Need a little help to get started

[bermudahwin]

2 hours ago, SilverForgeStudio said:

But he is a rather respectful fellow with a bit of wit and knowledge to his postings- look him up as well

As Goofy would say... 'Oh, Gorsh' it is kind of you to say this, but as @Matt S said in a post the other day ' Blimey Harry, I don't know who you've got me confused with but I want to buy him a pint.'  but I am a different Harry to the one you quoted.

 

On 3/13/2019 at 1:37 PM, SilverForgeStudio said:

Start with something small- seriously... not kidding... make 10 of them, learn to cut, stitch and finish each one.

And this is great advice, see Bikermutt's references to making batches. See

You learn as you go along. You WILL make mistakes, but hey that's learning, and hopefully in a batch of 10 the last 7 are good enough to gift, sell whatever. The first 3 are hopefully good enough, but will be teaching yourself.

Someone asked to buy the first handbag I ever made, back in 1978 ish, a couple of months ago when I was at a show... I said 'no' but offered to make a new one, because I know it was nowhere near up to the standard I can make now. Its there to remind me what my work was like, and hey, someone thought it was good enough to pay for... who'da thunk it.

btw  You are SOOOO lucky to have access to so many folk, almost all better than me, and willing to share. I cannot begin to watch all of the videos (or even many of them) as I am a 'set in my ways' traditionalist for most of my work.

The one note of caution is that there are many many ways to do it right. Find your own way, dont try to be the expert on screen, as you may not be comfortable with his or her techniques. I am still learning from what I see online.

Best

H

[JLSleather]

18 hours ago, karlitob said:

I got started

Awesome.

18 hours ago, karlitob said:

made an awful looking leather money pouch

Even  better --- you gained some experience AND you honestly assessed the outcome. Both are important.

18 hours ago, karlitob said:

I made my own template

You planned --- BIG points here. Seeing where you want to go is BIG.

18 hours ago, karlitob said:

Ultimately I would love to make ....

And a desired outcome in mind.  You certainly are making progress already

 

[arashikage]

I think somebody already recommended but I would suggest a couple of Al Stohlman books from Tandy to start out with. They're not free but worth the money.

1. The Art of Hand Sewing Leather .    https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/the-art-of-hand-sewing-leather-book

2. The Art of Making Leather Cases .  https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/the-art-of-making-leather-cases

The first one is a great guide of the different stitches you can do by hand. I've had my copy for years and have read it multiple times. The second one is good for project ideas. Some of the projects are a little dated but there's plenty of small things to start off with.

Most importantly don't beat yourself up for not having a project come out the way you hoped. Think about how it went wrong and how you can fix it or make it better next time. Just starting out can be intimidating especially after seeing some of the amazing work on this site but remember that most have been doing it for years. These skills take time. Be patient and every little improvement is a step in the right direction. 

[SilverForgeStudio]

2 hours ago, hwinbermuda said:

but I am a different Harry to the one you quoted.

HA! not at all- I know you're not the Harry Rodgers on UTube... You are different another Harry indeed! 

Sorry to the OP if that was not clear- apologies! 

[Rockoboy]

One important point the nobody has made ... pics or it didn't happen! Don't be afraid to post your efforts. Mine are quite amateurish, but I still post them.

Posting pics is one of the best ways to get feedback on how to do things differently and/or better.

Above all else, the most important thing is "Enjoy what you do".

[bermudahwin]

39 minutes ago, Rockoboy said:

pics or it didn't happen!

Lost too much over the years to foreign rip offs, so dont post pics.

If I was hobbying or solely making one offs, maybe, but I need to get some money back before I am undercut by someone with no Health and Safety, Employee welfare, or Wage bill concerns.

My stuff is traditional, but its food in my belly.

Sorry Rockoboy, first time I've not seen eye to eye with you.

Best

Harry

[Rockoboy]

1 minute ago, hwinbermuda said:

but I need to get some money back before I am undercut by someone with no Health and Safety, Employee welfare, or Wage bill

I totally agree with you Harry. No apology required. If I was making original pieces for customers or developing concepts, I would be more careful.

My market is myself, family, friends, work colleagues etc so I have no need to worry.

[Grumpymann]

When I started out. I didn’t have a cent. So I made a drawing,expanded it, used a ruler and did a “measured” drawing. And cut. Now I put a different step in before I cut. I make a pattern make sure it all fits together THEN I cut leather. I have a few bucks now bet I still make my own patterns. Wallets, card wallets, purses, messenger bags, keychains, you name it. Try it, see what you did that you don’t like and try again. But what ever you do... have fun.

[Rockoboy]

17 hours ago, Grumpymann said:

I make a pattern make sure it all fits together THEN I cut leather.

This is pretty much all I do. I have found out a few home-truths ... the most important is ... some leather is thicker than cereal box cardboard, so allowing for the thickness is a MUST!

[Grumpymann]

4 hours ago, Rockoboy said:

This is pretty much all I do. I have found out a few home-truths ... the most important is ... some leather is thicker than cereal box cardboard, so allowing for the thickness is a MUST!

Still trying to get that one down. For now I just leave a little ... “slop space” and pray. With MOST of my stuff 1/4 inch is not too much to club into behaving. If you have a better option PLEASE share it!

Edited March 19, 2019 by Grumpymann
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