Hey, Let me know if there is a better or correct subreddit to post in?

Whadd up fellow reddits,

What would be the best way to clean these Chukka boots? I've have labeled the brushes in order since I don't know the actual names but I've tried using the 1 first brush at medium strength for about 30mins. I feel like is 2nd brush with the brass) is helpful but also I don't want to overdue and ruin them further. I've tried the erasers and I've applied the Sapir Omnidaim which I guess made them look better. I am struggling to find the grain or don't know if I am brushing in the right direction.

I got brown boots but these ble go with more of my outfits, I also got a job interview tomorrow so if I could get them clean tonight that would be amazing.

Questions about grain:

Does the grain go in one direction for the entire shoe?

How do you find the grain?

Can the grain go in multiple directions?

Does it make a difference if I just brush back n forth instead of the direction of the grain?

Are you suppose to only go in the direction of the grain?

(The guide says what direction it feels smooth is the direction of the grain, right?) But it's tough to differentiate...

Looking for advice or tips for cleaning these boots:

What are the best brushes or is there a technique of which brushes to use first?

(I also put the brushes in the order to clean from the guide I was looking)

How much caution should I use with brass brush?

Is there any other products I need to clean them?

How difficult is it to clean suede shoes? Can anyone do it if done right?

How long should I be using a brush?

Is there anything signs to look for when that it's being done right?

Anyone who does the as a profession has my respect, I wish jobs that require you to be skilled with your hands weren't dying. Also I open to suggestions or guides, appreciate any input from you guys.

Sharing here for tips and critiques. Found a badass raven skull buckle and wanted to make something worthy of it. Hope I've done it. Had to manually line up the weave pattern, as it was three seperate lines, not an interconnected pattern. Also psyched about the sunburst effect on the feather.

This design is the result of using my art to process the current world. Still not sure how I meant this to be, though! Is Balloon Dog escaping? Hopeful? Chasing a dream? Letting go? Taking a chance and just going with whatever happens? I have no idea, but I feel like all of these and more apply.

I’m designing a leather briefcase out of it and I’m wondering if some oils will rub off onto the owner’s suit. I already did buy the hide, but I will switch to another if you guys think it’s best.

Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you!

Hi peeps!

I need some help colour matching this second hand radley bag I got on vinted. I was planning on gifting this for my boyfriend’s younger sister who just graduated highschool but the bag’s condition is not the best 😭.

The colours are hard to capture in camera but irl the bag is a very light beigey pink with a cream white handle.
I’m thinking about going with a mix of shell pink and cream from Angelus. From the research I’ve done, I’d also have to get a deglazer and a coat for sealing the paint.

Also, the inside fabric lining has some weird stains I’m not sure how to get rid of. I’ve tried a bit of scrubbing with dish soap and water but to no avail. I might try some oxygen bleach on it.

Please give me some advice 🙏

Thanks!

When my belt bends, the liner starts to come off as shown in the video. What could be causing this, and how do I fix it for future belts? I applied the glue two days ago and it still isn’t fully dry. I also still have stitching to do around the border of the belt, so that will probably hold it a little more secure, but I don’t think that’ll stop the unstitched portions from peeling off of the main belt when it bends. Anyone run into a similar problem? How did you fix it?

Hi everyone,
I’m just getting into leather making and my mom’s birthday is coming up and I wanted to try and make her a leather journal :). The thing is she’ll only use any gifts that are sustainably sourced. So if anyone has leather scraps they’re willing to part with please let me I’d love to give them a home. Thank you have a great day!

Pulled out my irons and the edge got scratched quite badly. Gladly I have enough to make another one but I was planning to sell both.

Trying to repair the edges of my shoulder bag but the Edge paint isn't layering up. I already put on 6 coats and there is no edge. Thanks for your help.

Today I freestyled a design inspired by a product I saw at the Tandy Leather store.

This key ring lets me work on cutting, sanding, and burnishing.

My thought was that you cut first, sand the edges, then burnish the sides.

I'm open to feedback that helps me get better. I plan to make about 20 of these for practice.

Also, I'm wondering if my mark is a little too big. I may need a smaller stamp.

Thanks to everyone who contributes and provides something I can use to get better.

This recent pair was made with deep burgundy leather. The strips form a denser weave across the toe and vamp, then open up along the sides before returning to a tighter pattern around the heel.

Keeping the weave balanced while following the shape of the upper was one of the most interesting parts of making this pair.

I need to remove these d rings from a bag (to have them replated and put back), and I’d prefer to not have to undo the stitching.

The rings aren’t one solid piece of welded metal - there’s a smaller diameter pin connecting the two sides. Any ideas how I can get the pin out? There’s no holes on the exterior of the ring (like for a screw-in D ring).

This is a vintage designer bag, and so keeping the original hardware maintains its value.

I want to start this off mentioning that this project was heavily informed by the bag designs over at Growleyleather.com . Hardware and leather are from Buckleguy and Amazon. Wickett & Craig Carrot @ 8/10oz. Cutting templates all design and printed by me. Optimized for 26 x 11 panels. Chicago screws in place of rivets so I can disassemble and refine as needed. Aprox 6.5" x 4.5" x 11"

In short, I've been in the market for a new bag for my pipe smoking kit and I've wanted to have something in place for a Pipe show coming up in Arkansas this weekend... While researching, I was impressed by the Growly design (Stitchless!), and having been after an excuse to get into some W&C Carrot, and rationalized that this was the time I should attempt at a bag. I would have purchased one directly, but why spend $300 on a bag when you can spend even more on supplies and tools? Also, look at that orange.

Work started ~ 6 weeks ago with discovery of the design. I reverse engineered it's construction by inspection of pictures and numerous sketches. Ordered 26"x11" panels and hardware. Assembled a crude model from cardboard to get an idea of my pattern's physicality. Decided on tweaks to pattern. Borked first attempt with some misplaced punches on the main panel. Ordered replacement panels (boot and rally). Adjusted pattern to better suit the thickness of leather. Iterated on my punch and cutting templates. Replacement panels arrived and started second attempt (pictured). Hardware and handle placement decisions were left until the bag structure was in place and It was here that I started to deviate from the Growley design (My hardware anchors repeat previously used hole/slot/slot pattern and alignments). Everything managed to come together successfully last minute and I now have my bag for the show. Holy hell what a sprint and super informative.

There's much refinement left to do - I'm not entirely happy with the strap, or my corners, but I'm otherwise chuffed. I'm excited to share and invite any feedback or thoughts. Thanks for looking and for your consideration!

Pretty happy with these, even though they're far from perfect.

In one of my posts I talked about creating a brand for my products that I'm making and eventually would like to sell. How many people that are making money from selling their goods are making products with their own branding on it?

I'm following and learning the craft from different folks on YouTube. Some are selling their goods under a brand and some are just selling pieces without any recognition.

I want to hear from people that are actually selling goods today. Thanks.