getting started

[Sjm1027]

All,

I am new to this craft and have really never done much at all with leather. I want to get started and would like some opinions on how to start. I am learning a lot from this web site and would like to purchase a book too. Any ideas on how I can get started or I should say the best way to get started?

Rhanks for all your help

Steve

[Regis]

Welcome Steve.

If you don't yet know what leather work you want to try, then look over the teaser or showoff sections here at Leatherworker.net. You can get starter kits from Tandy and both Tandy & Hidecrafters have a lot of books. Hidecrafters have a lot of videos also.

[Johanna]

Teasers and other stuff on http://leatherworker.net

Glad to have you here!

Johanna

[abn]

Welcome, Steve!

Lots of beginners like the starter tool sets from Tandy which provide a good mallet, some stamps, punches and other basic tools you'll need. You might consider investing in one. Also, you probably already have an idea of what you might like to make -- whether it's a wallet or a knife sheath or something else. If a Tandy kit exists, you may want to buy the kit to get a general idea of how construction goes. As you mention, books and videos never hurt, and neither does asking questions here on Leatherworker.net.

Good luck! -Alex

[Sjm1027]

Thank you all,

I just found out I have a Tandy Leather Factory in the same town I work. Looks like I will be making a road trip real soon. I will also check out the kits.

Thanks

Steve

Edited August 20, 2007 by Sjm1027

[electrathon]

Any ideas on how I can get started or I should say the best way to get started?

The best thing I did to learn in the beginning (I am still a beginner) was to do the same pattern over and over a few times. I did the little rounder pattern (it is in some of the books you will find at Tandy). You will look back at the progression and it is amazing how fast you will learn. I had tools but a starter kit is a good way to get going. One thing that can not be stressed enough is keep stroping your swivel knife. You will not be doing it too often.

Aaron

[The Major]

Welcome Steve.

I have attached a pdf I use when teaching the scouts about carving. It is basic. But it gives you a starting point. Hope it helps.

Basic_Carving.pdf

Basic_Carving.pdf

[Sjm1027]

Thanks very much for the PDF. Yes I am sure it will help a lot. I will be heading to Tandy this weekend and pick me up some scrap leather and a few tools and just dig in. I am sure I will find a book that will also help out when I get there.

Thanks to everyone for there help.

Steve

Welcome Steve.

I have attached a pdf I use when teaching the scouts about carving. It is basic. But it gives you a starting point. Hope it helps.

[JohnK]

Steve,

Join a Leather Guild if you are close to one. If you need to know where they re located and contacts just ask and you shall receive. Let me know your location and we'll try to find someone to be a mentor. Videos are also good. Several are available through Hide Crafter Leather Co. in Fort Worth.

Leather Guilds ~~ Johanna

[Sjm1027]

Nope, none in Massachusetts... Oh well I was just lucky there is a tandy not to far from my work.

Thanks

Steve,

Join a Leather Guild if you are close to one. If you need to know where they re located and contacts just ask and you shall receive. Let me know your location and we'll try to find someone to be a mentor. Videos are also good. Several are available through Hide Crafter Leather Co. in Fort Worth.

Leather Guilds ~~ Johanna

[Beaverslayer]

Welcome Steve,

Good to have you here. As to wondering what it is you want ot do with leather, as the others have said...just look at everyone elses work and go from there.

I got started by wanting to make a leather hat, and from there I went nuts, and now I make pretty much everything. The person i learned from didn't mind me sitting and watching for hours on end while they worked. I would ask questions, and he would answer and show me what he meant. It took some time (close to a year of watching) before I jumped in. Now he calls and has me do a lot of his work for him, and he now calls me "Master".

LOL

Ken