New beginner in OKC

[Grindstone]

Hello,

 

As the title indicates, I am new to leatherworking and currently live in Oklahoma City. I love to do things myself, make with my own hands. I've been reading and watching and learning as much as I can about leathercraft. I was fortunate to find a curbside leather couch a while back that I skinned the backside for free practice leather. I've made a few poor attempts utilizing that leather, but it was a good learning process. But, just the other night I finally used real virgin veg tanned leather and made a tooled sheath for my CS Norse Hawk. I have to admit, although I was content with the products made from the couch leather as they were minimally functional, this project has me bit. I want to do more. Much more. I'm addicted. I'm very much interested in learning more about Norse-themed tooling, as this appeals to me greatly. 

My immediate goals are to build a proper stiching horse and obtaining more stamping tools.

Here's a sampling of what I've done so far:

Left to right: First project was a hatchet mask with the couch leather. The brown dye I had put on ran off after hiking around in the rain. Hand sewn with a brass button stud. 
Next is a mask for my boy's axe. Also hand sewn, grommet and snap button hardware. The couch leather was an ugly cream I tried to cover up.
Last was my most recent project, veg tanned leather, hand sewn, suede lace for fastening, fudge brown AIO dye. There is a small hole at the bottom where I tried a brass rivet, but the setters I  used were meant for grommets and it came out poorly, so I removed it. I tooled in a simple valknut, which I am very satisfied with for being my first time. I think I want a different background stamp pattern, though.

 

And here they are on their hosts (I also hung the boy's axe myself):

The hatchet before the rain:

 

Thanks for looking!

Edited August 28, 2016 by Grindstone

[bikermutt07]

Well, you are off to a great start. Keep having fun.

[AussieMade]

Nice work, Get on ebay, there are some cheap tools on there. I have bought the cheap 20 peice stamp set, and I am quite happy with the results and how well they work. I will eventually upgrade my tool set once more orders come through.

[Grindstone]

Thanks guys. I'm just in it for the hobby right now, not planning on making things for money. I just enjoy making my own items. I will check ebay for some new stamps, thanks!