This time, we're bringing you a very interesting article on how to get started in the world of leather crafts. It may seem like a simple question, but if you analyze it in depth, it has a lot to offer.
After receiving so many questions about materials, tools, and more, and how to create different types of leather, as specialists, we're here to offer you answers, putting our experience to work for you. Let's get to work!
There comes a day when, for whatever reason—because you love fashion, accessories, you're a handyman, it's a hobby, you like crafts...—you find yourself in this wonderful world of leather crafts and suddenly you decide to make your own creations. If other people can make them, why can't I?
HOW DO I START MAKING LEATHER CRAFTS?
If you browse the internet, there are hundreds of videos on various platforms. Some explain how to create different projects, others explain some techniques, and even give you advice on how to start using leather. But... how reliable are all these types of videos?
It all looks very nice and easy, but unfortunately it is not.
If you've been through this, you'll know what we're talking about. There's no one to tell you how to start, what to buy, what to do... Don't worry, don't panic!
We're going to give you a series of recommendations that we always give to our clients and that have really helped them get started.
RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: PLANNING
Don't go crazy buying meaningless materials because you saw it in a video or post that you liked.
The first thing we recommend is that you carefully consider what craft you want to make. This is an important point because, depending on what you decide, you'll have to choose one path or another.
Don't skimp on investing time. This will help you maximize your personal and financial efforts.
RECOMMENDATION #2: DON'T BREAK THE HOUSE FROM THE ROOF
Think of two or three projects at most to start with, and then go for it. All the great artisans you've seen in those videos, who make those impressive things, have been here like you, so take heart and don't despair; there's a lot to learn.
There are hundreds of designs and projects you can make with leather. Not all are suitable for everyone, as some require years of experience, specific machinery and tools, advanced techniques, etc. As they say, don't start from the bottom up and choose basic or simple designs to get comfortable with the use of tools, leather, techniques, etc.
RECOMMENDATION #3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEATHER
Here you're going all in. This may be the most difficult choice, especially if you've never had any contact with or knowledge of leather. It's a very broad and varied world. Depending on the type of leather you choose, your project will either be stunning or a complete failure.
We recommend reading our Explanatory Guide to Different Leather Finishes, where we briefly explain the different leather finishes in graphic form and easy-to-understand terms.
We understand that it's a difficult decision, since everyone will tell you something different, and in the end, the more videos and posts you see, the more complicated it becomes because everyone uses the leather that suits them, not because it's the right one.
The choice of leather, regardless of the characteristics it must have for the project at hand, is a very personal choice, and everyone has their own tastes and preferences.
At this point, the best recommendation we can give you is to consult with us. We have enough experience to guide you through this process.
At La Tendeta del Cuero, we offer free advice to anyone who consults or has questions.
Tell us about your project or the type of products you want to make, and we'll give you our advice. We'll be happy to help.
RECOMMENDATION #4: TOOL TURN
It all depends on the item you have in mind. If you've followed our advice and chosen something simple, such as a lighter case, a pocket organizer, a pencil case, a glasses case, a wallet... these are all examples of easy-to-use leather crafts.
Each product will require specific tools, but there are some that are basic and common to all or almost all crafts. For example, a good metal cutter, a cutting board or plank, a metal ruler, an awl, saddlery needles, waxed thread, silver lead, and so on. These could be examples of basic tools you'll always use in any project.
Afterwards, whether you use more specific tools will depend on the design you've chosen. From forks to punch the stitching holes, ink and applicator for edges, nylon mallets, edgebanders, routers, etc. As we mentioned before, the more complicated the project, the more tools you'll need, and obviously, the more investment you'll need.
As in the previous point, if in doubt... don't hesitate, ask us!
And since we understand your concerns, we have two specific categories on the website for people like you who are just starting out, which we of course recommend.
One of them is Tool Kits , where we have kits at different levels, depending on the type of project. In addition, some are even customizable, allowing you to choose your own options to suit your taste or needs.
And the other category we recommend is Patterns and Templates , where you'll not only find the template for the model you want to make, but we also detail a list of all the materials and tools you'll need to make it in the description. Easy, right? That's how we like things at La Tendeta del Cuero.
RECOMMENDATION No. 5: MANAGEMENT OF TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO BE USED
Okay, so we have all the materials and tools we need to get started. Now comes the next question. How do I get started? How do I use the tools or how do I manipulate the leather?
Good question. This is where your skills and prior knowledge come into play. It depends on whether you're a handy person and have a knack for crafts, or whether you need more time to learn.
At this point you can do two things.
You can teach yourself, and you'll find countless videos online explaining how to use the tools and different techniques, and gradually put them into practice. The advantage of this method is that it's free, but it has a major disadvantage: you don't have any support to ask questions, and believe us when we say you'll have them, especially at first.
The other option is to turn to a specialist who can help you get started, guide you through the steps, and, above all, answer your questions. This is where La Tendeta del Cuero makes a difference, offering help and support throughout the entire process. The advantage of this resource of help and advice is that, for a minimal price, you'll have all the support you need to optimize your efforts, your resources, and your finances, allowing you to spend less and achieve more.
At La Tendeta del Cuero, we collaborate with the best master craftsmen who teach all kinds of online and in-person courses for all audiences.
On our website you can see the different options in the 'Courses/Tutorials' section.
CONCLUSION
As you've seen, getting started with leather crafts isn't easy. Everything takes its own process and learning curve, as with all crafts, but it's also very rewarding to improve and learn day by day, and to see how your leather creations get better and better.
We hope you found this article interesting and at least helped you know where to go next if you're thinking about making leather crafts.
And if you have any questions, just ask us! There's a saying that goes, "There are no stupid questions, only fools who don't ask." So don't be stupid and ask anything you need to know. We're here to help you with anything you need.
Greetings and see you next time.