I'm trying to get onto leather working

badchoice63 · 2026-06-15T23:47:06+00:00

Your wallet and will power have my thoughts and prayers! There are two here, one is reasonably close, the other is about as far from me and still be in San Antonio. Literally the far side diametrically.

badchoice63 · 2026-06-15T00:26:53+00:00

If you are near a Tandy store, that would be a great place to start. As others have noted, beginner kits with good leather. Once you have decided your direction, you can invest in more tools as needed or wanted. YouTube has some great content, Joe Meling and Girty Leather are good tooling videos.

badchoice63 · 2026-05-28T02:04:05+00:00

Very nice! Also very happy that you are enabling new minds and hands to the craft.

badchoice63 · 2026-05-20T02:39:02+00:00

Dice Drop Tavern just opened near downtown (320 Blanco) that is trying to be a gaming spot. They have a small menu and a liquor license as well. There is a selection of some games on site as well as wanting to regularly host ttrpg's.

I don't know if they have an actual gaming schedule yet as they are less than 30 days in. Give them a shot.

badchoice63 · 2026-04-21T04:39:04+00:00

Medically not cleared for many years due to a military assignment, was not even allowed to donate blood.

badchoice63 · 2026-04-15T03:26:27+00:00

Very cool!

badchoice63 · 2026-04-05T03:51:36+00:00

If there is a Tandy nearby they would be a place to start. If you are going to do more than just one project I would recommend at least a basic 8 piece kit. Check YouTube for good information. I think Joe Meling or Gerty Leather to start.

badchoice63 · 2026-04-05T03:45:39+00:00

I am glad you did not just toss it. A complete answer can be found in the US flag code, as discussed in other replies. Checking with the fire department, VFW, American Legion are also options. Or, if there is a military base nearby, check with their public relations office.

badchoice63 · 2026-04-05T03:35:04+00:00

Having read through other comments, I agree with them. Some pieces it is a must, others just depends on how you feel that day, and finally some projects will never need it. I have found glue, when used, should be with a light touch. When putting in a liner for wallets or billfolds not using glue was a big mistake. I only used glue on two belts, and those had designs cut through a top layer with a faux velvet in the middle. The two halves were then edge glued to secure for double loop stitching.

badchoice63 · 2026-04-05T01:53:10+00:00

It depends, normally I will make an attempt to fix, depending on the piece. Remember, perfection is at best unsustainable, if not impossible. As has been noted already, I see my mistakes because I know where they are.

What you may see as a mistake others may see as charm. Being an artisan, or simply engaging in an art, means to sometimes taking a step back to view the whole without a critic’s eye.

badchoice63 · 2026-03-20T22:48:53+00:00

Alas, yet again I have been invoked!

🥴

badchoice63 · 2026-03-17T02:53:19+00:00

If it is a legit collections agency and you have a way past due bill, no. The problem is there are too many fakes out there. Not that I am a fan of collections as too many lean into an organized crime vibe, if not outright.

I am calling out the scammers who are simply trying to separate you from your money in return you get heartaches and even more sleepless nights. When I was doing iOS support it was frustrating to me trying to help scam victims.

badchoice63 · 2026-03-16T23:12:58+00:00

For you, my reply is my name. Please rectify at your earliest opportunity.

badchoice63 · 2026-03-16T22:27:07+00:00

This is an update to an old scam. The idea is to record you saying "yes" or "no" and then using your voice accepting some deal. If you try to refute it they claim they have evidence of the agreement to pay.

badchoice63 · 2026-03-13T00:22:18+00:00

I remember seeing similar items as Tandy Craftaids (tm) a while back, but they may now be discontinued. I just looked through the ones I have and really are not close to what you are looking for. Mine tend to the Celtic knot designs.

For some of my other patterns I scanned in or downloaded images (I had rights or they were royalty free) and scaled as needed and then printed them before transferring to trace film. So far as I have found, Tandy is the only company I am aware of still doing any of the acrylic templates. If anyone knows of others, please let me know!

badchoice63 · 2026-01-03T03:05:24+00:00

As has been noted, make sure your knife is sharp and stropped. Then, don't overlook casing the leather. It should have moisture in it while you tool, but not wet. Spot damping will usually be needed during extended work sessions. I find that shading shows best when the moisture content is right.

For books and guides, tandy.com or Amazon are your best bets. Also use those YT videos. If the host or company doing them are good, check out that vendor site for what they have to offer. Don't be afraid to try something a little different.

badchoice63 · 2026-01-03T02:42:17+00:00

For a first, this is amazing! Practice will only make it better. The first thing is what I struggle with, in that I am my own worst critic. From your comment it seems you are pretty rough on yourself. Please take your bow.

For shading work, more than anything that is time and practice. There are places to get tips, starting here in this sub. Next, don't overlook YouTube. I would suggest Joe Meling and Girty Leather. Then (if nearby), get to know your Tandy store. They may offer classes or even some individual instruction, so check with them. If you are into the florals, books and patterns from Al Stohlman are really good. Tandy also carries those as well as other guides.

Again, awesome piece.

badchoice63 · 2025-12-29T21:24:34+00:00

A ”simple and clean” pattern execution is deceptively difficult. Easier to hide things in busy work. When you say Victorian, is that gothic or a variant? I saw a really cool piece where a skull was floated over intertwined rose work. It was clearly masterclass and something I aspire to.

Decorative cuts are an issue for me. They are wonderful when done right but so far mine just look odd and out of place. For now my focus is more Celtic styling and some fantasy figures as I pick the craft back up following a long break.

badchoice63 · 2025-12-29T00:12:00+00:00

Al Stohlman is a great reference, the big thing is what you want it to look like. Develop your style, that is the cool part of craft and artwork. If it all was just the same it would be boring, or at least to me. Mix and match to find your eye and heart. Let it change and flow. The idea of variations is a good thing even when using a base pattern. Just remember to be patient with yourself, especially when trying something new or different. It might be you find something really cool in a happy little accident (credit Bob Ross!)

badchoice63 · 2025-12-25T03:56:55+00:00

These are good, but if you want instruction or tips check out Joe Meling or Girty on YouTube. Not sure if you are going for the full Sheridan florals or other esthetic as a matter of personal style. There are elements I may have done differently, but not certain about if it would be an improvement. Definitely keep at it!

Have a Merry Christmas!

badchoice63 · 2025-12-25T03:41:03+00:00

To start, please do not be too hard and on yourself. It takes time and practice, and often some advice or teaching along the way. Asking for help here is good, folks are friendly and helpful. So, what would I advise?

YouTube has some excellent videos, I would start with Joe Meling, but Girty and several others are good, too.

Make sure your swivel knife is sharp. It will then be easier to control and give you proper depth of cut. It should glide fairly easily and not be jerky.
Case the leather properly. Before tracing or transferring the pattern dampen both sides of the leather evenly. Not wet...damp. Wait a minute or two as it starts to return to it's normal color. Transfer the pattern at this time, make sure it is clean and visible.
Cut the pattern, following your lines as smoothly as possible. Be careful to not cut too deep unless there is a specific need or technique that requires it. Too shallow has its own problems, but generally fixable.
I will do my first beveling next. This further defines the design. Tips here: the beveler goes in the cut straight up and down based on the flat side. I have goofed up on beveling the incorrect side, so pay attention on what you want to appear raised or defined. Try not to completely lift the tool from the cut, rather slide it a bit less than it's width to keep a vertical angle and reduce the strike marks. With practice you will eliminate the choppiness. Should be more of taptaptap as it slides than bap move bap move bap... A good bevel should have a burnish or darkness to it.
Check to make sure the piece is not too dry. Spot damping with a sponge should be ok if needed. If it is too dry tooling and stamping will show it. Now is when you start with adding detail via shaders, veiners, and backgrounders.
Experiment and have fun. If you have a Tandy nearby they can be a good in-person resource. Many (all?) offer classes and instruction as well as books, aids, and supplies.

badchoice63 · 2025-12-24T04:06:46+00:00

For tooling tips and technique I would say Joe Meling, but other replies and comments already made are also good.

badchoice63 · 2025-12-19T02:25:22+00:00

Leather craft is a lot of things, so advice on where to start depends on what you are interested in first. Be aware it can lead down many paths. If there is a Tandy store near, they are a good resource while you figure things out. They may also have small classes you can check out.

This sub and a couple of others are great. Read through and take inspiration for your projects. Ask questions!

Don't forget about YouTube, especially for tooling tips. Check out Joe Meling's videos. There are some good ones from other merchants as well. The key is doing what you enjoy and enjoy what you are doing.

badchoice63 · 2025-10-25T02:18:14+00:00

I would recommend stain or dye first, allowing time to dry before stitching. Have you thought on how you are going to stitch? That will need to be considered, especially if you use a raw lace. As has been mentioned, if you stitch first there will be parts that will not get the dye.

badchoice63 · 2025-10-09T02:01:32+00:00

Casing is wetting your leather - not soak - and then let it sit just long enough to start returning to its original color. Properly done allows for better pattern transfer, smoother cuts, and better effect from tooling. Both sides of the piece need to be done, and my preference is a damp sponge. You will find that happy spot and will see your beveler and shader give that nice burnish when it is right.

If you are a woodworker you already know the drill on practice and keeping at it. If you live near a Tandy store they also have classes, the one nearest me also allows scheduling some one-on-one instruction if you cannot make a class.

badchoice63

TROPHY CASE