Leatherwork, Leathercraft Resources
Friday, October 30, 2009 | By Standing Bears
Discussion Websites
Standing Bear's Trading Post Leathercraft Message Board - http://standingbears.proboards102.com/
Facebook Leathercrafters Grouphttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10062324602
Leatherworker.net - http://www.leatherworker.net/ -
Note the buffalo feather and figure carving tutorials.
Leatherworker.net Forums - http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?act=idx? - Conversations on a wide variety of leatherworking questions. Access to professionals who share their knowledge.
FLASAH – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flasah/ - Free Yahoo Group
We are the largest Internet list of leatherworkers dedicated to the discussion, sharing, and teaching of leathercraft. Free Internet lessons, patterns, ideas, information. and tips for working with leather. More than any group on any network in the world. The best new ideas come from experienced leathercrafters who are willing to share.
We teach. We have the On-Line Home Study Course (OLHSC). There you will find step by step lessons and tons of patterns. If you wish to learn about both leather and leatherwork without sales pressure, these are the groups.
All Leather Crafters and Leather Workers are welcome. Open discussion of leather crafting in any form. We are an international group with a world wide membership.
OLHSC - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/olhscleather/
On-Line Home Study Course in Leathercraft (OLHSC) A group designed to advance leathercraft by offering lessons via the web. These lessons teach basics of traditional tooling designs that go back to the days of Greek civilization.
We teach leatherwork. Begin leathworking here. (The start of leaathercarving.) Crafting with leather is fun. Our photo albums contain step by step instruction in tooling designs into leather, and many patterns. We are leathercrafters; we carve leather.
We work along with the group FLASaH and the South Central Leathercraft Guild. We work with leather. We are not eBay merchants after your money; we are leatherworkers, here to teach and advance your skill.
We have more patterns, instructional information, and tips than any group in the world. Our members have more experience than most, and share it freely. For ideas, we are the number 1.
Keep this group's discussions on the lessons that are shown here, and to the how-to's of tooling one of the 1000's of line patterns being added daily.
Leathercraft Guilds
The Leathercraft Guild – http://www.theleathercraftguild.com
The Leathercraft Guild Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Leathercraft-Guild/28636993760
International Internet Leather Crafter's Guild (IILG). - http://iilg.net/ - $20.00 Initial membership $10.00 following years. Includes membership in Yahoo group
( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/iilg-members/ )
You can find a listing of the members of the IFOLG (International Federation Of Leathercraft Guilds at:
http://www.ifolg.org/members.htm
Leatherworker.net also has a list on their website at:
http://leatherworker.net/leatherguilds.htm
Informational Websites of Interest
Kingsmere Crafts - http://www.btinternet.com/~kingsmerecrafts/page04.html – Free site that has over 107 pages of information and how to instruction on leather craft.
Painting Cow Studio - http://www.paintingcow.com/supplies.html - Free tutorials.
Miscellaneous Patterns and Instructional Sites
http://www.johan-potgieter.com/leatherlearn/
http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/LeatherS.htm
http://www.robertbeardtools.com/educational.html
http://members.memlane.com/gromboug/P3TofC.htm
http://www.freasierleather.com/AlStohlman.htm
http://www.leathercraftersjournal.com/
http://clayb.dotphoto.com/CPListAlbums.asp
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=26036
http://www.hewit.com/downloads.htm
http://www.leatherlearn.com/
http://www.sbearstradingpost.com/freepatterns.html
Western patterns (require Tracing) & fonts
http://members.memlane.com/gromboug/P3TofC.htm
Clip Art http://www.harvestfields.ca/clipart/index.htm
Thank you to Cecil for many of these links in order to assist other leathercrafters in obtaining information in regards to leatherwork.
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Making Easter Puff Bunnies
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 | By Tanya39
Easter is my favorite time of the year. I make puff bunnies. You start out with a glue gun, beads for eyes, felt for ears, cotton of different color, and glue sticks. I bought all of this for $7 dollars at a thrift store in good condition too. You take the cotton and glue two balls together a small one for the tail, and a big one for the body and head. You cut the felt into tiny strip triangle for ears, and glue them too the top of the big cotton ball. Then the eyes that google and move when you shake the bunnie. Then with the left over felt make feet edges by glueing them to the edge of the cotton ball on the bottom. It is easy and simple fun. Easy for kids of all ages, and craft deficiant adults. Well Happy Easter decorating all, and remember the most important fact that Jesus died for our sins, so that we may have an assured place in heaven. All people everywhere not just Christians. That is what I believe anyhow.
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I was a bit busy today...
Saturday, November 29, 2008 | By DorrieBelle
Notice anything new ? Yup - new picture on your right. Did that today. If you'd like to see it a bit bigger, it's also in the Photo Album, just under the image. Click on it and the image, for a better look at my 'Princess Dorrie' doll and half our kitty population, DC. We've had DC and his brother Jack since they were born, but their Mom, Velvet, has moved on. Our son made her too nervous, so she um... poluted his room. Frequently. Since the boys have grown up with Dearest Son, they're more used to him.
Anyway. Got some housework done, polished off the last of the leftovers for lunch. Earlier this week, I bought a stuffed angel doll from the local Thrift, selected from their 50c stuffed animal bin. They price better toys individually, but small or slightly damaged/worn ones go into the bin. This angel was cheaply made by 'Cuddle Wit', a company that normally provides stock for claw machines and carnivals. Her hair was matted and thin, beyond the care of a brush, and she had some staining on her cloth face. I almost hated to buy her, but the cashier assured me she'd been in the bin for several days, and no one else had been at all interested.
She's also one of those dolls where the dress is most of the body. And most of that is nylon. But, like I mentioned Wednesday, something about her dress reminded me of the current 'Enchanted Tales' Disney Princess art pieces, so... Today, I got to work on her. The hardest part was figuring out which line of stitching would undo what I wanted, without ripping apart what I wanted to remain together. It helps to look on both sides of the stitching line - if it's on one side all by itself, that's probably what ya want !
So, after about five minutes with a seam ripper, I had a winged dress, a shoebox load of stuffing, a pair of legs with cheap satin 'feet' slippers, a pair of hands, and a tangled-hair head with a halo glued to it. Opening the dress' back seam freed up the wings for later projects, and I took the feet off the legs, the wand from her hand, and the stuffed halo off the hair.
Grabbed my vanity doll, the Princess Dorrie I'd customized a few months ago, and began fitting the dress to her. It was a bit short, but otherwise fit pretty well, especially across the chest, which is always a problem area. By taking it in at the back a bit, via the closure and back seam, it'd lie nice and flat in front.
The gold band around the neckline was removed - it just didn't look right - and an oversized gold bow there was also removed and untied. The lace cuffs and the hands were sewn on at the same time, so taking off the hands left the lace dangling by a thread or three. I positioned the lace when I tried the dress on her, but it was wide and overwhelmed Princess Dorrie's hands. So I took the lace completely off and replaced it with a cuff made from the bodice bow. Looks much better, and proportionate, too.
Hemmed the neckline down a bit more to cover the holes made by the bodice bow. Hand-sewed that one, since the hem was still very scant. From there, all that was left for the dress was sewing up the back seam halfway and adding Velcro (tm) to the rest for a closure.
Took in the satin feet/shoes to fit PDorrie, and they look pretty bad, but I wanted to use as much of the original doll as possible. The doll's halo sat on her head like a bagel, so instead, I draped one of the lace cuffs over the crown of her head. Actually looked rather cute on her.
Now, all I have left is a pair of gold wings, a strip of gold fabric, a tiny bit of gold ribbon, a shoebox of stuffing, some muslin legs, a bagel-like halo, and a tangled-hair head. The stuffing'll get used in a later project (I reuse stuffing for the works that stay home - the school projects get all-new Fiberfil) , and I'm sure the wings and materials will also be used eventually. But I have no idea what to do with the doll's head. It has some minor stains, and the hair's completely useless. I'd make a hand-puppet from her, as the eyes and face are quite nice, but I'd have to cut off all the hair and replace it with yarn or something.
Only problem is, it's not something anyone here would use, and I hate to donate it if it's not my best work. So I dunno where the doll's head will go, but I'm glad I got to recycle the rest. Took about two hours, and I was watching movies at the same time.
Now I'm wondering... should I write this up as a craft project for the main page ? It's not really anything new. I'll write it up for my web site, that's fer sure ! I love reusing stuff !
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Almost freebies...
Monday, November 24, 2008 | By DorrieBelle
Whee ! A few weeks ago, I bought all the markdown 'Specially Hand Made by (Name)' clothing labels Hancock Fabrics had - well, at least the $2. for eight labels ones. They were on final markdown - 80% off ! - and I knew from past experience that Name Makers, the company who makes 'em, would exchange the name labels I mailed them, put my name in place of the name already there, and mail 'em back, for free.
So - $2.00 x 6 packets - $12.00. Minus 80% - $2.40. With tax, $2.58. Plus 20 cents for two envelopes (one to mail them there, one for them to use to mail 'em back to me) and two stamps (again one for each way) at 42c each = $3.62 for 48 woven, personalized labels !
Sure, 7.5c each for my vanity is kinda pricey - but I get a kick out of using those labels ! I got a real deal, as their website offers 40 similar labels for $25. ! Plus shipping. Mailed 'em off Oct. 30th, got 'em either Friday or Saturday, I didn't check mail until today. Pretty fast, too !
Not much else going on. Went grocery shopping and to Sam's Club. Even though I only went there for a few things, I still managed to spend $114. at Sam's. But we get some good deals there. Five pounds of great cheese for $13. and change, and it lasts us four or five months. I cut it into pound blocks and freeze it, and it still slices easily when thawed out. Most frozen cheese is only good for shredding once it's thawed, as it gets so crumbly. And I forgot the Kleenex, last time I got a great deal there. I know we should use rags, but when we had flu in September, even rags would have torn our noses up. The lotion-and-vitamin-E tissues were very kind to our sensitive skin.
Stocked up our medicine cabinet for winter. Most folks buy extra soup - me, I get a spare bottle of generic Robitussin ! Also some generic allergy pills, generic kid Tylenol for Dearest Son, and generic decongestants. 'Cause when you're sick, it's cold, and possibly icy and the roads are bad, nobody feels like going out for medicine !
So our larders are full, and I remembered the eggs for my devilled specialties for the family food fest. It was a really nice day !
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How Does Someone Conduct Market Research for a Craft Business?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 | By craftymama
I'd like to start a craft business, since demand for my jewelry is slow right now, but I need help in how to find out what people in my area are interested in. I don't want to start making something just for it to be a waste. I don't plan on selling online, at the moment anyway, so this needs to be done in person. Also, any craft idea is welcome, preferably a craft that doesn't take much money to put into it. The majority of people in my area don't like to spend much money, on anything.
Thank you.
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Scraps
Thursday, July 17, 2008 | By jetruth
It seem like I have been thrifty all my life. Saving things to be used later on. Taking a little bit and making it stretch(hopefully). I use to find scraps/bits of anything at thrift shops, garage sales, even on the street, trying to make something out of nothing. I still do. I would like impart some of scraps tips with you. Some of my tips might be old hat. Some might be new.
1. I make my own business cards which are perforated. I notice the leftovers were perfect sizes for message and words when I make my greeting cards.
2. When I am punching holes in paper(Ihave the hole punch that has a little catch all, so it keeps the dots together., I keep the leftover holes for additional decoration for my crafts projects. Cheaper than buying confetti.
3. I have started walking to get my self into shape. I find interesting things along the way. I found what looks like part of an old hanger, which happens to be plastic. The shape reminds me of Egypt writing. Just a quick clean and I have a template.
4. I collect old ceral boxes. I use them to make chipboard letters and embellishments. You can use just about any food box. Recycleing and no need to buy chip board letters. You can do it one of two ways. Paint the box and draw your shape on the other side or apply decorative paper and draw your shape onthe other side. Both ways work just as well.
5.Buy old puzzles pieces at a trhrift store or garage sale. I use them to make earring, add decoration to greeting cards or other craft projects. They are also good to make paper pulp with. Try it. It might take several days for the fibers to break down.
6. When I go the store I always head to the clearance section. Once I found a pice of foam for 10 cents, only because someone had stepped on it. Don't let that bother you. You can either glue that side down or cover the spot with other decorations.
7. Don't throw away old earrings. They are the start of a great necklace, bracelet, ankelet a free for all non-matching necklace(my favorite kind).
8. I take the cards out of magazine to use like chip board. Not only do they give my greeting cards a little mor stabiity, They are free. Because I visit doctors offices,waiting rooms, they are free for taking. I can paint them add, other paper to them and they are FREE.
9.Leftove material from sewing projects(I do not sew) can me used as embellishments. Even is the edge is ragged, use can always add ribbin, old earring, paper to cover up the edges.
And finally
10. I find a lot my beads at thrift shops. I love working with wooden beads. Sometimes they are not in the best condition. My husband brought me a portable dremel. If there is a piece missing I drill a hole on the other side. Slide an piece of wire and I'm good to go. Or if paint is on a bead, no problem, just keep adding paint or markers until you get something you like. I found these two black wooden rings and the bottom of a barrel. They were free of cours. Both of them had what look like paint. I just continued to dab paint (which was copper color) on the reamaining pieces. I used copper and black to beads to finish the necklace. Turn out great.
See scraps are not meant to be thrown away Use them to your advantage and you will come out with something unexpected and pretty. If you want to hear some tips email me atJetr46@aol.com
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photo frames with ceramic designing
Monday, July 07, 2008 | By saleela
you can decorate your walls with beautiful picture frames.you can buy plain wooden frames at a cheaper rate.you can paint the frames with the colours that match your walls and curtains.and using the ceramic mixture with which we can make shapes and models,you can give your frames a different effect.
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Making Bath Salts
Tuesday, May 06, 2008 | By jewellz
I love to make bath salts as gifts. The question always arises as to what type container would be right. When I empty a glass jar, I clean and pack it away for bath salts. There are ready made labels on craft sites that you can print for free or you can make your own. After putting the label on the jar I enjoy decorating with ribbon or raffia.
There are alot of sites that provide recipes for bath salts.
Have fun!
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Old Binders
Friday, February 23, 2007 | By karenskrafts
Old Binders make a great scrapbook.
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Being Creative
Tuesday, September 05, 2006 | By Teechaesol
Be creative with what you have or find and save money....... Use your imagination. Come on, your can do it, you're smart enough. Look around you, think of what you can create, pick it up and just do it...
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