Members Wconn1979 Posted January 4, 2019 Members Report Posted January 4, 2019 I have been a lurker on the site for a few months, I have not started making any projects yet but am interested in making small things like wallets, knife sheaths and holsters. Quote
Members rleather Posted January 4, 2019 Members Report Posted January 4, 2019 Welcome ex-lurker from Lufkin! Once you get your first project under your belt I bet you will be hooked just like the fish in your photo. It is a very rewarding craft to take up. I have been hooked for 40 plus years. A shop teacher in middle school taught a segment of leatherworking. I am forever grateful for that learning experience. Little did I know off and on threw out my life I have been drawn to leather crafting. I hope it too becomes a rewarding hobby-business for you. Best of luck! Quote
Members Wconn1979 Posted January 5, 2019 Author Members Report Posted January 5, 2019 what would you all suggest for starter projects to learn the basics. I have a long leather wallet pattern from makers leather supply that I bought a while back because I wanted to make my own wallet but have not tried it yet. Quote
Members battlemunky Posted January 5, 2019 Members Report Posted January 5, 2019 You could jump in on a wallet but that is maybe a bit lofty for some first projects. Having the template is a huge advantage. Leather can be quirky so you may want to go ultra easy like some key chains or bookmarks and such so you can get used to cutting and edging, etc. Then work your way up to a sewn slip wallet or two (or10), then a long wallet. Sewing is usually a hurdle until you get a few hundred feet of thread through some holes. I've heard from a few folks on here to make 10 of something. I've done this myself. Then dive into something else. Also, YouTube is your friend! Quote
Members Rhale Posted January 5, 2019 Members Report Posted January 5, 2019 Welcome fellow Texan, enjoy your new adventure All it takes is time, money, patience and practice. Did I mention practice? Get some scraps and practice whatever you want to do to start with, like the long wallet. Then practice some more. Enjoy it it can be very relaxing and very frustrating. All folks here will help in any way.they can. Oh did I mention practice? Quote
Members rleather Posted January 5, 2019 Members Report Posted January 5, 2019 Battlemonkey is spot on, you don't want to take on a more advanced project out of the gate. It probably would be frustrating and could cause you to give up. Take it slow and be patient. Coasters(aka rounders), keychains, bookmarkers, stick style hair barrettes, etc. Let us know how it goes, we are rooting for you! Quote
Members VYO Posted January 5, 2019 Members Report Posted January 5, 2019 Agree with Battlemunky 100%. Start small and slow. Get a feel for everything you do with a smaller less complicated piece before jumping into something like a wallet. Quote CB 3200, Consew P1206RB, Craftool Pro burnisher, 3000mw desktop laser engraver, PointZero Dual Action Airbrush, Psuedo regad, HF 20 ton clicker, Silhouette Cameo and Cricut
Members JazzBass Posted January 6, 2019 Members Report Posted January 6, 2019 Welcome! My first project, a little over a year ago, was a belt, made from a pre-cut blank that had the buckle slot cut, and snaps already installed. Belts are great because they can be as plain as you want, or as fancy as you dare. In any case, you'll deal with cutting the tip and punching holes, Beveling and slicking edges, and finishing. It's all great practice for other projects. You'll also have something that you can wear every day - it's a great motivator for future projects. I find wallets to take a bit more "finesse" to get them to look good, and the construction/sewing can be a bit complicated, BUT- there's no reason not to make that kit. Sometimes the best project is the one in front of you. Lastly, try not to be overly critical of your work. When making something, we are always examining the fine detail of every millimeter, but the final product is always seen as a whole. ...and don't be afraid to post pics of your very first item - you're among friends, and all suggestions will be positive and encouraging. Quote Christopher J. Gordanhttps://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisGordan
Members TomWisc Posted January 6, 2019 Members Report Posted January 6, 2019 Lots of good advice here. I have been doing leather working for less than a year and although I wanted to start on a complicated project right out of the gate, I did a couple rounders and a coin purse first. It was a little frustrating doing easy projects but I learned a lot from them. Next I did a belt. No tooling, just a basic simple belt. I was so excited to have actually made something useful that I still wear that belt every day! I have made nicer belts since then but I proudly wear my first belt everyday! It reminds me of how I felt when it was done! Since then I have made a couple of archery arm guards, a few portfolios, and some tote bags. Now I am making my first wallet. It's like woodworking, probably better to make a cutting board before trying to make a china cabinet! Good luck to you and welcome to the wonderful world of leather! Quote
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