 70's made himself a longbow,and i thought it would be nice to make him a traditional armguard,this then went to a quiver too.

at the moment i dont even have any tools,but i was thinking of buying one of the kits from tandy leather, moving on from this i was also wondering where i can get the leathers i would need as i would also like to make things like masquerade masks ,armour and just ordinary things like ipad covers, i know this sounds a lot for a beginner,but i also am thinking of joining an art club which is run by a friend and she was keen for me to exibit some of my stuff, my tanks ,photo's and hopefully my leatherwork.

any pointers you could all give me would be very very much apprieciated.

with regards to getting hold of leather, i live on the south coast of england,dorset.

thanks in advance ;-)

[midwestislander]

Welcome to the most informative place I have found. You may try "searching" (upper right corner of the page). notice you can search in a particular forum or "all" forums. I have seen many listings for armguards as I have been browsing through various forums. Also notice that in the list of forums are different subspecialty areas. Browsing in the appropriate one may give you many tips and ideas, as it has for me. I notice that there are many members from areas of Europe and in the UK. As you browse comments, check the brief profile to the left of the text box, as most often they have given their location. I mention this because As I am in the US, I am not able to help you with suppliers. As to tools, etc, browse the forum topics or do a search. I have learned much both about tool quality and brands. The philosophy I have used in tools is if you are starting out, buy a small less expensive starter set, you will learn what will need upgrading as you go along. Some you will find adequate for as long as you do this. If you are looking at a tool or equipment which costs a lot, buy the best (often more expensive) as it will do better in the long run. Check the suppliers forum which may help you find leather suppliers in the UK. One last thing, The people in this forum are the nicest and most helpful you will find. Many have their own leather business's and so are busy and may not be able to give you an "instant" response, Others have a "real" job and this is their passion/hobby and may not have the time to be on the forum for long periods of time.

[midwestislander]

A good place to start looking is the Getting Started Forum. Soooo informative. I just saw a few replies from members in UK that gave a link to a leather supplier. good luck.

[sharkeyfinn]

thank you, i will jump on in