New School

[SouthernHolsters]

As I am getting to the end of finishing the orders from for custom holsters and focusing on making holsters for in stock, tightening up my patterns, and making improvements, I'm looking at going "new school" and adding dyed designs to the line up. This was one of 2 done at a request of a customer that shipped out this past week.

It involves cutting a mask (stencil) out with CAD cutter, weeding out the areas that I want to dye, applying the mask to the leather, and airbrushing the dye over it. Let it dry and peel the mask off. Peeling the mask of is a little more involved as it is not a traditional stencil as there are no connecting pieces, but smaller pieces of mask that have to be removed.

The holster was made for a 1911. It reads" Live Free or Die", has a skull and other design elements.

[Kevin King]

I think its cool

KK

[tashabear]

Niiiice. That would look hot on a messenger bag, too.

I found an Instructable the other day on how to make a silkscreen, and I was thinking that would be an interesting way to color leather. Now I'm kinda wanting to try frisket. (After all the money I've spent on tools, I can't tell you how glad I am that I won't have to buy an airbrush and compressor...)

[MADMAX22]

Thats great looking man. Interesting way to get that design on there. I could imagine laying that stencil down was a pain also.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Howdy, Tom. Nice job! The dye technique is pretty cool, but I actually wanted to compliment you on what a noticeable improvement you have made in the craftsmanship of your holsters. Keep up the good work.

[SouthernHolsters]

Thanks guys. It doesn't take as long as stamping out a design, but I can get more detail in the confined space of the holster. Once I'm done with my current orders, I plan to experiment with some 2-tone dye designs and not go so dark or heavy with the dye.

[Shorts]

Thanks guys. It doesn't take as long as stamping out a design, but I can get more detail in the confined space of the holster. Once I'm done with my current orders, I plan to experiment with some 2-tone dye designs and not go so dark or heavy with the dye.

Tom, great work. I think it's a wonderful idea. I've also considered doing the same during this downtime with my R&D and pattern-drawing time.

Keep us informed. Your top pic with the stencil looks excellent.

[Tac]

Wow! I am sorry... did I mention WOW? That looks fantastic. Ok, now I have to put my art-teacher-wife to work with the stencils and air brush... Just when I thought I was starting to figure this "leather" thing out.... you go and throw in a twist.....

[TexasJack]

Of course, a truly dedicated leatherworker would say, "Live Free and Dye".