Leather Work Tips
For leather work, consider the basics: an awl and spare point,
a retractable X-acto knife and spare blades, a retractable knife with a break-off blade and a rotary punch. In addition, you'll need needles, a lump of beeswax and some waxed linen thread.
As well, a pair of pliers to pull the needle through the leather is a must, and scissors you can use for cutting the
leather. Then there are edge slickers and bevellers that are used to finish the edges, drive punches for bigger holes and thong
cutters for making laces. A T-square, compass and yardstick are essential to ensure that your leather work is measured accurately.
If you're just starting out with leather work, you might not want to spend a lot of money on tools. Once you've worked with
the basic set and completed a few projects, you'll have a better idea of what tools work best and what you use most. At that
point, a little research and some comparative shopping can lead you to acquiring some better quality tools that will enhance your leather work.
Of course, even the most expensive tools won't help if you haven't taken the time to develop and perfect your craft. If you
do your very best with what you have, it doesn't matter if you can't afford the most expensive awl or the latest knife. Quality will show anyway.
Tips and Tricks:
* Start with a basic tool set.
* Buy better quality tools once you've completed some projects and have a better idea of what will enhance the quality of your leather work.
* Study the various types of leather before starting.
Tooling Leather
There are many different types of leather available, some better than others, depending upon the project you have in mind.
Vegetable-tanned leather, also called tooling leather, has been processed using vegetable dyes rather than chemicals. It's
usually flesh-colored and is excellent for a variety of projects, especially if the top is to be stamped or tooled.
Because it has a relatively rigid structure, this type of leather is ideal for leather work items like book covers and belts.
Latigo
Oil-tanned leather, also called latigo, unlike other leathers, has a waxy surface and is ideal for leather work projects where
durability and flexibility are a must, such as for tack and saddles. Avoid using it though if you don't want the finished
product to have stretch and flexibility, such as in dog collars. Bear in mind also that it can't be tooled or stamped.
Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather has one smooth side, called grain, which is the skin side, and a rough inner side, the flesh side. Either side can be used, rough or smooth.
Chrome-Tanned Leather
Chrome-tanned leather is dyed with modern chemicals such as chromium and comes in a variety of colors, is often white on one
side, though the cut edges can be a different color than the facing. It's relatively inexpensive, but not very breathable, and
can't be tooled or stamped because it's too soft for leather work and it's waterproof
Weight of Leather
Leather thickness is given in ounces. The heavier the weight, the thicker the leather is.
Calf or goat skin is generally 2 ounces or 1/32 inch thick. One ounce is 1/64th of an inch thick. On the other end of the scale, 8 ounce leather is usually 1/8 inch thick.
Summary:
* Tooling leather is the best choice for most leather work projects.
* Latigo leather is great for durables like tack and saddles.
* Choose suede and garment leather when making clothing.
* The heavier the weight of leather, the thicker it is.
* When ordering leather through the mail, try some sample swatches first.
* Keep your leather soft and supple with the proper oil.
 TODAY'S
HOBBIES - CRAFTS NEWS updated
Thu. February / 09 / 2012
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Joan D. Kreider, Oct. 24, 1928 – Feb. 7, 2012Uinta County HeraldHer hobbies included oil painting, knitting, crafts of all kinds, golfing and singing. Joan is survived by her daughter, Jan Pecenka, of Evanston; sons, Jeff (Sandy) Pecenka, of Cheyenne, James (Shaunna) Pecenka, of Evanston, Jay (Sandra) Pecenka, ... |
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Learn a New HobbyAbout - News & Issueshobbies resources here on About.com, I resisted putting painting first because it would seem biased. The skills from other crafts are always useful for multimedia too... Seriously, most creative people I know have a particular focus but work across ... |
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Valentine tea to honor membersTimes-Standard... vice president, progression coordinator and is currently parliamentarian. She volunteers for the Sons of Norway, and is a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka. Her hobbies are gardening, cake decorating, arts and crafts, and painting.and more » |
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Farm show resultsReading EagleMary Heffner, Fleetwood: four awards in the canned foods open category; first, baked products open; six awards in the crafts open category; third, hobbies. Julie Yoder, Mohrsville: third, canned foods open; second, baked products open. |
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When it comes to crafts, think beyond needlepointToronto StarI've dabbled with papermaking and encaustic, but never really took them up as hobbies. Lately, however, I've found great joy in exploring crafts with a rich history if not modern day popularity. Late last year, for example, I took an introductory ...and more » |
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Moms Talk: What Is Your Favorite Hobby?Patch.comThe other hobby I have is doing crafts with my children. They may not look that good when we are done, but sometimes it is the act of doing it that really makes it fun. Answer from Mom's Councilmember Emily (mother of 2): Some of my favorite hobbies ... |
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For hobbyists, it's creative playtimeSanta Rosa Press DemocratThe public is also invited to come by and learn more about a range of hobbies, most focused around models, many radio-controlled. The word “hobby” can evoke a limitless range of pastimes, from collecting to scrapbooking, sewing to arts and crafts, ... |
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Victorian era full of Valentine'sRepublican & HeraldWhile antique hair receivers are worth about $30 to $50 and are available at yard sales and flea markets, the hair crafts made from all of this saved hair are hard to find. Victorian women saved their hair in a small ceramic bowl with a hole in its top ...and more » |
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