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I just got back on here and I decided I introduce myself and show you what I'm doing. I've been doing leather work, mainly decorating, but I have made bags, wallets, book covers and a few other things that require stitching. Mainly I do coasters, hair thingies and book covers. Following will be some examples, but if you want to see more ask or check out http://ohoyoleathersmiths.com
Great work! I love leather things. Especially "baby butt soft" leather purses. How do you get the impressions into the leather and make them look so good?
First you pick a design. Then you put the design onto the leather, there are several ways to do this. The cheapest and easiest is to put a printed copy of the design face up over the leather you want it on and trace with a stylus. If you need to, go over the design with a stylus so you can easily see the design. Cut the design into the leather. Here's the step I think you're actually asking about and it the hardest to answer. See picture. We use stamp-craftools to do most of the leather carving. You either pound an impression in by hitting it straight up and down with a small hammer or press it in by hand, depending on the depth you want, or you turn them at a slight angle and "walk" them by repeatedly hitting them in the direction you want to go. There are thousands of stamp tools out there, for different effects, pictures, etc. The other thing we commonly use is a modeling spoon. For instance, on the Greenman book cover, all of the non-line impressions were made with a modeling spoon. I've since then learned that except for in small areas or for certain effects the official way to do something like that is to use a matting beveler, but I figure if it works... After you gat the design carved the way you want, you do any dyeing or painting. Then you seal it with a finish. The leather work is done.
Wonderful explanation! Thank you so much! I've seen tools like you have above in Michaels, which is about the only place to get Tandy "stuff" anymore. I've never tried doing anything like what you've described, but would love to try it. Thanks for the detailed instructions. I'm sure someone else might have wondered as well. You really do beautiful work. The details are incredible!
If you seriously want to try it I'll need to better explain some of the steps. I condensed it for an overview. There is a Tandy Leather store in Amarillo. I don't know Texas well enough to know how far from you that is. Also, you can do mail order.
We have to drive up to Tacoma, about 40 min. to an hour each way depending on traffic, to go to a Tandy Store.
I will have to find a good piece of leather to work on. When I do, I will look you up and get more specific instructions. Too many other irons int he fire at the moment to work on something like this. Thank you for your willingness. I will be watching to see more of your beautiful work.
