Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

How to's, questions and build alongs for those who make or want to make their own gear made from leather. Get some tips on how you can make your own quiver, arm guard, etc. to go along with your Custom Traditional Bow.
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Captainkirk
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#16 Post by Captainkirk »

graps wrote:Don't worry Kirk, I will type slowly because I know you cant read fast. :roll:
Just post lots of pictures.
Real men don't read directions.
Aim small, miss small!

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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#17 Post by Graps »

Here we go.
Cut the leather 3 1/4" x 12".
Then cut two strips from the end 1/2" wide.
These will be the spacers.
That's all the cutting for now.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#18 Post by Graps »

Now on the flesh side ( looks rough kinda like suede ) mark a line square with the edge, 3 3/8.
This is where we bend the leather back on itself.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#19 Post by Graps »

Go to the sink and turn on the faucet to a pin sized dribble.
Bend the leather slightly and run it back and forth following the line on the leather.
Gently bend it further and get the opposite site wet as well.
Start bending it closer wetting the outside a few more times until you can get the fold almost together.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#20 Post by Graps »

Get it folded like this, making sure the edges are aligned evenly.
Then put some weight on it, not too heavy, just enough to keep it folded but not smash it flat.
I prefer wood because that will help it dry quicker.
Leave it for a few hours at least, or longer.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#21 Post by Graps »

Just a small example of improvised stamps.
I filed the nail heads and a common torques driver.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#22 Post by Graps »

Some doodling on a scrap piece of leather.
First you wet it.
I used a claw hammer on the stamps.
When the leather is damp, the surface is very tender and easy to mark up.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#23 Post by Graps »

I thought I would show how to carve leather too.
Don't need many tools for this either.
Wet the leather as if you are going to stamp it.
First you lay out your picture and lightly cut the outside and any major details.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#24 Post by Graps »

Then with a smooth piece of metal, like the handle end of a piece of silverware, you smash the leather around the outside profile.
Now watch out for your fingernails, that leather will mark very easy when damp.
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Graps
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Re: Anyone interested in a simple beginners leather project?

#25 Post by Graps »

Now do the same with the major details inside the picture but not as aggressive.
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