ClaireAshton Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Hi, I've just spent hours reading through old posts. Now I don't have a sad life, as you are thinking, 'cos I am 'foot up' die to a foot operation and cannot get to the bench. So I soon realised that if I could done this when I started leathercrafting (much better description than leatherwork - work is toil and craft is love) I would have shortcutted many mistakes and saved much scrap leather. So, to those reading this who are just starting out in leathercrafting, read as much as you can and copy from those who have gone before. One day you will have an original idea and you will have the skills to allow it to come to fruition. Al Stohlman's books are an excellent place to start. But as this is the modern age, online may be the way to go. (Yes, i am going to get there, eventually) OK, I'm here. The best thing you can do is to go to Youtube and search on IAN ATKINSON and NIGEL ARMITAGE and watch their instructional videos. Free, but donations are welcome, they will give you a firm grounding in basic leathercrafting. Do I get anything for plugging them? No, in fact I have donated to both by buying small items from them in the past (I can't bring myself to 'donate' as I would think I am short changing cancer charities) so I am not beholding. But they deserve my pushing them as i think it is the way to go. So, apart from one or two 'agreements' I would like to see your Youtube 'heroes'. Mainly for the benefit of Newbies, of course, but then again I do have a few more days of viewing time and an unlimited download contract with our beloved BT. Oh, both Ian and Nigel are Brits - so am I, but that was not a factor in my choosing..... Claire If anyone needs to see a photo of my foot as proof of incapacity I will try to post one, otherwise I'll not bother .... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Agreed, Claire ... Ian and Nigel both have done fantastic youtube videos ... Both have been extremely helpful to me. Arthur Porter has some excellent videos about making bags, choosing sewing machines and such. http://www.youtube.com/user/MrDallas1953/videos Chief, who is on here frequently, has some helpful videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/Chief31794/videos Bruce Cheaney does a variety of topics. http://www.youtube.com/user/cheaneysaddles/videos Springfield Leather Company has a number of good videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/SpringfieldLeatherCo/videos And, of course, Tandy has some good videos too. They try a little too hard to sell you their products, but the techniques and practices are pretty much sound. http://www.youtube.com/user/TandyLeatherFactory/videos I have watched many, if not most of the videos from all of the above, and found most helpful to at least some degree. Billl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ClaireAshton Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Agreed, Claire ... Ian and Nigel both have done fantastic youtube videos ... Both have been extremely helpful to me. Arthur Porter has some excellent videos .......... Ok, my viewing is sorted till i'm on my feet again.... Thanks Billy Claire Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted July 30, 2014 I do hope you're not down long enough to watch all that, Claire! But nonetheless, enjoy!! Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
