Craft Works - Let's Get Creative!
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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).
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@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 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. -
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?
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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… -
@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.
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–> http://www.sivletto.com/en/artiklar/lone-wolf-laderarbete.html
Thanks, looks promising.
I'm about to finish my next piece, the ultimate brick wallet. Will post pictures when ready. -
New wallet finished. This is my second attempt in leather work.
I think I'm getting better… but there's still a lot of room for improvement.
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Looks great old chap!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Thanks. Fingers are numb
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Thanks. I'm already drawing patterns for a new project.
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Soon to hopefully start up my own company, first batch of all leather bags made by myself from start to finish.
Can follow on instagram whilst working on website if theres any interest - https://instagram.com/bensleathergoods/
Any feedback appreciated!
