Molded document sleeve

[farmersracer]

Hi all

This is my first molded leather (and hand stitch) project. Yes, a 13" mac will fit, but the goal is to use the sleeve for maps and documents in farming and forestry. I have used veg tanned leather and is at the moment testing different oils and waxes. Saddle stitch with waxed linen thread 18/4, pricking iron and owl. I can really recommend the buttons from scovill.com. Have been using them on waxed cotton and leather bags for 7 years. Their designs are one bit more robust than most brands. They come in black or chrome - the ones you see in the pics have been stripped from their black paint.

I have decided to use only a blend of bees wax, coconut oil and olive oil on the edges. No burnish or color, just to bring more focus to the surface and less focus to the edges.

I am new to wet molds, and have a few problems with keeping the veg tanned leather clean during the drying process. Does anyone of you use any coating on the leather before soaking and forming the parts?

regards

Lars Gustavsson

[Stetson912]

That's really clean work. How do you mold the corners so nice? Is that 8/9 oz or heavier?

[farmersracer]

Thanks Stetson912

Yes it is about 8/9oz. But i think it is slightly thicker. In Europe we use a mm system, and this leather measure 3,5-4 mm. I have used a very flexible veg tanned leather from Tärnsjö Tannery in Sweden. They made a small batch of extra fat, but not oiled leather as an experiment. It is a bit to flexible to use in a sewing machine, but turned out to be perfect for molding. It keeps the shape perfect, but has no dry wood feel to it.

[Matt S]

That's very neat work, I love wet-moulding but find still find it tricky after several years of trying.

[farmersracer]

5 minutes ago, Matt S said:

That's very neat work, I love wet-moulding but find still find it tricky after several years of trying.

Thanks Matt S

Great etsy page you got. This mold design is great to start with: large objekt with little depth. I am planning on a smaller version as well. 1/2 the size and twice the trouble:) 

[YinTx]

Cleanly executed.  That looks like really nice leather!  How does it burnish?

YinTx

[A6C5O7]

How did you install those snaps? Did you do it all by hand or did you use a tool and do you think you would replace snaps with these? 

[battlemunky]

Those are beautiful. Very pure looking.

[Tugadude]

Yes, very clean work there.  Moulding is top notch.  I also looked at your website.  Your work is very unique and professional looking.  Photography on the site is great too.  

Forgive my ignorance but what is a racing haymaker?

[farmersracer]

8 hours ago, Tugadude said:

Yes, very clean work there.  Moulding is top notch.  I also looked at your website.  Your work is very unique and professional looking.  Photography on the site is great too.  

Forgive my ignorance but what is a racing haymaker?

Hi Tugadude

Haymaker = farmer, and in Sweden motocross and racing motorcycles on gravel is big among farmers:)