I’ve posted a few times on saddle stitching for leather and, if you’re like me, it’s interesting to see all of the subtle variations on the technique. One leatherworking tradition can do things one way while another will do something slightly different or even the complete opposite. I love learning about the differences because it […]
Vintage Article: How to Make a Golf Bag
One of my favorite parts about working on Fine Leatherworking business is reading the stories, tips and questions that we get from our readers. Together, we have so much collective leatherworking knowledge and wisdom, and it excites me to see us all learning and developing our skills together! To start this post, I just wanted […]
Working Out Design Kinks By Prototyping Your Leather Project
In our last post, I talked a little bit about how creating a prototype for your next leatherworking project can save you time and lend more confidence to the final design. Having a vague notion of how you will build something before actually building it is an easy way to make time-consuming and expensive mistakes […]
Save Time By Prototyping Your Leather Project
I often get reader questions about getting stuck in the middle of project. Something like, ‘I created an edge by gluing these three layers together and now it looks too thick.’ Or ‘I’m almost done with my bag but I’m not sure how to install the feet.’ I also have gotten to this point many […]
What Makes a Good Apron for Leatherworking?
In one of our recent live courses, a participant asked me what apron I used for leatherworking. I use the same apron that I’ve had for years, which was a gift from my wood-carving teacher in Japan. It’s a simple kitchen apron and I really hadn’t given much thought to it. I work in a […]
Videos: How to Make a Messenger Bag
Today’s post is a collection of two videos from Nigel Armitage, a well-known figure in the leatherworking world who’s famous for both his craftsmanship and his clear and concise teaching. Nigel is a great go-to resource for leather goods makers around the world and has inspired a great many beginners and professionals alike through his […]
Environmental Responsibility in the Leather Industry
In the past year, we’ve had an increasing number of readers and community members write-in to say that they’d like to use leather that is produced in an environmentally friendly way. They want to support tanneries that are not only producing high-quality hides, but that are also choosing to operate in compliance with increased environmental […]
Finding a Helping Hand For Leatherworking Production
Many of our customers make a living doing leatherworking. We often get inquiries from these same customers looking for help finding new staff, such as studio assistants, production freelancers or even designers. Sometimes when our businesses grow, we are unprepared for the additional work volume. More than one person has told me about how sudden […]
Video: How to Make a Simple Leather Wallet
Nigel Armitage is an often mentioned figure in the leatherworking world that regularly pops up in casual conversation, both amongst lay practitioners and professionals alike. Not only has almost everyone heard of him, but almost everyone has learned from him. In our day-to-day operations, his name gets mentioned often, and with good reason. Nigel provides […]
Leather Magazines
Last week I posted about finding out-of-print leathercrafting books. Not all publications about this trade are gone. There are many books in print and even a few periodicals where you can find useful information and possible project ideas. This week, I want to turn your attention to some of those magazines that still exist today. […]