First Leather Project. Crafted A Purse For Gf, Copper Rivets.

[Mohawk Dave]

I've always loved leather, so after I had found some nice CS Osborne punches and what not at yard sales, I decided to try my hand at leather.

I built the purse in my mind first. FIgured a small ammo can was a good size, so that's where the dimensions came from. I used a very heavy weight leather from Tandy. It was "cheap" in price as it showed knicks and wear, which is exactly what her and I like, as it shows Mother Nature in perfection.

I thoroughly enjoy using rivets on metal, so I chose rivets for the purse.

I used copper burr rivets (very time consuming but enjoyable), and supplemented them with Buffalo Nickels and Indian Head Pennies. (My girl is part Mohawk BTW). We're dog people, so the Puppy Paw stamp was awesome. (I kinda goofed and have them going opposite ways).

I didn't use the ??? tool that removes a small section of material where the bend would be. (What's that tool called?) - I still have to buy one....So, folding the edges actually made it very stiff on the bottom, which turned out to be a plus.

The layout took the longest because I wanted to measure twice and cut once. lol. I have about 30 hours into this.

The purse has broken in nicely. Now, she asked if I can surprise her with another one of different style for her next birthday. The girls at her work want one as well, but this is definitely a labor of love. I'm much faster at welding.

Feel free to critique and give advice as I'm a newb and eager to learn.

Thanks, Mohawk Dave

Couple more photos....

Edited March 12, 2015 by Mohawk Dave

[MonicaJacobson]

Nice work, Dave. I especially like the re-purposed coins. Did you seal the antiquing? Just asking, because when I first used it, I didn't read the bottle and didn't notice it was water soluble. Maybe I'm the only serial label ignorer around.

Also, I think your stamps would work better if you case the leather. You get it wet on both sides (people vary on how much), roll it up, pop it in a bag, and let it sit overnight in the 'fridge. Next day pull it out and let it dry until it's still cold, but has returned pretty much to the normal color of the leather. You'll be amazed at the better impression you get with the stamp. Also, it helps to have a marble slab to stamp on. People get them from marble cabinet makers for practically free.

Anyway, nice, and congrats on coming up with your own design. That's something that will help you out a lot in leatherworking.

[Mohawk Dave]

Monica,

Thanks for the kind words. I did not seal the antiquing...I used the white conditioner. Is that sealing? IDK...

Good call on the tips for getting a better stamp. I was smashing pretty hard and wondering why they were more faint than others I've seen. And I know just the man to ask for a marble slab.

[MonicaJacobson]

I don't know what the white conditioner would be.... maybe check the label. If it's just a conditioner, it won't seal anything. And in that case, any water that gets on that back will transfer straight onto someone's clothes.

There's a variety of sealing options: saddle lac, super sheen, mop-n-glow cut 50/50 with water, or resolene cut 50/50 with water. I use the resolene, and put on 3 light coats, one every 12 hours.

[Reegesc]

I use coin conchos a lot my myself and one thing you can do to add a little pizzaz is to dome the coins. Harbor Freight sells a really nice doming block set for $49. Professional looking conchos are a breeze with this set. I saw that you punched the coins and I thought ewwww....but it looks cool with the copper rivet I must admit. I solder rivets and Chicago screws to the back of my domed coins, then antique, polish, and varnish them (looks terrific on the Indian Heads). Very easy to do. PM me if you're interested in how do that.

[Reegesc]

Here's a pic of what I'm talking about: