The Leather Thread

[nicolnicolnicol]

So true. Thanks for sharing your ideas. need more of such honest yet constructive posts around.

 

[aspanol]

The first keeper of a belt should be kept just next to the buckle. If you are using snaps, then it should be between 2 snaps. If you are using chicago screws, then between 2 chicago screws.

Only if you choose to make it with a second keeper, then that keeper can be free floating.

In this current design, only one keeper, and its free floating, the user might find the strap end dangling down out from the jeans belt loop if he makes any big movement.

Yes, i do note that. However, as this is a customer's order. I did it according to what they want and what they need! Most of the orders have their specified needs and wants,therefore i usually try to accommodate them.

And example would be that almost all of the 15 oz belt orders was just plain raw untreated belts. Making it not needed to burnish in any case. Hope this sort of answer some questions. Thanks for the advice anyway.

 

[scasi]

wow! constructive information! keep it up man, need more of such forumer to discuss the leather thread.

Do post some past work so that we can enjoy the beauty of leather crafting.

Everyday we are learning new things!

 

[aspanol]

wow! constructive information! keep it up man, need more of such forumer to discuss the leather thread.

Do post some past work so that we can enjoy the beauty of leather crafting.

Everyday we are learning new things!

Everyday we are learning new things! thats definitely true.

 

[aspanol]

Personally i find that leathercrafting is learning new things everyday. Those craftmens with load of experience have definitely loads of stuff we can learn from. For my case, i could never compete with the good people of OGL. They have tons of experience and have done loads of great stuffs. I personally will never stop trying to learn more stuff and getting more experience.Hopefully, one day i will be just a little lousier than OGL. Unlike now. haha. =)

 

[Bumblebee Man]

finally someone who dares to speak out and not just "wow nice"

 

[mikeeeey]

^ amateurs or 外行人 will only appreciate the upfront beauty, or the superficial, side of leather goods.

Its good that those with better inside knowledge are willing to share more info and minor details that most of us tend to overlook.

 

[reddevil76]

Yes, i do note that. However, as this is a customer's order. I did it according to what they want and what they need! Most of the orders have their specified needs and wants,therefore i usually try to accommodate them.

This is the difference between a leather worker and a leather craftsman.

A leather worker will do as the customer say. A craftsman will accept input from customer, but draw from his experience to advise the customer what will work and what wouldn't.

For example, if my customer wants to own the thickest belt ever posted on HWZ, I will inform him that there are limits to this. You may be able to fit the belt just nice into the jeans belt loop, but when you secure it over the buckle, then try to insert the strap into the following belt loop, you find that it is too thick to go in cos now the thickness is doubled.

Custom request by customers should mostly be in the aesthetics area, but functionality and durability should be at the advise and care of the craftsman.

 

[reddevil76]

wow! constructive information! keep it up man, need more of such forumer to discuss the leather thread.

Do post some past work so that we can enjoy the beauty of leather crafting.

Everyday we are learning new things!

Thank you, Scasi. I admire you guys for your passion in leather craft. I cannot compare in this area. I approach it more like a hobby among my many other hobbies. (for e.g. I recently picked up some home study course for foreign language, less expensive hobyy )

Anyway, personally I prefer it this way, so I can focus on pursuing the knowledge in it, with no pressure to push out products when I am not ready. But I did make some stuff which sold reasonably. However I can't post pictures, not sure why, maybe I am a new HWZ member.

 

[aspanol]

This is the difference between a leather worker and a leather craftsman.

A leather worker will do as the customer say. A craftsman will accept input from customer, but draw from his experience to advise the customer what will work and what wouldn't.

For example, if my customer wants to own the thickest belt ever posted on HWZ, I will inform him that there are limits to this. You may be able to fit the belt just nice into the jeans belt loop, but when you secure it over the buckle, then try to insert the strap into the following belt loop, you find that it is too thick to go in cos now the thickness is doubled.

Custom request by customers should mostly be in the aesthetics area, but functionality and durability should be at the advise and care of the craftsman.

Well, i do agree at some parts. However, the kind of belt created sometimes have something to do with the denim that the customer have. Therefore, the belt loop might be created in a manner that isn't known to us. And also, for that belt, its just a matter of removing the screws and placing the keeper in and screwing back.We have also notified the customer when delivering the stock.No limits of sort. The customer is happy and delighted about the item which is ultimately what we want.

Lets keep away from labeling each other as craftsmen or worker as all of us are here to learn!

 

[kazuki666]

However I can't post pictures, not sure why, maybe I am a new HWZ member.

ya, i rem something abt the no of posts a member have as min cap.
As in if u have too little postings, u cant post pics de...

one way ard will be pasting the link bah

 

[mikeeeey]

Hi.
You can try posting the links to the pictures in a distorted manner. Like w w w . Picture01 dot jpg or similar.

Very helpful comments you had posted.

Im in the industry where i deal with leather also. But not handicrafts. Its a form of art that is noy easy to master and not many people see the value of leather. Hence we see lesser interest and this leads to lesser "makers". Do pursue your hobby when you feel the time is right and im sure it will be good for you and the community.

 

[reddevil76]

Well, i do agree at some parts. However, the kind of belt created sometimes have something to do with the denim that the customer have. Therefore, the belt loop might be created in a manner that isn't known to us. And also, for that belt, its just a matter of removing the screws and placing the keeper in and screwing back.We have also notified the customer when delivering the stock.No limits of sort. The customer is happy and delighted about the item which is ultimately what we want.

Lets keep away from labeling each other as craftsmen or worker as all of us are here to learn!

Well, whatever makes you or your customer happy. No worries on labelling, I was just trying to illustrate a point. Nothing personal, and no intention to start a flame war.

 

[aspanol]

Well, lets keep this site nice and just about leather. Many thanks.

 

[scasi]

Thank you, Scasi. I admire you guys for your passion in leather craft. I cannot compare in this area. I approach it more like a hobby among my many other hobbies. (for e.g. I recently picked up some home study course for foreign language, less expensive hobyy )

Anyway, personally I prefer it this way, so I can focus on pursuing the knowledge in it, with no pressure to push out products when I am not ready. But I did make some stuff which sold reasonably. However I can't post pictures, not sure why, maybe I am a new HWZ member.

Thank you, at first it really started out as hobby which derive our name Hobby Goods Label into Obbi Good Label, and co-incidentally it sound like local slang.

I admit that the leathercraft is indeed an expensive hobby, one single mistake in awing a stitch hole could ruin the entire work.

Commercially and passion driven works are totally 2 different aspect in making a finish products. The 1st piece of work is always passion driven, once the design you craft is widely accepted then you will have to run it commercially, and this is the challenge because it's hand made, You can never create another similar piece.

We should organize a gathering soon with the rest of the local artisan.

 

[reddevil76]

Thank you, at first it really started out as hobby which derive our name Hobby Goods Label into Obbi Good Label, and co-incidentally it sound like local slang.

I admit that the leathercraft is indeed an expensive hobby, one single mistake in awing a stitch hole could ruin the entire work.

Commercially and passion driven works are totally 2 different aspect in making a finish products. The 1st piece of work is always passion driven, once the design you craft is widely accepted then you will have to run it commercially, and this is the challenge because it's hand made, You can never create another similar piece.

We should organize a gathering soon with the rest of the local artisan.

Yes, our passion is unique in the sense that our hobby produces a physical end result (unlike for e.g. swimming or any activity based hobby)

And we can't just keep giving things away or piling them up in our room. So we have to sell them. And in this sense, it requires a good balance of artistic ambitions and commercial viability.

If too artistic, we might end up with tons of work pile up. If too commercial, the work to produce them sooner or later becomes unchallenging, we become jaded, and the passion is lost.

I think you guys have managed that balance well and I enjoy browsing your site every now and then.

 

[ambivalence]

anyone know where to buy beewax...need to clean my clarks db...
and where to buy leather shoe laces??

 

[mikeeeey]

anyone know where to buy beewax...need to clean my clarks db...
and where to buy leather shoe laces??

Bought my leather lace from 310.

I bought it for my DB also. But they sell in pair although 1 of their lace is enough. Its quite long. I bought a pair only used 1 of the 2. 1 cut into half just nice for DB length

 

[reddevil76]

As some guys suggested, here is a link.

w w w.flickr.com/photos/11710444@N05/sets/72157625679985439/

I've posted my work on another forum, inviting comments. For commentary, I will just copy the relevant parts from the original post and omit some jargon (since this is a general audience). I would appreciate any feedback you guys have as well.

Wallets
I made the 2 top down flap ones just as I was starting out (To be honest about it, I only started in Aug 10). They were my 3rd and 4th wallet. I based it on a popular brand's wallet. At that time, I was using the smallest size Al Stohlman hole punch for making stitching holes. Which looking back, could look better if I could find a way to make smaller stitching holes. The conchos were eventually replaced too (what was I thinking then!)

The Black Veg Tan, I made in Dec 10. By then, I have discovered Japanese made tools. Specifically, the carbon steel fork for stitching holes. This is my 7th attempt at a wallet. On hindsight, I could have made the left card slot bigger so that the card sits deeper. But I am happy with how the stitching is going so far. I've also finally managed to get the edges burnishing to a place where I am happy with.

Belts
I made the Maori pattern up on paper and transfer it to the belt then worked on it using a beveler and backgrounder. Then it was treated to some dye work. I also made a few plain belts, experimenting with dye techniques to produce stone wash or vintage effects. Notice, this first batch of belts, I didn't burnish the edges. Later on, around 1 month later, I learnt how to burnish, and made a further 3 plain ones with burnished edges.

Baby Mocs
Did some models using paper before attempting on suede. Model patterns were way off as paper is totally different in temper to suede. Anyway, decided to trim as I go, and finally got this on my 3rd attempt. Just in time for my newborn nephew. But after looking at the prices online for suede baby mocs, decided next time, it is better to buy than to make.

Zippo
Saw a Youtube video on this stitch method. Mainly used for covering handles with leather. Eager to try it, but I didn't have anything with a handle to cover, so my Zippo became the guinea pig.

Suede Pouch
Just messing around on a lazy afternoon with some bone beads.



For the past 6 months, I made only plain items. Focusing only on improving workmanship, my stitching, burnishing, the way i cut and prepare pieces, dimensions to take note of when making wallets, etc.

Once my financial situation improves, I will procure tools which will allow me to venture into stamping and carving. I have also learnt to braid edges, but didn't make anything with braided edges because I didn't have suitable material to make lace. Once I have suitable material, it is an area which I will be looking at as well.

 

[ambivalence]

Bought my leather lace from 310.

I bought it for my DB also. But they sell in pair although 1 of their lace is enough. Its quite long. I bought a pair only used 1 of the 2. 1 cut into half just nice for DB length

how much you bought it? you cut it?.. wont the end look weird for both?