Getting Started in Leather Craft

This post will be for the beginning beginner.  I'm talking the kid who just got back from camp and wants to start learning.  Or the person who just decided they wanted to give this a shot and doesn't really know where to start.  If you fit either of those previous statements then this post is for you.  If not, you may already have some tools and you have completed some projects on your own, you may want to skip this post for later entries.  Either way, let's get started:

First let's talk about knowing what you are doing.  Chances are you didn't wake up one day a decided you wanted to check out this crazy leather craft scene all the kids are into.  I'm guessing you were introduced to it in some fashion and at least know the general concept.  That's great.  If not, there will be some later entries that will explain more about what leather craft is while this entry covers the basics of what you need to get started.

Your best bet is getting a starter kit.  You can go and purchase each tool individually but that can get expensive quick.  A starter kit gets you the basics.  I did some checking and it seems that Tandy is the cheapest place to go if you are looking for a starter kit.  Below I have included the links for three different starter kits:

Basic Leathercraft Kit
This package includes some small project kits and everything you need to complete those specific kits.  This is a good starting place but you will need to purchase more tools and supplies if you plan on doing anything other than those kits that are included.  This is the cheapest way to get started in leather craft.

Deluxe Leathercraft Kit
This package is much like the basic one except there is more to it.  The project kits in this package run the gamut of easy to slightly advanced and if you wanted to venture outside of this package to work on other projects you could do so.  Eventually you will need to purchase more supplies but this package will get you a little farther.  It is a little more expensive but it is the best way to get started if you have a little money to burn but are still on a budget.

Leathercrafters Ultimate Workshop
The big boy.  If you get this package there is very little you are going to have to purchase, in regards to tools, for a long time.  Unless you dive right into a difficult advanced project you will be set with this package.  I would a imagine a seasoned leather crafter would pick this package up to replace most of his tools after his workshop burned down.  The downside to this package is that it is very expensive.  Tandy seems to have some pretty good sales on it so you may be able to pick it up for less than it's $900 regular price.  (as of the writing of this entry it is listed for $500 and that isn't the first time I've seen it that low) If you have the money to burn and no budget keeping you in check you can go for this package.  I would recommend picking up some pre-cut wallet kits or check book kits for practice because the Ultimate Workshop doesn't come with small project kits.

That will get you started with tools and, depending on the package, some smaller project kits to work with.  I recommend the following projects to start off:

Key Fob Kit  

Top Notch Wallet Kit

There are a few other kits you could look at as well.  Just check out the Leather Craft Kit page on Tandy and pick out some inexpensive kits you may want to try.  (That is, if you don't already have some from your starter package.)

The first project I'm going to work on in following posts is the Checkbook Cover Kit.  If you want to pick that up to follow along with me that would be fine.  If not, the techniques I will be using can be translated to almost all of these kits.

One final note.  It does not matter to me where you get your supplies.  You can go to Tandy and buy them there, you can borrow them from a friend, or you can use your Grandfather's old stuff that your Grandma pulled out when she found out you were interested in leather.  But if you don't have supplies you are going to have to get some.  These are just suggestions.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!