New Skill: Leather Working

Recently, the folks at the Tandy Leather shop here in Clovis, California have become quite familiar to me. Great people who are always ready with an answer to help me think through problem. This week will consist of a lot of pictures of projects I have been working on over the last few weeks.

As you may or may not know, I am a Living History, currently focusing on the era of 1860's. One skill I have always wanted, but never knew how to do was leather working. Belts, sheath, holsters, and countless other things I always wanted, but knew that instead of buying them, I would develop the skills to make them.

When I finally decided to start leather working, after having watched hours of videos, I finally decided to pluck up the courage to make a belt.

This belt was cut, the back side shaved to keep its thickness down by the buckle, dyed and burnished. All things considered, I felt it was a success and will use it in the future for various purposes. 1 1/2 inch thick, with brass hardware, Acorn color dye. 

After I felt that belt was a success so my next attempt was at a Single Billet Belt. The main belt being 2 inches, the smaller belt being 1 inch. Brass hardware, Dark Brown dye for the main belt, Acorn color dye for the smaller belt. 

After the success of these two projects I decided to make a knife sheath, for a knife I recently acquired. 

In doing this project I did neglect a step. I forgot to add in a vamp, which a skinny piece of leather that goes between the folded piece of leather. Not a big deal, it still looks great, just something for me to keep in mind in the future. 

For my birthday I got an 1849 Colt Pocket Pistol reproduction, and decided one holster was not good enough, I wanted to keep my options open. I made a left and right right handed holster. Personally I like the left handed holster on my right side better. 

The last project I have been working on, should finish tomorrow, is a short roll sling. This would allow me to roll up a blanket and hook it to this strap, than sling it over my shoulder. At this point, I need to finish 3 straps, that are just belts, 1 inch thick. With about 2 hours worth of work, (the most time consuming part dyeing), this sling should be all set to use! 

My experiences with leather working are not complete. I am going to pick up a few projects worth of materials before I head back to Michigan. A few more belts, and holsters, 1860's wallet, among a few others come to mind.  

Until next week, Ill keep making. Thanks for checking in