I'm New And Discouraged

[BullRiderJoe]

After 400 videos on YouTube showing me how easy and fun leather working could be, I decided to go out and buy some tools. I stopped by the craft store and got a few precut kit pieces. The leather is very thin. After watching videos of how to case it, I went in for the kill! Very inconsistent stamp marks, and looks like a 6 year old did it. I'm not using a marble piece under the leather, I'm using what I assume is crap leather, and I probably did the casing wrong. Either way, I'm getting discouraged! (Sorry for my lack of leather lingo). What do I do ?

[cgleathercraft]

Don't get discouraged!!!! It takes time. Ask plenty of questions, read the how to's on this site, and watch 400 more videos lol.

[BullRiderJoe]

Should I order some good quality leather to tool on? This stuff I'm getting from Michaels and hobby lobby is crap I think. I'm still trying to get this casing thing down also.

Should I order some good quality leather to tool on? This stuff I'm getting from Michaels and hobby lobby is crap I think. I'm still trying to get this casing thing down also.

[cgleathercraft]

Ordering a veg tan remnants pack usually gets a few different weights and quality of leathers. Its better than buying and trashing a shoulder or a side. Casing is an art in itself. I've done it several ways and settled on a method that works for me.

[Ferg]

YOU BEGAN YOUR ENDEAVOR AT THE WRONG PLACES.

Read everything you can on this site, buy some Al Stohlman books on leather work, don't visit Hobby Lobby or Michaels for supplies.

Visit a Tandy Leather store if you can. Most of the folks running the stores are knowledgeable enough to guide you.

I would be discouraged also if I had began as you. lol

ferg

[Tugadude]

Tandy has classes. If there is one near you give them a look.

[DavidL]

I wouldnt get anything from tandy. I bought a tandy handstitching kit for 100 dollars by a recommendation from the tandy storeowner, if Id known what I known now I would of walked out the door. Still annoys me a little.

There is two sides to learning the skill, knowledge and hand - eye cordination.

Edited December 9, 2015 by DavidL

[BullRiderJoe]

there is a Tandy not too far away, I might stop in and just see what I can learn and pick up some remnants just to try out. My swivel knife basically skips and stops through the leather. Not smooth at all. I'm assuming it's this beef jerky type leather I'm using because I have sharpened this knife exactly how all the videos I've watched. The blade seems sharp . When I cases my leather, I quickly dipped it in water, and then let it sit for about 8-10 hours.

[CrazedLemming]

Did you stick it in a container to keep it from drying? If all you did was dip it in water and let it sit on the table for 8+ hours, you're trying to carve dry leather. Try doing the simple way, wipe water on it with a wet sponge or rag and then cut when the color changes back to normal in a few minutes. It may not be proper casing, but it will get you practicing faster.

Working with leather is an art. It takes time and practice to get a feel for it.

Edited December 9, 2015 by CrazedLemming

[BullRiderJoe]

Yes I let it sit out on the table, it was damp and cool when I was cutting it the next day. I tried to use the sponge also and let it sit for about 20 minutes. I really think that this leather from Michaels is crap. My swivel knife makes super thin lines in it also, all the videos I see , their lines look soft and thicker . It looks like butter, when I cut it looks like I'm sawing beef jerky lol