chuckrock44 Report post Posted January 7, 2016 Looking forward to reading comments on my tooling. It's been over ten years since I've done anything with leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rohn Report post Posted January 7, 2016 Your carving looks real good to me, but I'm sure you'll have someone that try to give you some tips. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BondoBobCustomSaddles Report post Posted January 7, 2016 Nice job Chuck! It is very dificult to make animals look "real" when working in leather. Where at in MI are you located? Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRLeather2 Report post Posted January 7, 2016 Nice work. Grand Haven Michigan here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckrock44 Report post Posted January 7, 2016 Thanks Bob. I agree, when I first started tooling animals they looked almost cartoonish. I've learned the dyeing prossess really helps give it a more realistic look. And unfortunately I love in Flint. Thanks for the comment! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor Report post Posted January 8, 2016 First, this is good tooling for not doing it for the past 10 years or so. This is the book you want to read "Al Stohlman - Finesse Figure Carving". If you google it you'll find it for sure. Your painting is a lot better than mine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckrock44 Report post Posted January 8, 2016 Thanks Thor. Back in 2000, the guys I learned leather work from would use acrylic pain on their projects. I noticed that it only covered the top and would most likely wear off in short time. Back then I was doing tattoos on the side and thought... What about using tattoo ink on leather? It works great! The ink soaks deep into the leather and won't fade away. I'm going to search for that book... Thanks man Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor Report post Posted January 8, 2016 Tattoo ink? That's good to know. How are you applying it? With the machine or a brush? If you don't find the book, send me a pm. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckrock44 Report post Posted January 8, 2016 Any kind of ink I'm sure works good. Right now I'm using Higgins brand ink and I think it works good. I just apply with small paint brushes. After you apply one coat, the ink being so watery you'll see it soak right into the dry leather. The more coats, the more vibrant the color. Would be funny though dying your leather with a tattoo gun... Lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor Report post Posted January 8, 2016 After you mentioned it, I looked into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckrock44 Report post Posted January 8, 2016 Wow! That's crazy you found that Thor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kulafarmer Report post Posted January 9, 2016 (edited) Nice work,,, Edited January 9, 2016 by Kulafarmer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief Filipino Report post Posted January 13, 2016 Nice work! Question: how did you do the cross hatching under (or around?) the stamped letters? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
