Quote Originally Posted by Dirka Skene View Post
Not that I would ever do it....well I might.

What is involved in leather working, specifically etching those neat designs in the leather? I call myself a decent artist. I can come up with some really cool Celtic/Pictish/Knotwork designs. What would it take to put those designs on leather?
If you have the talent to draw and some patience, you can produce leatherwork that will look good and last a long time.

The basics are to get some vegetable tanned leather, dampen it with water, lay your drawing on it and trace over the drawing. This produces an impression on the damp leather. Then, using a tool called a swivel knife, cut the lines of the design partway into the leather. Other tools, usually something called a beveler, are used to depress one side of the knife cut to make it stand out. When the leather dries, use a dye or stain to color it and then a finish on the leather to protect it.

All the tools and materials can be obtained from Tandy Leather Co. on-line or at a store and they have intstructional books and DVDs. Probaby can get the basics for about $50, not counting the leather.

Celtic knotwork makes great designs for leather. Starting out I wouldn't make it too small or tightly woven. The bands should be 1/4 inch wide down to no smaller than 3/8ths inch. You need to have room to depress (or stamp) the leather on each side of the band. From knotwork you can progress to figures and animals. You can make designs on sporrans, pouches, purses, belts, bookmarks, book covers, or just a decorative flat panel. Whatever is of interest to you.

This is a very simplified version of leatherworking, but it is not hard if you have a good eye for drawing lines and some skill with small detail work.

Several other folks at X marks also do leatherwork so you can always get help.

If you would like to see what one of your designs would look like in leather, send me a PM. I can tell you whether I think it would be possible in leather and maybe make a sample so you can see what it would look like.

Regards,
Tom