Leather supplies? - Help!

**English Bloke** · 27th October 08, 09:20 PM

Seen a number of threads on here where members have created some beautiful Belts, straps and Sporrans from leather.

US Members?
Do you have Tandy shops (as in walk in and look around shops) in the US? I've only been able to find Tandy online in the UK and their range is quite limited compared to the US website. I'd probably end up buying the wrong thing from the web anyway as I don't know my 4oz from my elbow.

UK Members?
Is there a shop (chain of shops) in UK that does leather and stuff? One where you can see it and feel it before you buy it. I've tried mee local Hobby-craft but they don't do leather.

I dunno anything about these things see, but I'm keen to have a bash at making my own bits and bobs.

**Riverkilt** · 27th October 08, 10:12 PM

You might try googling for Native American supply shops in the U.S. There are a bunch where you can buy authentic leather etc. on line. For me, a much different, more authentic, look and feel than what I've found in Tandy stores...back when there were some open.

Good luck,
Ron

billmcc · 27th October 08, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

US Members?
Do you have Tandy shops (as in walk in and look around shops) in the US? I've only been able to find Tandy online in the UK and their range is quite limited compared to the US website. I'd probably end up buying the wrong thing from the web anyway as I don't know my 4oz from my elbow.

There are some walk-in Tandy stores here in the US, but not as many as in years past. The nice thing about the stores is the staff is usually very knowledgeable and helpful.

One of this forum's experienced leather crafters may be able to advise you about what to buy if you decide to try ordering from Tandy's US website.

**Canuck** · 28th October 08, 04:05 AM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Seen a number of threads on here where members have created some beautiful Belts, straps and Sporrans from leather.

US Members?
Do you have Tandy shops (as in walk in and look around shops) in the US? I've only been able to find Tandy online in the UK and their range is quite limited compared to the US website. I'd probably end up buying the wrong thing from the web anyway as I don't know my 4oz from my elbow.

UK Members?
Is there a shop (chain of shops) in UK that does leather and stuff? One where you can see it and feel it before you buy it. I've tried mee local Hobby-craft but they don't do leather.

I dunno anything about these things see, but I'm keen to have a bash at making my own bits and bobs.

Check out a saddlery shop or tack shop they may sell you what you need or at least give you a name of a supplier in the area.

**Donnie** · 28th October 08, 04:22 AM

I personally don't buy leather online. I have a need to actually feel the habd os a leather and look at everything about it personally. I don't trust someone else to pick it for me. (I've been stung a time or two)

**Cat** · 28th October 08, 09:49 PM

Tandy is opening up more and more shops in the US again. While I have seen some really nice leather online, I'm with Donnie in that I'd much rather see the leather in person (sometimes it can be split or skivved wrong, have unsightly markings, etc.) A lot of Tandy's leather is imported, but at least I can pick through everything and find the best stuff. Like any natural material, each piece is a little different. And if you can find one of the former "Leather Factory" stores that Tandy bought, they're MUCH larger than most of Tandy's other stores.

Also, take advantage of their remnants bins...sometimes you can find some really good stuff in them for pennies on the dollar (or pound, in your case.) There are some excellent and well-respected leather dealers online that probably have slightly higher quality leather in some cases, but I'd rather pick it out myself and not have to hassle with ordering sight-unseen and waiting for it to arrive.

**A Hay** · 28th October 08, 10:38 PM

I have ordered from Tandy on-line for several things and the shipment and service have been very good. (I'm in Germany). I think you might be OK for some things like belt blanks, but for larger items like hides and prefinished leather for sporran gussets, I agree with others that I want to see it and feel it. For some items like leather dye (flammable), they can't ship through the US Mail system so I get that locally. They will ship water based antique dyes though.

For me, that means a trip to a small storefront leather shop in Munich. I go about every 3 to 4 months. On weekends I can get a special railroad pass to go anywhere in the State of Bavaria for 20 euros, or about $30. Munich is about 3 hours drive and gas would cost about that much so the train is more comfortable. I get off in the heart of Munich, walk about 15 minutes, take care of my leather shopping in 30 and then have a nice lunch before catching an early train back home.

Hope you can find a store locally for your leather stock, and best wishes for your projects.

**turpin** · 29th October 08, 08:06 AM

a google seach turns up quite a few hit in the UK. Many appear to be wholesalers but they may know of local shops that they sell to. Here is one list that popped up.

http://www.craft-fair.co.uk/supplier...eather%20Craft

**English Bloke** · 29th October 08, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by turpin

a google seach turns up quite a few hit in the UK. Many appear to be wholesalers but they may know of local shops that they sell to. Here is one list that popped up.

Thanks Turpin. I Googled away for ages and came up with zip... must have been speed reading rather than actually looking. Your link has turned up a supplier in my home town within two minutes. I really must pay more attention to what I do. I'm away from home at the mo but I'll pay them a visit as soon as I'm back.

Thanks for that!! appreciated.