Feather Backpack And Another Snakeskin Inlay Wallet

[MonicaJacobson]

A customer requested I re-make an old backpack with a new design. I advised against the soft leather, but they were adamant, so I went ahead and made it. I used antiquing for the veg tanned, and regretted it. I only used it because the one they wanted me to copy was antiqued, but I realized later they wouldn't have cared if I had used normal dye. Oh well. The antiquing was smeary, and I made a bit of a mess with it. I think it will mellow as the leather ages, however.

And then secondly, I found I needed a gift with only three days notice, so I whipped this together in a couple of evening and afternoon sessions. I still haven't gotten a high spi iron, and I just got smaller thread and needles (yesterday, not in time to use on this project), so oh well. But at least I thinned the leather down considerably this time. I thinned the veg tanned to about 5 oz. I think I'll actually buy some 2-3 oz next time. I didn't have time to make nice pockets for the inside, so I just added two basic ones. It's not really technically a wallet, in that case. More like a pouch. But it was a fun project anyway.

*edit - what's up with that pigskin from Springfield? It's so different from the stuff I got from Tandy, before. Can anyone tell me why?

Edited October 3, 2014 by MonicaJacobson

[Rohn]

Very nice projects. I especially like the backpack. Good job on the feather. I like the white thread on the wallet and I think it looks great.

[Hi Im Joe]

That backpack is one of my favorite things I have seen you make! That is awesome. I love the soft front and the antique. Like a lot. Great job!

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you, Rohn! Unfortunately, I was having trouble with the color bleeding through to the thread because I punched the holes before I dyed. Even the ones I punched after I dyed were bleeding a little. I finished it with resolene this time. Previously I used Saddle lac, and that didn't seem to do as badly, for whatever reason. Maybe I'm just not used to dying. It's been a while.

Thank you, Joe! I'm kind of surprised. But maybe my enthusiasm was dimmed - I was disappointed because it won't stand up by itself. It's great to wear, but it slumps forward. There's no stiffness on the sides to support it. I improved it over the last one by making the pocket full length so the back doesn't slump, but still.

[veedub3]

Very nice!. Love the backpack, but they are all nicely done.

Karina

[Hi Im Joe]

Thank you, Rohn! Unfortunately, I was having trouble with the color bleeding through to the thread because I punched the holes before I dyed. Even the ones I punched after I dyed were bleeding a little. I finished it with resolene this time. Previously I used Saddle lac, and that didn't seem to do as badly, for whatever reason. Maybe I'm just not used to dying. It's been a while.

Thank you, Joe! I'm kind of surprised. But maybe my enthusiasm was dimmed - I was disappointed because it won't stand up by itself. It's great to wear, but it slumps forward. There's no stiffness on the sides to support it. I improved it over the last one by making the pocket full length so the back doesn't slump, but still.

There are very few backpacks that stand up on there own IMO. I never try to stand mine up.

I either lay it down flat or lean it on something. I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest.

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you, Karina!

Joe, well, that's a relief. I haven't even handled a real leather backpack apart from my own, so I really have no idea what they're supposed to be like.

[tatehunt]

Love these! I really like the Chevron design on the wallet/pouch.

[Hi Im Joe]

Thank you, Karina!

Joe, well, that's a relief. I haven't even handled a real leather backpack apart from my own, so I really have no idea what they're supposed to be like.

They are supposed to be exactly how you make them. I'm serious...I love that backpack.

[MonicaJacobson]

LOL, thanks, Joe, my liking for it is beginning to resurrect.

Thank you, Tatehunt - every time I see your avatar, I remember how much I like your bags.

[thefanninator]

Sweet backpack. I love the contrasting color and textures of the 2 leathers.

Nice work on the wallet too.

Edited October 4, 2014 by thefanninator

[MonicaJacobson]

Thanks! I really love that yellow leather, but I lean towards thicker leathers.

[Chief31794]

Since I see you're from Georgia too, I'll rate it georgia style "It's Plumb Purty" both of them. Really nice work, the class shows all through both of them.

Chief

[Dan28]

I like both items. I think the dye on the backpack came out good. I like the look.

I use a lot of pigskin for lining and most of it comes from Springfield Leather, though all I have gotten from Springfield has been pre dyed and glazed. I use tan, dark brown, and black and they are all nice. I got some plain veg tan pig skin from my local Tandy, but I didn't like it as much as it was kind of rough and much thicker.

[MonicaJacobson]

LOL, thanks Chief. I like seeing what you make, partly because you're in GA too! (And partly because your wallets are good. That helps. You make me want to get into braiding. Maybe someday...)

@Dan - Thank you! I was just about to reply to your messenger bag and say that your pigskin lining looks just like my pigskin. I was wondering why the Tandy pigskin doesn't seem to have any grain, while you can really see the individual hair follicles on the Springfield pigskin. Maybe the Tandy pigskin is rolled or something? Different kind of pig? I have no idea.

[Grey Drakkon]

I was going to say that I love that backpack, floppiness and all. I tend to hang my backpacks, so it flopping wouldn't be an issue anyway. That's a bit like complaining that your shirt won't stand up on its own, when it's meant to be worn. Also super nice wallet! I like the clever little holding tab particularly.

[DuaneS]

Wow! There's some serious talent!!!

[MonicaJacobson]

Grey D - LOL, I'm glad to hear you agree. My sister made a fun backpack out of 9 oz leather, and it's kind of cool because it holds its own shape.

I got the idea for the closure from this little pouch from corterleather:

I kind of like theirs better, in a way. Sure, it's simple and not necessarily hard to do, but it's simple in a good way.

@Duane, thank you!

Edited October 4, 2014 by MonicaJacobson

[texback]

Two very nice projects. The inlay on the wallet/pouch and the antique both look great to me.

[MonicaJacobson]

Thanks for the kind words! My sister who lives in San Antonio says there's a cool leather shop there. They used to sell to people, but I think they closed to the public? Anyway, I wish I could have made it to San Antonio before they went wholesale.

[Blackbirdhills Andy]

Veeeery nice Backpack Monica! I'm thinking of making a backpack for myself since months (especially every time I buy a nice hide at my tanner's) but I can't decide on the design... haha (I want it to be a keeper for years and years, so it's quite a hard decision!) ;-)

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you, Andy! Yes, I know what you mean; every time I've made a backpack, I've liked the backpack, but found once I completed it that it's not really what I was going for, or what I would personally want to carry around. I still haven't decided which backpack I would want for myself. Maybe I'm not a backpack person, and I just haven't realized it yet. I think my favorite is actually my sister's - (http://monicajacobson.com/?p=869) - but that could be because I didn't make it myself, so I'm not as critical.

[Eddie1968]

you make really nice and clean products!

[tboyce]

Your work is beautiful as always. A combination of inspiration and intimidation for me.

[RiverCity]

WOW

Super nice work!

Chuck