Tooling: Haven't got a clue.

[YinTx]

So, here is the second item I have ever stamped, and clearly I haven't got a clue what I am doing with the hammer, knife and stamps, so time to ask for advice!  How can I make it better?  Any topic will help I am sure.... swivel knife work, burnish, depth, even?  cased or not? how to make the edges look cleaner?  put it in the bin and start over?

Items on the left have resolene on them, the other one on the right was just finished.

Thanks in advance for your time!

YinTx

[VTleather09]

Hey there, 

 

Your tooling is not so bad; for your first go at it.  The only way to get better is through experimentation, or by working with a pro.  I picked up a swivel knife and a few stamps about a year ago and my skills have improved through reading and tutorial watching, but mostly from doing projects.  Even if I am not in the tooling stage of a project, I take time to practice my knife work each day.  There a few videos on youtube about dexterity exercises for the swivel knife.  As for stamping, get a piece of scrap and practice hitting your stamps with different measures of force and try tilting them at different angles.  Eventually, you will learn how to "feel" the right amount of force and angle.  Something to steer clear of is re-stamping.  When I first started out I would try to re-stamp areas and I would screw up my leather.  Also, try to relax when your tooling.  Tension and nervousness will translate to your work.  I still get nervous when I start cutting into my pattern, but I have come to peace with idea of it being what it is if I screw up.  Lastly, take your time.  I cannot tell you how often I have messed up for being impatient.  Hope that helps.

 

VT   

[TinkerTailor]

2 hours ago, VTleather09 said:

try to relax when your tooling.  Tension and nervousness will translate to your work.

I find Chopin works for me to set the tooling mood. One of the leather stores i go to ALWAYS has the radio on the classical station. I find myself getting lost in the music while looking at buckles.

The other thing that has burnt me is "That half went well, I bet I can speed it up a little by doing it this other way for the second half...."

Edited October 28, 2016 by TinkerTailor

[cowboycolonel]

Right, Tonk.

 

I think that usually comes right before, "I wonder if anyone will notice...." Mood and mindset are very important, as you say.  More than once I've been in a hurry and decided to wait until tomorrow when I wouldn't be so rushed.  Hasn't failed me yet.

[CaptQuirk]

Good even lighting is a big help too.

[cowboycolonel]

Hey Capt,

 

I just read a great piece of work on the Inquisition.  If you read it, you'll revise your profile.

[Mattsbagger]

I just got some stamps and a knife last week so no advise but defo in the same boat.lol

[CaptQuirk]

3 hours ago, cowboycolonel said:

Hey Capt,

 

I just read a great piece of work on the Inquisition.  If you read it, you'll revise your profile.

I actually know a lot more about the inquisition than the average person. Yeah, it was a very dark time, and a stain on the church... but what else is new, right? But, if you were a fan of Monty Python, you'd get the gif.

[YinTx]

All awesome suggestions everyone, many thanks.  I wish I had time to practice every day, I've had these tools for over a year, and this is the first time I've used them,  so I don't think I'll be able to reach perfection any time soon.  But I will play around with different techniques and lighting when I do have the opportunity, like when I'm using scraps of belly leather to make sheaths for myself to use for my tools, lol.

Not so sure how me not having a clue about how to tool and stamp leather degenerated into the Inquisition.... but hey, maybe my tooling was that bad?  

YinTx

[CaptQuirk]

11 hours ago, YinTx said:

Not so sure how me not having a clue about how to tool and stamp leather degenerated into the Inquisition.... but hey, maybe my tooling was that bad?  

YinTx

Nobody ever expects the Spanish Inquisition!