Bieke Report post Posted October 24, 2019 Hi there, Last year I got hired in a Waldorf highschool in Antwerp/Belgium to introduce leathercraft to young adults. A beautiful job and what they made was stunning. The only thing is that it is rather expensive for the school, since it's about 60 students/year making bags and wallets! I was wondering if anyone can tell me where I can find rather cheap vegetable tanned hides (1,00mm-3mm), maybe those that are not very wanted because of scars, discoloration and other marks? The more natural, the better, and mistakes are very welcome. Curious to hear from you! Bieke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sturme Report post Posted October 24, 2019 where are you located? you might try looking up some possible local tanneries to see if they can donate to the school system. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robs456 Report post Posted October 24, 2019 4 hours ago, Bieke said: I was wondering if anyone can tell me where I can find rather cheap vegetable tanned hides (1,00mm-3mm), maybe those that are not very wanted because of scars, discoloration and other marks? Any Tandy... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted October 25, 2019 (edited) Contact both tanneries and leather/hide suppliers. Ask them if they have any damaged, second grade, or surplus/clearance hides Bellies and splits are the cheapest types of leather. They are not good enough for top quality items, but they are good enough for learning, and for making small items Ask for a discount on large orders. Find out if you can set up a regular purchase order from your suppliers. Not just leather either. Suppliers should be able to give you a discount for large orders of any other things too, like tools, thread, dyes and so on Contact the makers of finished leather goods. They might let you have their scraps and offcuts I've just Searched Google for 'leather tanners belgium' and 'leather hide suppliers belgium' There are several references in Belgium and The Netherlands Edited October 25, 2019 by zuludog Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisash Report post Posted October 25, 2019 J Wood in england do a economical veg tan that might fit, last time i had a price list about £2.60 ft probably get cheaper for large orders Email: product.info@jwoodleathers.co.uk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bieke Report post Posted October 25, 2019 14 hours ago, Sturme said: where are you located? you might try looking up some possible local tanneries to see if they can donate to the school system. in Belgium, Antwerp. Good idea, I will! 2 hours ago, chrisash said: J Wood in england do a economical veg tan that might fit, last time i had a price list about £2.60 ft probably get cheaper for large orders Email: product.info@jwoodleathers.co.uk Thank you! I do know some tanneries in Belgium, but its always nice to get names of others. Its not easy to find exactly what you need, if you can't see or feel it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bieke Report post Posted October 25, 2019 4 hours ago, zuludog said: Contact both tanneries and leather/hide suppliers. Ask them if they have any damaged, second grade, or surplus/clearance hides Bellies and splits are the cheapest types of leather. They are not good enough for top quality items, but they are good enough for learning, and for making small items Ask for a discount on large orders. Find out if you can set up a regular purchase order from your suppliers. Not just leather either. Suppliers should be able to give you a discount for large orders of any other things too, like tools, thread, dyes and so on Contact the makers of finished leather goods. They might let you have their scraps and offcuts I've just Searched Google for 'leather tanners belgium' and 'leather hide suppliers belgium' There are several references in Belgium and The Netherlands Thank you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted October 25, 2019 Le Prevo in Newcastle, England has what you need and will send to you as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisash Report post Posted October 25, 2019 (edited) I also used to get the free chrome leather off cuts from a Car seat maker in the uk, often pieces would be about 3-4 Sq Feet or larger, so if you have any car seat or other upholstery companies near you they could be worth a try, probably more things you can make with chrome leather than veg tan Edited October 25, 2019 by chrisash Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bieke Report post Posted October 28, 2019 On 10/25/2019 at 3:40 PM, fredk said: Le Prevo in Newcastle, England has what you need and will send to you as well. Thank you very much. I can find tanneries online, but you never know what they produce until you visit them or until someone tells you about it. This is helpful! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bieke Report post Posted October 28, 2019 On 10/25/2019 at 5:29 PM, chrisash said: I also used to get the free chrome leather off cuts from a Car seat maker in the uk, often pieces would be about 3-4 Sq Feet or larger, so if you have any car seat or other upholstery companies near you they could be worth a try, probably more things you can make with chrome leather than veg tan Thank you. We work by hand, hand-sewing, no machines, and I really appreciate the quality of veg tanned leather... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisash Report post Posted October 29, 2019 11 hours ago, Bieke said: Thank you very much. I can find tanneries online, but you never know what they produce until you visit them or until someone tells you about it. This is helpful! All leather suppliers will send out samples, some for free others a small postage fee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
