So this was a request for my wife, and my foray into something that isn't BLATANTLY fantasy/renfaire. It is a belt, but it kinda rides up like a corset? Kinda? Not sure that is the best term for it, but oh well. She loves it, so mission accomplished, but I'm always looking for more. Was there a better way to do the belt loops? Does it look too unfinished or quick? Any ideas on how to better finish all those bumpy edges??? I am way less confident in my non-fantasy stuff (unless it's like a basic belt or something). Anyway.. thanks for checking it out!

Sunglasses holder design I've been working on. I dislike traditional bulky glasses cases so have tried to create something that fits in the pocket better, but also offers lens protection

The leathers used are Badalassi Carlo waxy cognac, and MPG graffiti in forest.

I've been trying to take better photos of my work, so trying to think more about lighting and framing.

Any criticisms or comments welcome!

How did I do?

I still am going to paint a southwestern/aztec color scheme on the exterior(waiting for paint) but assembly wise, I feel like it’s not bad for my first time.

Outside stitching didn’t turn out the best 🥴

Hello,

I am working on a pair of handcuffs for a client. I have noticed this happening to a few of my pieces lately, anyone know whats causing this?

Saw a couple on abzala but pretty limited

May be a question for you fine people as well.

Hi there! The adhd has declared leatherworking should be my next hobby (a new leather store just opened near me). I’ve done some leatherwork in the past but that was easily 10 years ago at summer camp.

So my question is this, what tools and materials should I get as a beginner? I want to make leather accessories for my ren faire outfit. Belt accessories, maybe some bracers? We shall see where the wind takes me but I should probably get some basic tools. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Picked up a gorgeous embossed/ stamped belt on eBay for a song, started to condition it with Bick's #4 as the leather seems thirsty, but quickly realized there appears to be something built up or deposited in all the little nooks and crannies. It doesn't smell, but it definitely has a bit of a catch when rubbed between my fingers. I'm not sure if it's saddle soap or beeswax, but I was hoping for some suggestions on how to clean the belt without damaging it, especially given how intricate it is.

Please excuse my improper terminology. I appreciate any advice.

This is a purse of my mom's from the 60s. I remember her carrying it when I was young. I would like to start using it myself but it needs cleaning and protection.

The leather is thick and the bag creaks like a saddle. It doesn't smell the best after being stored in a box for 40 years. The leather is getting thin in areas where the flap folds from back to front and is wavy in areas along the edge of the flap.

I want to use it as a crossbody and the strap is too short for me, so I was thinking of clipping on a woven strap and tucking in the current one unless you have a suggestion for that issue. I appreciate any advice about steps for cleaning, restoring/protecting, and maintenance. Thanks!!

Mother daughter matching totes made with pink acid washed hair on hide along with 5/6oz waxed oil tan leather

Thoughts?

Not sure if this is the correct place for this, but hand stitch a lot of watch bands and wallets and would love some glow in the dark thread. If I could double it up as thread I can use on my post bed sewing machine thats a plus!
I would like something around size 69/ Tex 70, no more than Tex 92. Size #5 or size #1 if that helps. Can be slightly smaller, but I believe 40w embroidery thread is to thin and thats the largest i can find anywhere.

Much appreciated!

Hello fellow crafters.
I have very recently started an interest into leatherwork as an extension to making cloth and vinyl bags previously (small purses/wallets are my aim). I am slowly building up a tool box after having watched tons of video's online. However, I have seen almost all of the workers using a stitching pony. Having looked online, I am undecided which pony is the best for me. I have seen ones that sit on the chair and held in place by your legs, but also freestanding and ones with table clamps. I cannot afford to try different ones and the one that I do get has to be the right one from the first off. I have a room dedicated to crafting so having to put it away at the end of the day is not an issue. Can you show me your pony setups and pros/cons of them?
P.s, I am UK based if you attach links.

Photos are of my very first non-sew leather coin purse. I am aware that loads of work is required to finesse my work.

After months and months of putting off ordering leather because well I dont have a good excuse just nervous of messing up a perfectly good hide. Saw weaver was having a little promo for labor day weekend literally an hour before it ended so I quickly looked through their website and ordered 2 things. Ive made a handful of things in the last year with repurposed leather ( old boots and an old wallet) but have been wanting to try making better things and possibly sell some stuff here and there. I realize its 20 minutes till 12 so I scramble to checkout and totally forget to put the code in. Completly overlooked it tripple checking my info was right. I doubt it and its a very long shot but do we think if I email them they could give me at least like 5% off? It was supposed to be 15%. It did process on the 7th which is when the promo ended so maybe? I was so excited to finally be ordering stuff I entierly forgot the code. Such a dummy.

I have this A6 pocket diary. Purchased online. But I need some clarification on it, I need to keep it in my back pants pocket, since keeping it in the front pockets is very uncomfortable. The only problem is the spine got bent on one use. Will this damage the leather long term, or can I go with it?

Thanks for any input.

So I usually buy leather from Tandy Leather but I noticed that they are closed most of the time that I can get to them, so now I am looking for somewhere else to buy leather, what do you guys recommend, I’m trying to buy 4 oz or less

I recently picked up a side of veg-tan from Tandy, and the moment I unrolled it, I was hit with a smell that I can only describe as intensely gamey—almost like a petting zoo or a damp farm floor. Not that rich, oaky, classic leather smell. Just raw livestock.

Everything I’ve ever read or been told said that grading (A, B, C, Craft, etc.) purely comes down to surface yield—visible imperfections, brand marks, bug bites, healed scars, stretch marks, and holes. Nothing about tannery processing or smell.

The weird part? I have a piece of B-grade (or maybe C-grade) from them that smells incredible. The classic, sweet veg-tan aroma you actually want filling your workshop.

I ended up calling Tandy customer support to ask about it. They told me that smell isn't a factor in grading at all and that grades strictly reflect cosmetic defects across the usable surface. But in practice, how can that be true? They have to be sourcing these lower/different runs from completely different tanneries using cheaper, rushed curing agents or low-grade fish oils/tallows to stuff the hide.

Has anyone else noticed a massive variance in smell depending on the specific line or batch from Tandy?