How did you get into leather work?

[BDAZ]

I had a girlfriend with an almost identical dog. I made a black studded collar, appropriate for a pit bull. Too funny! Unfortunately no pics of the collar.

 

 

[karlova]

2 hours ago, BDAZ said:

I had a girlfriend with an almost identical dog. I made a black studded collar, appropriate for a pit bull. Too funny! Unfortunately no pics of the collar.

LOL I was going to make her one like this, too, but she doesn't wear collars, only harnesses. She's less than 4 pounds and her neck measures the same as my wrist, I thought this is too fragile for a collar. When she was a puppy some people called her Cujo :D 

 

[BDAZ]

1 minute ago, karlova said:

LOL I was going to make her one like this, too, but she doesn't wear collars, only harnesses. She's less than 4 pounds and her neck measures the same as my wrist, I thought this is too fragile for a collar. When she was a puppy some people called her Cujo :D 

 

This one was named Biggie Smalls..The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie, or Biggie Smalls,^[1] was an American rapper. He is ranked by Billboard as among the ten greatest rappers of all time.^[2]

[Earl Ash]

Good topic!

Years ago I got a new carry gun and paid what I thought was too much for a holster. Months later, the holster was coming apart from daily wear and I decided that I could do better myself. Lots of tools and practice later I can do better!  Now I have people wanting all kinds of stuff, along with holsters.  My kids are grown so I spend many hours in my leather shop, it keeps my bride from seeing too much of me (ha). I looked at my tools as an investment for the future and a retirement hobby.  I have sold enough now to more than brake even, but would continue  even if I had not. Nothing you can buy is better than what you have made yourself! 

[Orangeleather]

Just an update as I'm unsure where to put this, after a long discussion, narrowing the focus and prioritising I've decided that small leather goods repair and restoration as well as leather monogramming and engraving maybe a more practical option.

 

 

[toe2short]

On 4/6/2018 at 9:55 PM, JKHelms said:

A little over a year ago I had to retire on a medical disability. Needed something to keep my hands busy and keep me from watching tv all day. 

Had made some knives and needed sheaths for them. Did that and caught the bug . Now I’m hooked.

My story is your story, I tried my hand on belts. Made them for some members of my metal detecting club and family and friends. If it weren’t for this site and the fabulous folks that meet on it, I would not have stuck with it.  Dont forget YouTube, Nigel Armitage and all the other folks who took their time to help others.Thank you all.

Jersey Jim

[redcrane]

I started in the 1980"s with some friends. We never tried anything complicated or detailed. After I got transferred I left the tools and supplies boxed up till recently. The key holder was one of and maybe the first project for me. I recently found a renewed interest, have added some additional tools. I bought some pre-cut belt straps to make a custom gun belt.  I've been practicing on some leather pieces I've had since the 80's. That has sent me a strong message that a whole lot more practice is needed before I do anything serious.  I've watched a lot of you tube instructions. One thing I was convinced o is that I needed to give up the bucks and buy the Barry King Mauls. I got two from Rocky Mountain Leather Supply. (16 and 32 oz 149.98). I do find them to be much more useful than that old leather one I bought long ago. I'm looking forward to sharing leather crafting with ya'll. Thanks for the add!

[alpha2]

Glad to see you're back at it, Redcrane!  Where is that MLB breaching the surf?

Jeff

[Fire88]

How I got started? 

Well I needed a new radio strap at the firehouse and wanted a pair of suspenders for my bunkers didn’t want to buy. So I decided I could make em. Well that turned into me making 25 or so straps for guys at the station all profit plus some to help a brother whose injury took him off the job. 

Well that got the fire burning and I decided to learn how to tool. More tools more leather and lots of books and now I’m trying to make it a part-time job. I’m having a blast doing it and it’s great therapy plus I get to work on my schedule. 

[MendellLeatherOK]

I grew up riding and working with horses and I got tired of either sending gear off when it would break or dealing with poorly made stuff to begin with.So around the age of 18, I acquired a few tools from my grandpa (who did leatherwork while in the Navy in the 60's) and started tinkering. I was absolutely hooked! I now make anything from tack to belts, portfolios, fire gear and the list goes on. Working on a portfoilo now to send to Canada which is my first international order, as well as, partnering with a lady who beads belt strips. Its such a fun ride and I love meeting new people who either ask about my work or who are fellow leatherworkers.