When you've chosen your leather craft you are going to need to have correct supplies and an appropriated area in order to work efficiently and well. Being prepared ahead of time should make what you are doing more fun.

The Cutting Surface:

No matter the project, you'll have to cut your leather piece. Select an even surface protected by a rubber mat. The mat will help protect your tools and stop them from getting dull or blunt. If you need a different method, you could purchase a cutting board that self-heals. Cuts made in a board like this, seal themselves. Devices like this are available to purchase at art supply stores.

Trimming the Edges:

To trim the edges of a leather craft project, position it on a leveled work space. Make certain that the leather is slightly wet, and keep it wet with a spray bottle full of water.

You will have to have what is referred to as an edge beveling tool to even out the cut edges. The 2 prongs that form the shape of a V must be placed so that they're positioned upward on each side of the leather's edge.

Steadying the tool at a 45 degree angle with your index finger positioned on top of the tool, then push the edge beveling tool away from you while working down the edge, holding the leather craft piece securely with your opposite hand.

As you utilize the beveler, little pieces of leather will come off. It's wise to practice on small leather scraps prior to using the beveler on your final project, so that you are more comfortable.

Tools:

As you work with leather crafts, look into the basics: a retractable knife with a break-off blade, an awl and spare point, a rotary punch and an X-acto knife.

In addition, you'll have to get needles, wax lined thread, a pair of strong scissors, beeswax, and a pair of pliers.

Then you'll find bevellers and leather edge slickers that are used to clean up the edges, thong cutters for making laces and a drive punch for bigger holes. A yardstick and folding rule are necessary to make certain that your leather craft piece is accurately measured.

Marking the Cut:

Get a yardstick or straight edge and a pencil to mark the position of the cut on your leather craft project. You should just draw lightly with the pencil. A round edge should be helpful if you're trying to cut on a curve. Use the edge of an X-acto knife on a metal edge and cut along the line making sure the knife is kept against the edge.

Review:

If you're a novice at leather crafting, you may not want to spend too much money on leather craft tools. Once you have worked and practiced with a basic set and done a few projects, you will have a greater understanding of exactly what tools and supplies you will most likely use.

At that point, a small amount of research and shopping around can help you to buy a better leather craft tool when you need one. Of course, even the most extravagant tools won't help if you haven't taken the time to improve and perfect your leather crafting skills.

If you do your very best with what you have got, it won't matter if you can't buy the costliest leather craft awl or the best knife. Your skills will be apparent once you're at ease with the basics.

You can normally locate a leather store in your area by looking in your phone book. Many centers have a leather boutique nearby.