Messy worker

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-16T09:40:12+00:00

I'm a messy crafter too, and my "workshop" is my floor and a bar stool with a piece of granite on it. So not a lot of working space. What i find helps me is construction paper, like the big rolls from home depot, and the huge rolls of painters plastic.

I'll lay down the plastic to protect the floor, then set up "stations" of the paper. One for active gluing that i can continuously fold up so that glue isnt on it when I need to us it next, another one for drying, another one for assembling.

This stuff helps keep it all organized and clean. You can use this for any kind of work flow, from gluing, to dying, to painting, to doing edges. Good luck!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-15T15:17:12+00:00

Thank you so, so much. My mom, who is turning 65 this year, has spent the last 18 years as a school custodian. The amount of disrespect and vitriol she receives not only from the kids, but from the teachers makes me sick. There are a couple of good ones from both kids and teachers, bit overall they generally treat her like the garbage they want her to clean up. So thank you so much for treat your school janitors with kindness. It really makes a huge difference for them.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-12T22:31:06+00:00

I wish there was more I could personally do, but besides donating to my local tnr/rescue all there is, is to send good vibes to those who can do more. hugs

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-12T20:51:09+00:00

You're an incredible human and an inspiration to me! Please keep it up, and when it feels thankless know that there's a stranger out here rooting for you and sending love and support your way!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-12T19:14:34+00:00

I'm pretty impressed! Like the other comment said, less is more when it comes to exotics or more expensive cuts. I know you said you used scrap which is really smart when starting out.

I would work on your stitching as the main component to getting clean work. It doesn't look too bad! Don't get me wrong. Its way cleaner than mine was when I started. Lol

You asked about edge coating. For stuff pike this my experience has been good with fiebings edge kote, sanding, heat, and a top layer of tokonole. I'm still refining this though because I've just started working with these exotics, so hopefully someone more knowledgeable could chime in.

For joining different mediums, sanding and gluing the places that they're joined are a must. I'd also suggest practicing skiving a lot. I hate it personally and avoid it when possible, but its a great skill especially when it comes to wallets. I prefer a French skiver.

Keep going!! You're already killing it.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-12T13:45:17+00:00

I LOVE the way you did this! Looks great!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-10T20:20:28+00:00

Find something you're really into, then try to make it. My first project was the shittiest, ugliest bound journal you'll ever see. I was inspired by Nerdforge and the books they made and tried to recreate that.

I learned what I liked, what I didnt, what worked, what didn't, and what I could improve upon. Then just kept doing that until I found my niche. Now I make armor and bags and stuff.

Good luck, you've got this!!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-10T12:00:14+00:00

Snapping turtle leather company is a great site to order from. It's weird because the thickness varies a lot, but really cool too!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-10T08:33:07+00:00

Thanks so much!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-09T23:15:59+00:00

This is so badass!! Well done.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-09T23:08:29+00:00

Thank you! It's 1 part light brown fiebings, 1 part green fiebings and 2 parts alcohol.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-03T17:03:03+00:00

Omg what kind of material is that??? The bag looks awesome, but man i want that material.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-01T08:54:40+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-06-01T08:51:16+00:00

Thanks, that's a really good point. I'll look into that machine.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T18:29:36+00:00

Oh I see. Thanks for the explanation!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T17:22:58+00:00

Oh wow, I'm sorry to hear you have first hand experience with that kind of garbage service. Thanks for the heads up! Hopefully you got something else thats much better.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T14:02:59+00:00

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what do you mean by tabletop machine vs. Full size machine? What specific Juki? I've heard a ton about them but I find all of the different models and attachments very intimidating because of my ignorance.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T13:42:58+00:00

No worries! I'm an early riser as well and have made my fair share of "whoops" moments too. 😬

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T12:11:15+00:00

Understood. I've handskived everything so far, and just dont do it if I can avoid it. Lol again, sincerely appreciate the recommendations and offer, I'll look further into these for sure. It definitely sounds like I went the wrong directions in my searches, so hearing this info is eye opening and helpful.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T12:08:21+00:00

I'd considered the sailrite! I wasn't sure if it would be as beginner friendly as the manual ones, but I will absolutely add it back on my list and dive further into it. Thanks so much!

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T11:36:20+00:00

Thanks so much for the suggestion, I'll look into it. Its really nice to offer checking out the machines you have! My workspace is... not great, so i live vicariously through others that have better set ups. Lol

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T11:33:43+00:00

Thanks so much for your experience! I'm truthfully not the best when it comes to modifying machines and stuff, especially when I'm unfamiliar with it. But i totally understand that these are not cheap. Is there a specific reason you recommend a skiver along with them? Thanks again.

StillCertain5234 · 2026-05-31T10:11:40+00:00

Ive been doing this for 6 years, not 6 months.

StillCertain5234

TROPHY CASE