Craft Works - Let's Get Creative!

Anesthetist

Really amazing work Chris!

Seul

Nice bootjob!..

Cutlasshound

Humbled! Such amazing skill old chap. Plus many thanks for the step by step breakdown of the process!

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pillowPANTS

@Seul:

Nice bootjob!..

Gotta make it sound dirty eh Seul [emoji23]

Chris

Thanks, guys. As I said, it's tough for me to adequately express how much I enjoyed the whole process, and I'm seriously exploring how to turn myself into a real bootmaker, not just a student bootmaker. So it will be a while before I'm taking orders (thanks for asking @tmg ), but when it happens, I'll be sure to share the news here.

And @seawolf, I'll be happy to share what I know about last making any time. We definitely need to get together and geek out on leather stuff and how to make it. It's been too long since we've hung out, anyway. New York City was, what, three years ago?

sabergirl

What a great experience, Chris. Beautiful work on the boots, too.

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seawolf

@Chris:

And @seawolf, I'll be happy to share what I know about last making any time. We definitely need to get together and geek out on leather stuff and how to make it. It's been too long since we've hung out, anyway. New York City was, what, three years ago?

How time flies!! With our powers combined we could open a custom leather shop and take over the world!! Or, just sell boots and wallets, and stuff. Actually, no bullshit, custom boots with matching belts would be great.

Either way, I'm so glad you've gotten into this! We definitely need to talk more about it over a beer sometime!!

Seul

Over a beer, you say…

4c

Awesome work @Chris ! Thanks for the great process pictures. The boots look wonderful. It would be great to buy custom boots from a forum member some years down the road. ZeeBee X Chris collaboration would very nice.

Andreas1965

Here's a wallet I made for myself. It is my very first attempt in leather working, I just ordered some (cheap) leather, basic tools and gave it a try.
Since I had so much fun making it I ordered a better set of leather working tools recently, and at the moment I'm making me a sewing spony from scrap wood I had in my basement. Soon I'll make another of these wallets, better leather, and hopefully bit cleaner edges etc. I will most likely invest in a belt sander for better edges, this time I used just a rasp from my toolbox.

This wallet is far from being perfect, but for a first attempt I think it's not too bad. At least the stitching came out pretty well (for my taste).

seawolf

@Andreas1965 That wallet is an unbelievable first attempt! I'd be embarrassed to show you my first project! No need to invest in a belt sander. Seriously.

A while back, I wrote a guide for beginner tool buying. Give it a read when you have a minute. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line.

Click below to read my guide "So you want to get into leatherworking…"
http://zeebeeleather.com/blog/

Andreas1965

@seawolf:

@Andreas1965 That wallet is an unbelievable first attempt! I'd be embarrassed to show you my first project! No need to invest in a belt sander. Seriously.

A while back, I wrote a guide for beginner tool buying. Give it a read when you have a minute. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line.

Click below to read my guide "So you want to get into leatherworking…"
http://zeebeeleather.com/blog/

Thank you very much @seawolf for your kind words! I really appreaciate this from an expert like you.

I actually have a question: is there a better way than just crossing your fingers and try to punch the holes through several layers of leather for sewing them together? I marked the holes from the wallet's outside and then punched through the 4 layers , but it was a big PITA to get them well aligned on the (visible) inside part.
I used a stitching groover on both the outside and inside, but some holes didn't come out right in the grovve when i punched through with my awl.

seawolf

You're very welcome @Andreas1965 and I'm no expert!

Firstly, Once you get your stitching pony finished, it'll get a little easier. You can get the area you're punching stabilized in the jaws of the pony, and slowly move your awl blade through the leather. You'll actually see it start to poke out, and if you're not happy with where the blade is landing, you can make small adjustments before finishing the hole, if that makes sense. This is easier to do with Chrome-tanned leather, but can still be accomplished with Veg-tan if you're careful. Having the piece in the jaws is great because you can move your awl with one hand, and put your other hand (carefully) behind the piece out of the way of the awl blade to add support. Eventually you'll be able to do this quickly without stabbing yourself (much)

But….Are you gluing your edges together? A little contact cement can go a long way with stabilizing the leather. Also, a really sharp awl blade is crucial. It's worth the $30 USD to pick one up of you haven't already. There's a link in my blog post and I wouldn't recommend looking anywhere else for a sharp blade. I've been using the same blade for 2 years and it's still as sharp as the day I got it. I haven't sharpened it at all.

Did that answer your question?

Andreas1965

@seawolf:

You're very welcome @Andreas1965 and I'm no expert!

Firstly, Once you get your stitching pony finished, it'll get a little easier. You can get the area you're punching stabilized in the jaws of the pony, and slowly move your awl blade through the leather. You'll actually see it start to poke out, and if you're not happy with where the blade is landing, you can make small adjustments before finishing the hole, if that makes sense. This is easier to do with Chrome-tanned leather, but can still be accomplished with Veg-tan if you're careful. Having the piece in the jaws is great because you can move your awl with one hand, and put your other hand (carefully) behind the piece out of the way of the awl blade to add support. Eventually you'll be able to do this quickly without stabbing yourself (much)

But….Are you gluing your edges together? A little contact cement can go a long way with stabilizing the leather. Also, a really sharp awl blade is crucial. It's worth the $30 USD to pick one up of you haven't already. There's a link in my blog post and I wouldn't recommend looking anywhere else for a sharp blade. I've been using the same blade for 2 years and it's still as sharp as the day I got it. I haven't sharpened it at all.

Did that answer your question?

Yes, I used leather glue. Thanks for the hint, I will try it out on my next project (cardholder for the GF).
Unfortunately I must get along with the tools I can order here in Germany, I don't think I can get such a great variety here like in the States. Biggest concern is getting nice leather, actually no Horween here…

Giles

I would not let the lack of Horween worry you. IMO, a lot if their leather is pretty average, they are a shambles to deal with and there is some really fantastic leather in Europe if you sniff around….

seawolf

@Andreas1965 I'm sure there's a German awl blade maker out there, but if not, please consider importing an American blade. Also, there are decent awls for sale here http://www.goodsjapan.com and they have free worldwide shipping.

Honestly, Horween is great, but they're not the only show in town. There are lots of great leather tanneries all around the world. It might take a little work to find one near you, but there are plenty in Europe.

For some really nice European leather tools, look for Vergez Blanchard. They're French and absolutely wonderful. I have a set of their pricking irons, and I love them.