Introduction

[cem]

Hi everyone I'm Clair from Perth, Western Australia I'm just starting to learn leathercraft and I am glad I found this site as although there are a few leathercrafters around here they are spread out far and wide so it will be nice to talk to so many talented leathercrafters in one place.

Anyhow a bit about me I've come from a graphic design, illustration, 3D Computer Graphics background so I hope all this will help a bit in getting a hold on carving in leather. I was looking to start a new hobby something to get me away from the work side of using a computer all day long and leather carving seemed to be a perfect fit.

Something I can do inside my studio that doesn't take up too much room I can still design and I can actually hold the piece in my hands. Also because my sister used to do leathercarving many years ago and gave me all her tools which has meant quite a substantial saving for me as the only things I've had to buy is dye, thread a couple of tools and some more books which I probably don't need yet but I couldn't help myself (much to the relief of my husband who saw some of the prices of the tools here and remarked how lucky I was to be given them).

So far I'm really enjoying it I've only done some practice pieces at the moment but I hope to have something to show everyone soon, the only problem I've run into at the moment is the dreaded left handed problem with the stitching groover. But I read somewhere here that another left hander was using it backwards so I am doing the same and are slowly getting used to it.

Just one last thing if there are any other Australians around can I ask where you buy your leather as I am having trouble finding what I want, my sister gave me some scrap leather but I've just about used it all up and want to start on a proper project soon anyway.

Cheers,

Clair

[Beaverslayer]

Welcome to the forum Clair.

Australia is just booming with new leatherworkers lately. Well it's always good to have new people here.

You are lucky to have gotten the tools for free, as they can set you back quite a bit. Anyways, looking forward to seeing some of your work, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask, someone here has done it and knows the right way.

Ken

[TimberWolf]

Welcome aboard, Clair. Hope to see your projects posted soon!

Tim

[Regis]

Hello Clair,

It is nice to have you join. This is a great place to learn. For beginner or experienced there are friends and help here for all leatherworkers.

[The Major]

Welcome Aboard!

[Kanga]

Hi Claire! I'm a little bit to the right of you, across the Nullabor in Vic. I love playing about with kangaroo. Not sure who supplies the best carving leather. Hope you have fun here.

Linda

[cem]

Hi Linda yep I'm enjoying looking at everyones projects and the wealth of knowledge that is shared here, the graphic design work is taking up all my time at the moment. Luckily I'm due some holidays soon and will be taking a trip over to Tasmania and then Melbourne and will be popping into Leffler after a recommendation from Leatheroo. So I'm hoping to stock up on supplies while I'm over there and actually have something to show everyone by the end of the year.

Cheers,

Clair

[Mike Phelps]

http://www.pccord.com/guitar_straps_links.htm

Here is a link to a leatherworker in Australia I greatly admire Chantle Cordey. I think she is on the other side of the continent from you. But browse her site and give her a shout. She is usually answers emails rather promptly.