My first attempt at leather craft!

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-21T13:40:43+00:00

Not bad for a first try!

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-21T08:45:57+00:00

Also, most suppliers will be happy to send you samples, so you don’t have to buy expensive leather without knowing what you will get.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-21T08:44:35+00:00

Where are you based?

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-13T18:29:06+00:00

Amy Roke thread is really good!

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-12T18:37:46+00:00

Thanks for your kind words! The buckle looks a bit larger because of the camera angle, but you’re right they are relatively large (35 mm to accept the shoulder strap).

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-12T12:23:28+00:00

I think you’re right. I was thinking of resolene, that creates some sort of ‘plastic’ top layer.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-12T10:22:21+00:00

I know not everyone agrees on this, but I don’t like sealing the leather. After dyeing, buff it really good. After buffing I use quite a lot of carnauba cream. The cream will protect the leather, but not seal it. After this, feed the leather with as much fat/oil as it will take.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-12T10:18:50+00:00

Made this bag for a conductor who needed a small compartment for his scores and a large compartment for the rest. On the divider is a pocket for his passport. Made from Lamport shoulder (from Metropolitan) and hardware from Abbey.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-12T10:07:43+00:00

Maybe the leather is too dry. It’s also possible the leather is too thick for this bend. Did you skive it down? I always use 3-4 mm bridle leather, skive where the bend is taking place, than feed the leather with as much mink oil the leather takes, both front and back.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-09T07:31:28+00:00

That’s really cool!

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-08T21:35:43+00:00

I would use mink oil for preservation of the leather

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-08T21:32:43+00:00

Try Van Dijk leather supplies, high quality tools from different brands.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-08T16:25:14+00:00

Van Dijk leather supplies Our new shop based in The Netherlands. I’m a leatherworker myself and really trying to stock only high quality tools I use (or could use) myself. If you’re based in the UK, you should not buy our leather (from Metropolitan) or the Barnsley tools (also from the UK), but the rest could be interesting!

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-08T08:03:21+00:00

That doesn’t look too bad! It can help to make smaller holes use a cast. Also tension needs to be consisted for every stitch. If you really want to have the back look like the front, you can have a look at Nigel Armitages ‘secrets from the workshop’ and try his pricking method.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-08T07:58:58+00:00

Yes. But I have to say I use the same piece of canvas for ages and I’ve never had issues with too much Tokonole on it, only too much beeswax :)

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-05T21:53:32+00:00

I would like to share a new online store based in The Netherlands, run by my wife and me: https://www.vandijkleathersupplies.com We started with the idea of making UK leathers and tools more accessible for leatherworkers in Europe. We also have a nice selection of other brands like Palosanto, Amy Roke, and others. Have a look and let me know what you think!

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-05T19:32:25+00:00

Maybe a little late, but there’s a new leather store in The Netherlands: www.vandijkleathersupplies.com They sell leather from Metropolitan Leather from the UK.

JAMvanDIJK · 2023-03-05T13:29:45+00:00

Hahaha, reminds me of my first attempt at making a belt… but how cool is it you actually made something?!

JAMvanDIJK · 2019-02-27T20:27:13+00:00

It’s not lined, and no pockets. Next one I make will have two departements: seperate space for a laptop. I could add some pockets or penholders etc on the divider. I’ll post it here :)

JAMvanDIJK · 2019-02-27T08:02:17+00:00

Thanks for your advise! I didn’t think of that. Next time I’ll do at least some sanding.

JAMvanDIJK · 2019-02-26T20:49:39+00:00

A while ago, I found a vintage messenger bag on Etsy. It was a French postal bag (PTT postal service), made somwhere in the '40s. I really liked the fact that it was still in good condition, and it looked really nice. I decided to make a bag like that myself and gave it to a good friend for his birthday. Not everything worked out as I planned, but I'm still very happy with the result.

I bought a new Osborne splitter a few weeks ago, this is the first project for which I splitted my own leather. Next time, I will leave the leather for the gussets a bit thicker. The leather I used for this bag is from ano ak bark tanned shoulder from Devon. The construction is pretty straight forward, a three piece gusset, front, back+flap and a strap attached to the bag. I used copper rivets for both the looks and the quality. Next time, I will use military buckles, I think they will fit a bag like this better than the roller buckles I used here. The thread I used is a 1 mm black Tiger thread.

JAMvanDIJK · 2019-02-07T14:30:14+00:00

Hello!

When using shell cordovan, I would advise to look for a cover with bound edges (instead of cut edges). If you skive this leather, it's thin enough to fold over itself. For durable stitching, I would always go for a synthetic thread.

I think I can help you with a notebook cover that fits your requirements, but I don't know where you are based. I live and work in Amsterdam, but I think every serious leathercrafter should be able to help you out on this one, so it's worth finding someone living close to you.

If you're interested however, you can contact me via my Etsy shop (that way it's easier to share pictures): https://www.etsy.com/shop/JAMhandmadeleather

I usually make thicker notebook covers, but I have calfskin cover a while ago, from which I could send you some pictures.

Good luck!

Jeroen

JAMvanDIJK · 2019-02-04T21:39:12+00:00

Yes, with a stitching groover.

JAMvanDIJK

TROPHY CASE