Setting Odd Shaped Spots

[aiglazar]

Hello,

I am brand new to leatherwork and am interested in making dog collars with ornamentation. I understand how to set rivets and round spots, but how do you set odd shaped spots? Things like oval, triangle, star, etc. I am hoping I don't have to buy a ton of tools at first to see if this hobby takes off.

Also, any recommendations for purchasing decorative rivets and spots are appreciated!

Thanks!
Amanda

[fredk]

If they are rivet-on, use a thick piece of neoprene rubber under the face and hammer the rivet head on carefully

[aiglazar]

They are not rivets. They have prongs, between 2 and 4 prongs per spot.

[fredk]

Have you got a sewing awl? the type with the flattish diamond shaped blade? Use that to pierce the leather, push the prongs thru and fold them over. Use something like a flat blade screwdriver to fold the prongs over and push their points into the leather a wee bit. If you don't have the awl, sharpen a small flat blade screwdriver. To find where the prongs need to go, lightly press the ornament to the leather in the place you want it, the prongs will mark the leather. Usually you fold the prongs towards each other, then glue a small circle of very thin leather over them. Work with the ornament on the neoprene rubber I suggested before. The rubber will protect it.

You can buy a special chisel which has moveable prongs for doing these. I have one but rarely use it.

You don't say where you are. It would be good to add your location into your profile then we can suggest things suitable for where you are. I've bought these ornaments by the 100s direct from China. They cost about £2 for 50

[Alexis1234]

I use a single prong lacing chisel to make the holes and then use a screwdriver to fold the prongs over. A tap with a rubber faced mallet finishes it. I should add, I use dividers to mark out the spacing