Molded Leather Bowls

[74inchshovel]

Thanks for the kind words all. My problems with finishing are in the application, what do you use for applying the dyes that Tandy sells? I have tried both oil and alcohol based, it always looks streaked or blotchy unless I put so much on the leather is just soaked. Airbrush? I misspoke a little bit, the top and bottom are molded together, clamped, and dried to the point of being very slightly pliable, then taken apart, glued, clamped, and final dried. Rohn- the weights are in the 8 ounce range, unless I go with 3 layers, then maybe 4-5 ounce. The beauty of 3 layers is it does not matter what goes in the middle, a good use for pieces otherwise not usable, and 3 layers comes out very ridged and durable. So yes, I can definitely see it for paintball armor. Some great suggestions for trimming, food for thought. If any one is going to try this, part of my learning curve was finding out that when you tighten a C clamp, it sheds very fine pieces of metal sometimes. It's amazing how much a tiny piece of steel will stain wet leather. I now oil the threads. Thanks again!

[Tinkerton]

Depending how sturdy the leather is, maybe a belt sander would work for trimming. Mark out on the leather where you want the final edge to be(perhaps with a pen or with masking tape) and sand down to it.

[builderofstuff]

Very very cool. I would never have thought of making bowls from leather.

Chris