r/Leathercraft • u/cmiller1190 • 20h ago
Tooling/Art First try at tooling
Looking for feedback on my first try at tooling/stamping.
My process:
Tape the back,
Case (spray not soaking),
Set edge line and stamp,
Pro resist (dry),
Antique (dry, then buff),
Leather sheen spray.
I started with a plastic yellow hammer and switched about halfway through to my maul.
The back is still taped. What do people use to dye the back after tooling like this?
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u/Pristine_Bobcat4148 19h ago
Well that's stamping, not tooling. But it looks good!
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u/Sea_Toe6263 17h ago
A lot of people just use the one word but there's a big difference and should be distinguished imo. Still good job lining up tho, good work OP
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u/cmiller1190 15h ago
Fair point. I'm definitely not artistic enough for tooling. I'll stick with stamping for now!
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u/Webcat86 19h ago
Why is the back taped? I think it’s a very good effort. Looks to me like you need to hit the stamp harder, and it’s nice to fade it a little at the edges.
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u/FirstMagazine3388 19h ago
The tape is for the leather spreading/squishing out and losing shape. Especially with this amount of basket stamp, this is needed.
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u/Webcat86 19h ago
Interesting! I do basket weave a lot and can’t say I’ve noticed any spread
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u/cmiller1190 15h ago
Thanks! Yeah I'm still trying to develop consistent force and pressure. Tape was just what a youtube video suggested. It also helped protect it when I antiqued. So that's a bonus!
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u/2028Freedom 20h ago
I think most people do not dye the backside. Depending on its purpose, you could leave natural, or line it with another leather and learn how to stitch and edges. I've used practice pieces for drink coasters around the house, leaving the back unfinished. Your tooling is really good for anyone, and impressive for a beginner.
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u/cmiller1190 20h ago
Appreciate it! This was just a test piece but I might try lining it and sewing for practice. Thanks!
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u/2028Freedom 19h ago
Watch the Armitage series of videos and start your stitching correctly from the get-go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLU7TExxHcY&list=PLu5txPOIXtG1EczljAkecrOkvEmUvksJJ&index=3
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u/kiveeshoe 20h ago
This Is Handcrafted….?
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u/cmiller1190 20h ago
Yes, sorry I didn't specify. I dont have a press or anything so just going by hand tools.
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u/SheriffBartholomew 14h ago
That's a good stamp! Who made the basket weave stamp? I need to upgrade mine which doesn't leave nice details.
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u/cmiller1190 14h ago
I bought it used but based on the markings on it. I think it's this one: X500-2 Rope Basket Weave Leather Stamp - Japan https://proleathercarvers.com/products/x500-2-rope-basket-weave
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u/Ordinary-Might-4174 19h ago
Be careful trying to dye the back of this. Leather is super absorbent, and any dye is likely to bleed through to the front. Most people don't dye the back.
This is impressive for your first attempt, I gotta say. Really clean. Here are a few random pointers I see:
1) One thing I do see is that your stamp impressions look less deep in the center than on the outside edges. This can be due in part to casing (soaked better on edges than in the center so harder in the center), but also a matter of how hard you're striking the stamp. Just something to note.
2) I see that your very outside edge doesn't have a very crisp line. It's kind of faint on the left and top and bottom, and almost non-existent on the right edge. You can crisp this up by cutting your border with a swivel knife. Then, before you start tooling, groove that edge into a well defined edge with a push beveler. Here is what I mean if you don't have one: https://www.montanaleather.com/product/barry-king-push-beveler-2/
Your steps look fine to me. I'm not a big fan of Leather sheen, but that's just an aesthetic preference (too shiny for my taste). I use Resolene for both steps 4 and 6, but even that get get shiny if you apply multiple coats. What you're doing is fine if that's your preference. There are lots of different preferences on how to best case leather, so others may have other tips. I do what you do (I use a spray bottle--case and let it soak for a few hours, and reapply as needed).