So, I kept iterating on the leather journal I was making for my friend. I was able to grab a picture of one of her favorite artworks with my phone, then used that to etch it into the leather.
Then I got some leather dye to get it into some other shade than nude vegtan color This was my first ever attempt at dying leather. It was hard to get an even coat, but I kind of liked the distressed look of uneven dye better anyhow.
Then, after doing some additional touchup to remove the ruled lines from her artwork picture I went to etch it into the back of the cover. Since it’s not proofgrade, I used a piece of copy paper and some Krylon Easy-Tack to stick it to the leather while I etched it. I like it because it feels like a big post-it note with that adhesive so it’s easy to remove.
I had cemented in my mind that oil-tanned leather was going to create a “hot mess” and was sooooo excited to see you create such a beautiful and successful project from it. Amazing!
Totally, there are too many processes and too many chemicals that vary in quality as well as the mixing of procedures such as doing a chrome tan and finishing up with a veg tan. This is definitely reassuring for me!
I know what you mean! Super excited. I have mainly Veg tanned leather but I also have some Oil tanned. I am hopeful that I might be able to do some simple things with it at least.
At first I thought you meant “after buying the GF I have no money to do any leather work” then realized you probably literally meant "my wallet is hanging together by just a thread, and I need to cut a new one…"
Just FYI, apply the dye with a small circular motion and work methodically across the material if you want an even cover. My favorite is using jeweler’s rouge and an oil stain, gives a nice texture to the coloring.
Hi! I use latigo leather for cutting and engraving. Not to self promote but you can see it on Instagram at @derbyvixen or my Etsy shop at www.derbyvixen.etsy.com. Let me know if you have any questions about using latigo and I’d be happy to help!
This was my first ever attempt at dying leather. It was hard to get an even coat, but I kind of liked the distressed look of uneven dye better anyhow.
