caitysbird Report post Posted November 14, 2013 Hello everyone. This is my first post here and it seems like it is a very dumb question. Everyone here is waaaay more advanced than I am. I took a leathercraft class in college years ago and am finally getting back into it. Basic stuff I had learned I haven't done in so long that I just don't remember. I have a woman that wants a leather keychain strap with Merry Christmas 2013 on it. The strap will be 1" wide and I won't have room for large stamps. I only have a few sets of leather stamps in my supplies. My question was, Can I find a nice font online, print out and trace it into the leather. After I trace it in do I have to cut the leather and tool the words in? Thanks everyone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cyberthrasher Report post Posted November 14, 2013 Yes and yes. You can do anything in the world by tracing it out and then transferring it to the leather like any other design. You'll want to cut and bevel it, otherwise it will just be an impression in the leather and won't last, and also won't be all that special. The only time I use stamps is when the customer has an extreme budget that doesn't allow for full tooling of letters. In fact, I don't even mention them as a possibility unless I feel the customer is somewhat limited financially. Stamped letters are literally a dime a dozen put out by every "crafter" on Etsy and those who just want to make a quick buck online. If I'm going to make someone something custom, I'd rather it be fully custom. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
caitysbird Report post Posted November 14, 2013 (edited) That was my thought too. That it would just me an impression and it would not stay in the leather. I thought if I could find a good font on line (better than my handwriting) that would be better and more original than using my stamps. I don't want to be like every crafter and have the same fonts. I want to create something one of a kind and unique for them. It has been years since I have tooled since I am just now getting back into this this year. It isn't that hard though. Thanks for answering my question. Edited November 14, 2013 by caitysbird Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
