AlexOstacchini Report post Posted May 17, 2020 (edited) Hi all Have spent most of quarantine making non leather stuff but have tried in the evenings now and then to keep up practice, so here is a batch of tooled coasters. These are all just a single square of 3.5mm veg tan, so a good way to use up thicker offcuts. I wanted to have them backed and with a stitched border but as I do not have a sewing machine this would simply take too long and the extra time and material would have made the prices a bit ludicrous for coasters I think. I hope you like them anyway, it was a good exercice in consistant batch production as far as tooling goes. I have posted these in a few craft groups I am in on facebook and someone brought up finish for coasters. My go to standard is two layers of tan kote for tooled stuff, so I just did the same for these without thinking about it and am pretty sure all will be fine, But does anyone have any thoughts/advice on this? Would perhaps a spray of lacquer be better? Always a bit hesitant with finishes on tooling as it is very easy to clog up the recesses and make a mess. I have never had problems with tan kote but happy to learn something new if anyone has experince with coaster finishes. Cheers Alex Edited May 17, 2020 by AlexOstacchini Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSes Report post Posted May 17, 2020 They look great. Excellent job. I especially like the colors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MnMan Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Great looking coaster sets. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Colors are awesome. As far as finishes, I have topped tankote with 50/50 resolene with decent success, and it would help with the water resistance. I have several leather coasters that see daily use, and today one got soaked in cranberry juice, then dunked in the sink and came out soaking wet. This evening, thankfully, all seems well with it, despite being soggy enough to wet mold around my thumb. YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bawarrior Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Very nicely done I would use a beeswax or mink oil for waterproofing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retswerb Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Those are gorgeous. Your decorative cuts are excellent and the coloring is beautiful. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AzShooter Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Those are wonderful. Color looks great and tooling is very well done. I like your presentation and the boxes you put them in. I'm sure they will sell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlexOstacchini Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Thanks for the comments all, very nice to read. 11 hours ago, YinTx said: As far as finishes, I have topped tankote with 50/50 resolene with decent success, and it would help with the water resistance. 9 hours ago, Bawarrior said: Very nicely done I would use a beeswax or mink oil for waterproofing Thanks for these suggestions- I have never used mink oil before but have both resolene and beeswax in my big box of bottles so will give these a try. Your anecdote has given me some confidence Yintx, how is the poor coaster looking today? Cheers Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoutmom103 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Love the coasters. Nice colors, and design. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted May 18, 2020 2 hours ago, AlexOstacchini said: Yintx, how is the poor coaster looking today? Seems to be no worse for the wear! Surprised the heck out of me. I think I tooled 3 oz leather, which soaked through pretty thoroughly when it got wet. And I must say I like the beeswax/mink oil idea. My coasters have been in daily use for over a year, I'm sure some of the finishes have worn off, and I did not put anything on the backsides, which I imagine would help as well. YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CWLeathercraft Report post Posted May 20, 2020 Wow!! Those are amazing!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites