Hello From Ottawa, Ont., Canada

[Basically Bob]

You are progressing quickly, for sure. Try using Etsy as a resource to establish your own pricing, but make sure you are comparing apples to apples. You need to find similar products with the same skill level you are at.

Resolene. Cut it 50/50 with water. Wrap a sponge with a piece of soft cotton cloth & soak that in water - squeeze out till just damp. Dip in the resolene and squeeze out again. Wipe on VERY lightly, in one direction. Wait an hour and do a second coat. Works for me, every time. The leather looks like leather and feels like leather. Sometimes I will put on three coats - still gives me a nice finish. I always using Fiebings pro oil dye.

[Skinner88]

Thanks Bob, I will most definately try that on a scrap in the next few days and see what result I can get. I keep trying different things only to end up ruining my work.

[Fullmetalsam]

Glad my comments helped you out

As for that hourly rate, you'll figure it out, but don't be shy about pushing it up a little. It always depends when and how you sell, but I've learned that if your products look good enough, people are ready to buy at a higher price than what I was thinking. The only exception here is if you sell online (Etsy, eBay and the such) - you'll have to get a couple of sales and feedback before people will "trust" you.

Good Luck !

[Tempus]

Great stuff. I'm a newbie here too & still tool shopping. Let me know if you found any deals. If you need inspiration or ideas check out Ian Atkinson's stuff on Youtube (Leodis Leather). Interesting techniques I can't wait to try out. He makes things look easy. It looks like you could give lessons too!