bvc79 Report post Posted November 25, 2017 Hey all, My name is Brian, and I'm originally from northern Wisconsin. Raised around the Crandon area, I've bounced around the state ever since. I'm a complete newbie, though I do have some vague recollections of watching my grandfather (a logger, muleskinner, and former cowboy) repair saddles for his horses, and make harnesses for his mules. I've been researching for months trying to decide if leather working is for me, and I became obsessed. I currently have big ambitions, but looking to start small and build my skills so I can start making all manner of leather goods. I will try to keep you all updated on the process of starting from zero, and want to thank you guys in advance for the wealth of information I've found here. The tips on tools, and getting started are a huge help! Besides that, if anybody has any additional pointers, I'm all ears. I've always had a knack for various types of sculpture, and hope I can do well with leather. -Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted November 25, 2017 Welcome to the forum No question is stoopid, so ask what you want Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted November 25, 2017 Welcome aboard. I always like to suggest this procedure for anyone new. I stumbled around for the first two years I was playing with leather. I wasted a lot of time, money, and frustration trying to do one off projects. So here goes. Start with a small single item. Bracelets, key fobs, watch bands, something like that. These are not high stress items so you could use a nice belly or two. Make twenty or more of the same item at the same time. This will help you gain proficiency in each step. It will get boring. But you will get the most experience out of the least amount of leather. You could easily spend a whole month worth of hobby time with one or two bellies. This is about 20 or 30 dollars worth of leather. It is a cost effective way to hone your skills in all the steps. As you go through each step you will botch one or two pieces, no worries. It was only .75 cents worth of material and now you have test pieces for the next step. And you can keep going forward without starting all over. Good luck and enjoy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted November 26, 2017 There are about 10 to 12 pages of leatherwork on YouTube, each with bout 20 videos; watch as many as you have the stamina for, you'll soon pick it up. Sounds like you're already working through the relevant sections of this forum Keyfobs are good, Tandy sell a packet of the rings quite cheaply. They can help you learn pattern making, cutting out, saddle stitch, edge bevelling, edge burnishing, dyeing, stamping, and generally getting used to leather and the tools. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted November 26, 2017 I'm originally from Scandinavia,WI. Used to do the Tomahawk fall ride every year, Northern WI is beautiful. The Leather Crafters Journal is based out of Rhinelander. I live in Colorado Springs now. Being a sculptor you might find carving and tooling easier for you than a non artist person like me.Dye and finish are an art in themselves so practicing on bracelets and key fob are a good idea. Have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
