Lady Eagle Report post Posted November 15, 2013 Hello! I fell into leatherworking a couple of months ago, and haven't looked back. Wanting both a new pair of moccasins and a new hobby, I was thrilled to be able to combine those two desires with a kit from Michael's to make my own slippers. After testing the waters with that little project, I dove in by ordering a large kit from Tandy containing everything I needed to get started. So far I've made: - 2 coasters (which turned out very stiff because I didn't know about oiling after tooling. I've managed to condition them so they won't keep cracking) - 4 key fobs (the first 2 turned out so badly because of poorly applied stains and finishes that I was too ashamed to keep them, the next 2 were worthy of keeping) - 1 bi-fold wallet with a western flower tooled design (despite my critical eye seeing every flaw, I'm quite pleased with this, my first effort) Yesterday I finished tooling a chequebook cover and today I oiled it. Yikes! Looks like I over-oiled it. I oiled the back side because I wanted to leave the front mostly natural with just some background dyeing. But large splotches of oil seeped through to the front! I hope that disappears come tomorrow. If not, looks like I won't be leaving it natural after all, but instead will highlight stain or antique it to hide the dark spots. There is so much I have yet to learn! But, in spite of the mistakes and problems I keep encountering, I am thoroughly addicted to my new hobby! And there's nothing quite like hammering designs into leather to ease the stress of an over-full work/university/life schedule. Now I'm off to the forums to seek some answers. I look forward to meeting all of you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted November 16, 2013 Welcome to your new addiction. Let the cb sit for a couple days for the oil to be evenly absorbed. Always go light on the oil as too much makes it soggy! What town are you in? Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WScott Report post Posted November 17, 2013 Hello and welcome, eh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lady Eagle Report post Posted November 17, 2013 Ah, a couple more Canadians! Hello, and thanks for the welcome! Tom, I'm from Redcliff. And thanks for the advice! I haven't had time to work on the chequebook, so hopefully by the time I do the excess oil has absorbed. I'm definitely having trouble controlling the application of the oil, I may try a paste on the back of my projects so I don't have little spills or over-apply in spots. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
