Colour Suggestions

[HondoMan]

Right then,

I'm in the process of making a leather sheath for a small sword belonging to a nice lady. This is to be worn, by request of course, across her back. Her only request was to have the leather on the sheath match the belt she wears with other items. She attends medieval fests and markets here in Germany. Easy enough. The sheath will be done in russet with a medium to light brown stitching.

So, the other day, a friend stopped by and dropped a wee subtle remark about an additional item to the sheath that the woman would like. As I do know the lady, the additional work fits, but colour matching is not so much my strong skill.

The additional item is to paint a certain phrase on the side of the sheath that rests against the lady's back. I've used Angelus paints before and have quite a few various colours. So, the sheath is done in a russet colour, but what colour or colours would be good for this writing? I am a wee colour-blind, but more importantly I have always had difficulties matching certain colours.

Would a dark bone colour be suitable for the actual writing and a dark brown for outlining? I worry it's too bright against the russet? Which colours would be best against a russet? Any suggestions would be truly appreciated.

Cheers,

[BeUnico]

Hi,

It's really difficult to suggest without seeing the object but even if you post a photo here, each screen will see it differently.

I would probably take a small quantity of the russet dye and tone it down a little with a spot of black. That way I wouldn't wander too far away from the original colour risking a bad clash of colour.

If you need two colors, as you mention writing and outlining, make two different tones of the same russet.

Don't know if it will work but I'd tend to go that way.

Good luck, I'd love to see the sheath when it's finished 👍🏼

[HondoMan]

BeUnico, thanks for the suggestion. The russet is a very nice shade of brown and I'm not sure I'd want to make it much darker. The remaining leather items the customer wears is a very odd colour of red. She explained it was a red-brown from Tarrago, a company I've not used for dyes, but it looks quite red to me. I tested the russet with some black paint and it looked rather good for writing. It's muted just enough. Keeping in mind that no one other than her will see it as it will be painted on the side resting against her back. It was merely a 'hidden' addition to her sheath.

I will post a photo when done.

Thanks again BeUnico!

[BeUnico]

You're welcome, I'm a newbie so no experience in leather but I've seen a few colours in my fifty years 😁. I think I've got the gist of that colour she described, sounds like something I'd choose for lipstick 😊 oh btw I am female lol

Can't wait to see it.

[HondoMan]

Well, that added needed humour to my day! Lipstick comparison! Now that I think on it, when the woman brought an item into me it did look like a lipstick colour. I attend Medieval fests and markets here in southern Germany and that colour really doesn't pass very well. But who I am to judge? It's all about fun and enjoyment.

By the way, from newbie to newbie I am have rather exciting news. One of the leather shops I follow on Facebook offered a chance to win a seat for a leather tooling and stamping course with a renowned instructor. I won! The class is only about an hours drive from where I am living and in less than two weeks time. I'm quite excited as a newbie to learn more on this technique. Should be great fun!

Thanks again BeUnico!

[BeUnico]

Oh wow, that's going to be an invaluable experience for you! Well done for winning.

There is nothing like that in the area of Italy where I live

Hope you enjoy it! Btw if you are German your English is amazing

Have a great time at the course!