Happy little accident

[Dragonfly42]

So I FINALLY finished my first carved and tooled pieces. Here I am with a brand new bottle of super sheen, eco flo mahogany antique and eco flo saddle tan antique (remember I just started leatherworking a whole two weeks ago) I read through all of your guys steps on the site. Put my super sheen on as a resist and went to work. Came home and put the mahogany antique on with a wool pad. Removed excess with a paper towel. Set the piece to the side for a while came back and it looked pink!!!! ~ insert your favorite expletive here ~ so in full blown panic mode I smear the saddle tan on in an attempt to save my very first carved piece! Removed excess let it dry then faded black with an airbrush and finished with resolene. I'm so so excited with the results!!!

[JD62]

Great first project  The colors came out nicely.

[Dragonfly42]

9 minutes ago, JD62 said:

Great first project  The colors came out nicely.

Thank you! I've done a little carving on other pieces but this is the first one I've seen through to completion. The colors were a complete accident! This piece is part of a long term project, building as I learn how to do different things

[JD62]

I wondered about the holes around the outside, now it makes sense.

[RemingtonSteel]

Dragonfly,

Turned out really nice!  

I'd be nervous when using new dyes or finishes for the first time.  I plan on always experimenting with some carved scrap leather to make sure I can get the right color, evenness and overall look, before I applied it to a finished project.

It's great that you were able to save your piece.

[Dragonfly42]

1 hour ago, RemingtonSteel said:

Dragonfly,

Turned out really nice!  

I'd be nervous when using new dyes or finishes for the first time.  I plan on always experimenting with some carved scrap leather to make sure I can get the right color, evenness and overall look, before I applied it to a finished project.

It's great that you were able to save your piece.

Thank you! I will definitely be carving some scraps from now on. I didn't have anything laying around to test it on as I'm just getting started so being the impatient person I am I just went for it. I've since attempted to use the same method on a much larger piece with some success although streaking was an issue!

[RemingtonSteel]

Wow, looks fantastic.  I do see what you mean by the streaking.

Now I am no expert, as a matter of fact far from it, but I have done a lot of research. It is my understanding that water based dyes have that tendency. Many leather workers that I respect, recommend Fiebing's Pro Dye, (which is an alcohol based dye) as it tends to give you more of an even coat.  Kind of a bummer though, for those living in California, as it has to high of VOCs to be allowed in the state. Also the quality of the leather can affect how it accepts different types of dyes. Several experts also recommend that you dip your leather into the dye to help get an even coat.

What are you making there? kind of looks like a leather sword scabbard. 

Regardless, you should be proud of your work for only being at it for two weeks!  Love the owl... great job on the eyes and feathers.

[Dragonfly42]

Just now, RemingtonSteel said:

Wow, looks fantastic.  I do see what you mean by the streaking.

Now I am no expert, as a matter of fact far from it, but I have done a lot of research. It is my understanding that water based dyes have that tendency. Many leather workers that I respect, recommend Fiebing's Pro Dye, (which is an alcohol based dye) as it tends to give you more of an even coat.  Kind of a bummer though, for those living in California, as it has to high of VOCs to be allowed in the state. Also the quality of the leather can affect how it accepts different types of dyes. Several experts also recommend that you dip your leather into the dye to help get an even coat.

What are you making there? kind of looks like a leather sword scabbard. 

Regardless, you should be proud of your work for only being at it for two weeks!  Love the owl... great job on the eyes and feathers.

Thank you for the tip on the dyes! So far everything has been water based but I can get anything I want here in Ohio. This one is going to be a pool cue case inspired by another member on here mr rusty melton. 

[RemingtonSteel]

2 minutes ago, Dragonfly42 said:

This one is going to be a pool cue case

Even better!

[Sofaspud]

If you had been doing leather work for 20 years I would be impressed by your work.  Being a newbie, I am doubly impressed.  Looking good!  Keep posting you progress.