Im Getting Mad (Not Serious)

[JubWub]

Im having alot of trouble starting out leather working. i realy want to stick with this hobby because its fun. the thing im having trouble with is how to stitch, and ALOT of other things. im just confused when making a wallet and stuff, i dont know what to do first . im just scared that i will leave this hobby but i really dont want to. PLEASE help me and explain leather working. i am going to start fresh from the beggining so i understand it. can someone explain leather working to me and explain everything i need to know and all the technics or just send me videos of leather workng or any thing that will help me, thanks you to everyone who helped me, i really do appreciate it, (sorry about my gramar, my keyboard stinks) THANK YOU GUYS (GALS)

[papaw]

First off people here will share info as to what to do tooling and matl. needed. I would start off looking on u tube for making leather wallets and any other items you wish to make, there are so many videos from some of the best leather workers out there today. You can then ask the questions as you need answers for, even telling you will no help if you don't understand what you are told. Also if you put the area of the country your from you make have someone in your back yard that may offer to help.

[JubWub]

thanks so much, there is something that I don't understand but It is SO hard to explain why and what I don't understand

[TomG]

Hey JubWub... That's sort of like saying "I want to go to the moon.. how do I build a rocket..."

It's like anything else. You need a starting point. To start, you need to understand that there is stamping and there is carving. I would start with stamping to learn how the leather feels and acts during manipulation.

Both require leather to be cased. There is an excellent thread on here about it. Get a few pieces of scrap from Tandy or Springfield, or a cheap shoulder or even a belly. Learn to case it. Get a few stamps. Practice using guide lines to stamp straight. Practice blending stamps to create designs.

Get a medium brown oil based dye. Use alcohol or even water to dilute it to different shades of brown.

Go to Tandy's website and do the free tutorials to see how to use most of the tools they sell. As Papaw said.. look at YouTube for some videos and tutorial. Then try the techniques.

Good leatherwork can take years to perfect, but you can turn out "acceptable" work with some practice. Some folks are naturally talented.. others of us have to really concentrate and struggle with some aspects of it.... But there will always be some project that you can do to get enjoyment out of.

And again.. like Papaw said.. As specific questions.. do searches here on specific questions.... many have already been answered.

And don't give up!!

[King's X]

If I may suggest the Al Stohlman's Hand sewing book available on-line, Amazon or other outlets. There are a couple of cheap issues on eBay. This is probably one of the best materials that will help you build up your confidence. Keep at it!

[JubWub]

I really am happy for your response and I am very thankfull for people like you to help me, thank you so much, its just I just started to like leatherworking like 3 days ago, and I don't know most of the leatherworking vocab you told me, thanks you for the help and I just feel so streasted that I don't know anything but ill get better, I hope. when you started did you have trouble like this?

[TomG]

Not really stressed. But a little lost at times. But I had a local mentor of sorts. And that was before I found the leatherworkers site.

What equipment and supplies do you have?

[camano ridge]

Justin, if you have only been looking into leather work the last 3 days, I assume that is since your first post. Don't give up just yet. I have been doing leather work for 40 years and still occasionally feel like throwing something across the room (please don't throw anything). What I want you to do is take a deep breath pick a project you want to do then let us know and we will walk you through the basics answering your questions as you go. If you are not sure of what a certain term means ask. If you have started a project and are having trouble with it post a picture and tell us what you are having trouble with.

You have already been told to look up you tube videos for what ever project you want to do. There are other videos such as from Ian Atkins and Niegel Armitage that will help. Do not worry if your first project does not go well. Over the years I have accumulated a box of projects that did not go well. They are learning experiences.

So do the best to describe the problem you are having now to the best of your ability and we will see if we can figure it out. Don't worry about getting the terminology right. Some of us even understand technical terms like thing-a-ma-jig and doo hicky.

[King's X]

Ditto!

[JubWub]

i have nothing yet, I don't have anything to use, nor do I have leather, I have no idea what tools to get and I don't know what leathr to use. that's one thing I need help with, can you help?