kirbytorres Report post Posted June 5, 2019 (edited) Hello, I've recently started on this very satisfying hobby, and attached below, was my very first project I was too cheap to buy one so decided to make one using repurposed "leather", I had a key holder that I was not using. Someone gave me a metal card holder, so I used that Edited June 5, 2019 by kirbytorres Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kirbytorres Report post Posted June 5, 2019 This is what it looked inside Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kirbytorres Report post Posted June 5, 2019 My 2nd project - checkbook cover Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wizard of tragacanth Report post Posted June 5, 2019 Hey... keep going Kirby! Your stitches look pretty good on the checkbook cover. IMO, the corners are too square. Also, you may want to learn how to sand and burnish the edges. Burnishing the edges would definitely take this project up a notch. On your next project, consider burnishing the flesh side before assembling the pieces. It could be done on this project but not as easily. On this project, just round off the corners, sand and burnish the edges. Well, that's what I would do anyway. To round the corners, start by cutting off just the tip... one cut at a 45° angle. Don't take off too much, just a little, then round them with sandpaper, 120 grit or finer. nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roz0323 Report post Posted June 5, 2019 looks great! that check book cover has a great color to it especially with the white saddle stitch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted June 5, 2019 Keep it up Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kirbytorres Report post Posted June 5, 2019 4 hours ago, wizard of tragacanth said: Hey... keep going Kirby! Your stitches look pretty good on the checkbook cover. IMO, the corners are too square. Also, you may want to learn how to sand and burnish the edges. Burnishing the edges would definitely take this project up a notch. On your next project, consider burnishing the flesh side before assembling the pieces. It could be done on this project but not as easily. On this project, just round off the corners, sand and burnish the edges. Well, that's what I would do anyway. To round the corners, start by cutting off just the tip... one cut at a 45° angle. Don't take off too much, just a little, then round them with sandpaper, 120 grit or finer. nick Hello Nick I've read that oil-tanned leather cannot be burnished, but will try it here. Will try your suggestions on rounding out the edges and post the results here Thanks Kirby 2 hours ago, Roz0323 said: looks great! that check book cover has a great color to it especially with the white saddle stitch. Appreciate that, thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wizard of tragacanth Report post Posted June 6, 2019 7 hours ago, kirbytorres said: Hello Nick I've read that oil-tanned leather cannot be burnished, but will try it here. Will try your suggestions on rounding out the edges and post the results here Thanks Sorry Kirby, my mistake. I am a "beginner" myself. I thought that you were using veg tan for that project. I have only used veg tan, so you may be right! I should keep my big mouth shut! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rockoboy Report post Posted June 6, 2019 It does look pretty good. As for burnishing or finishing edges of oil tanned or chrome tanned leather ... I use edge paint. Apply the paint and let it dry, then sand it smooth and apply again. Keep applying and sanding with finer and finer sand paper until you get the finish you want. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kirbytorres Report post Posted June 8, 2019 Will try that edge paint thing, thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites