This weeks project was a Clipper Wallet from Tandy Leathercraft.
I made a lot of changes to the suggested tooling and dying instructions on the packet.
Firstly i went looking on the internet and found some Celtic designs. Believe it or not but Tattoo catalogues are an outstanding source of designs for leathetcraft tooling. Both of the designs i used on this project were tattoos. I simply printed the pictures and traced the image directly onto the damp leather. After that i simply bevelled the outside of the designs and used a small pear shader to bevel the inside areas.
As for the dye work i used Emerald Green to highlight the designs with Black dye backgrounds. Once dry i resisted the designs. The next day i stained the pieces and added a final resist to make the wallet more durable.
I wasn't sure how the stitching would turn out because the project came with White thread. However once finished i actually like the thread as i feel it is a nice contrast to the overall dark colouring of the project.
A few weeks ago I expressed in a post that working with colour was something that i needed to work on and better understand. I feel now that i'm getting a handle on this element of leather crafting. I now know that colour needs to be applied in stages and "built up" to the required level. between colour coats you should "rub" off excess dye and be prepared to apply more than one coat. Allowing resist "sheens" to dry properly is also key. If you don't then the dye will "stain" the colour.
I have also decided to start building up a hand cutting / stitching set of tools and to buy some "Veg tan" leather. I have enjoyed making the pre cut projects from Tandy Leathercraft but now want to try my hand at making projects from scratch. So ebay here i come.
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| Clipper Wallet - Celtic Pattern |
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| Clipper Wallet - Celtic Dragon |
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| Clipper Wallet |
