Never Done Leather B4?

[smithbrother]

Hello, I'm Dale from Indy, In.

I am a strong woodworker/metal worker, but NEVER leather.

I'm arty, and just started a piece that will use thick leather as my main body.

I would say the leather is 1/8+" thick, natural in color, and I have it cut in the shape of the outline of the state of Indiana. It is approx. 9" X 15".

My question is this: I would like a boarder of sorts to give it a bit of a life. If I can figure it out, I will post a picture of the leather, and the balance of what will be the piece.

I am considering using a swivel knife to mark a boarder in approx. 1/4", and also thinking of using a fine point felt marker to simply give it a definning line. I wouldn't be doing both, at least I don't think so, but would like some comments on what would work?

Thanks for hearing me out.

Dale in Indy

[camano ridge]

If you cut the border line like you are thinking then bevel that line. If the piece of leather is properly cased as you bevel the border line the line will be burnished and turn darker giving you a defined line with out using a marking pen.

[smithbrother]

Would I use a straight swivel knife, and tilt it so as to BEVEL the line? Remember, I have NO leather experience.

I Thank You for your input, FOR SURE.

Dale in Indy

[camano ridge]

Here is a video on beveling. THere are many bevelers available. I you are just starting you can pick up one at Tandy. If you go to Tandy web site and go to the leathercraft library there are many free videos that will show you the basics.

[smithbrother]

Ok, that helps A LOT, Thank You. I will watch again, and practice B4 I jump on the project.

When I cut the piece origianlly I cut it straight down, I'm thinking beveling in approx. 1/4" - 3/8" all the way around my piece. Is there something I can do to the edge to give it a more finished look/feel? Wax, polish, or WHAT?

In casing this large piece, is there a rule of thumb as to how long after the wetting process I should wait B4 beveling? I have read, wait until the leather somewhat returns to the normal color. Is that normally hours, or overnight, any input will be helpful?

Thank You very much,

Dale in Indy

Edited January 16, 2015 by smithbrother

[Eccho]

Wet your leather from the finished side only. Apply water with a "damp" sponge, not saturated. Wipe in a circular motion get all areas covered or you could get a water stained appearance if you don't. The water will absorb very quickly at first, and gradually will slow to the point that it is taking 20-30 seconds to absorb. Stop adding moisture. If you are going to work right away, simply set the piece aside and it will begin to return to its natural color in 30 minutes or less. Wait until the entire piece is back to its color and then begin working. If you cannot work it right away after adding the moisture, seal it in a zipper bag, with ALL of the air removed, and place it in the fridge. When ready remove from the fridge, and let it surface dry to natural and begin work.

[Troy Burch]

Sounds like you want a creaser tool, look it up on youtube.

[smithbrother]

I tried a bevel tool, don't think that's what I want.

I want a simple defining line approx. 1/4" from edge all the way around my piece, so maybe a crease would work. I will do some more testing.

Thank You,

Dale in Indy

[smithbrother]

My art work DOESN'T go well with the natural color of my thick leather.

I need it to be WHITE.

Again, being a newbie I have a question, CAN THIS BE DYED WHITE?

The piece is approx. 1/8" X 9" X 15"

Thank You,

Dale in Indy

[smithbrother]

I had some KRYLON flat white spray that is recommended for fabric's. I did some testing, and after it dried, APPROX. 10-MINUTES, I bent/twisted/tugged, and it held up very well. Still shows the leathre grain which is what I wanted.

So this seems to be my answer. The product # is 51502 KRYLON FLAT WHITE.

Dale in Indy