Make a Celtic Cross, they said. Make it tiny, they said.

[DarkGoku]

On ‎12‎/‎7‎/‎2017 at 10:48 PM, YinTx said:

Thank you Sheilajeanne.  This was a Tandy Celtic cross pattern that they give away for free, but it is supposed to be like 10" tall, not this lil bitty thing.

I have lots of lights shining on my work so I can see what the heck I'm doin.  Here in south Texas, that means the A/C has to stay on in the winter.

YinTx

I can relate, I work at the Tandy's in Deer Park/Pasadena. Its nice right now, enjoying our 3 day winter cold before the heat comes home. 

[flagshipsupply]

@YinTx

Real nice work! 

I think you managed to pull off a rather nice celtic cross to boot. 

But I REALLY dig that scroll work in the center!

Cheers

- Matt

[robs456]

Was the leather a bit wet when you stamped?

[YinTx]

On 12/9/2017 at 5:42 PM, DarkGoku said:

I can relate, I work at the Tandy's in Deer Park/Pasadena. Its nice right now, enjoying our 3 day winter cold before the heat comes home. 

That.  I think I missed fall, I don't remember it.  Woke up on Friday to a freak snowfall!  I think the last time that happened was Christmas Eve, 2004. 

 

On 12/9/2017 at 6:31 PM, flagshipsupply said:

But I REALLY dig that scroll work in the center!

 

Matt, the scroll was - for me anyhow - tiny as well, and I am surprised at how it turned out.  Couple of things I would improve on, but it is growing on me as well.  Thanks!

6 hours ago, robs456 said:

Was the leather a bit wet when you stamped?

robs456, it is possible, since I don't have anyone to tell me exactly what properly cased leather should feel like.  It may have started a bit wet, but after I was done in 6 hours, I think it was a bit dry.  What is it you see that I should be looking for to know if it is too wet or too dry?

YinTx

[robs456]

6 hours ago, YinTx said:

robs456, it is possible, since I don't have anyone to tell me exactly what properly cased leather should feel like.  It may have started a bit wet, but after I was done in 6 hours, I think it was a bit dry.  What is it you see that I should be looking for to know if it is too wet or too dry?

I'm not an expert by any means, and tend to stamp too wet at times myself so I recognize the certain 'mushiness' to the look at certain places. And the basketweave look a bit flat which happens for me if the leather is to wet from the beginning or is remoistened. Then there are the 'white lines' around the cross which could happen because of to deep cuts, too hard beveling, too wet leather or all of the above.

As for casing, there's a lot of info on here but the best way to learn is by trial and error. 
One of the best ways for using the quick way by spray bottle or sponge is the wet the leather thoroughly on the grain side, go and have a refreshing beverage, come back to see the original color almost returned, feel that it's dry but cool to the touch, grab a beveler and make a test imprint. If you get a sweet friction burn you're good to go. Otherwise back to your beverage/forums/etc...

If I manage to plan my carving ahead of time I do it in a better way that works for me, but it takes some getting used to:
Put the leather under the tap for about 10 seconds so that it's wet on the grain side, but do NOT get the flesh side wet (so no submerging it). Then put the piece in a plastic bag and seal it so it's air tight. Wait until the next day, about 12-24 hours.
The piece will have moisture all the way through meaning the fibers in the middle will be formed as well which gives much better impressions when stamping. If the piece is still a bit too moist to the touch on the grain side, start the beverage routine above...  

[robs456]

On 12/7/2017 at 6:31 AM, YinTx said:

My hat's off to those that manage to tool tiny things.  My tools didn't even fit in here!  If you stand far back, you can't see I made a mess of it, LOL!

Leroy dropping wisdom about that.

[YinTx]

10 hours ago, robs456 said:

Leroy dropping wisdom about that.

LMAO, awesome.  Or, buy/make tools to fit the drawing.  There is a big sale on Craftool Pro tools right now, and those are pretty darn good quality for $10 or less!  I have my online basket full... deciding whether or not to click that "buy" button...

YinTx

[Sheilajeanne]

A visit to Tandy is on my schedule for today! :D

[YinTx]

On 12/11/2017 at 1:10 PM, Sheilajeanne said:

A visit to Tandy is on my schedule for today! :D

I picked up a lot of the Pro stamps that were on sale, and just tried out the bevelers.  And got some of the regular tools at $3 ea, which I won't feel bad about modifying with a file and grinder.  

Pro tools worked awesome, worth every penny especially when you (and I) aren't ready or willing to step up to the $50+ tools.

YinTx

[YinTx]

Finished item here:

YinTx