These looks terrific, @Stracci! Curious, how much time would you say it takes from design sketch to completion?
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Thanks RC! When I am interested in something, I really like to jump in with both feet. I’m getting kind of obsessed with it, and doing a bunch of research. There are a lot of good videos out there to learn from
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Thanks,TAH! It took about 20 minutes to draw up a design, 30 minutes to carve the leather and maybe 20 minutes to dye, oil and antique the leather, including drying time…I’m very slow
….I completed one while watching an episode of “Columbo”
These sample pieces are 4”x 1.5" , so not very big. But of course, I had to get real intricate with my design. I can’t help myself, I like ornate designs. It’s so much fun!
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So knowing it takes about an hour per 4 inches gives a pretty good idea of how long it would take to make a belt. Interesting…thanks, Stracci. 
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@TAH, And this is why you are looking at $300+ for a genuine hand tooled belt or wallet made by a leather artist. Because it is a lengthy process. But beware, so many I have seen online are machine stamped.
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There are so many fake tooled leather items out there. They look good, but are machine stamped,
And don’t get get me started on the purses. Online sellers, like the falsely named “American Darling” company proclaim that their purses are “designed in Texas and genuine hand tooled by skilled artisans!” But nowhere in their website do they state that the artisans are in India! I had to do research to find that out. It’s a secret, I guess. How dare they call their products “American Darling”.
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Wow, you’re a natural @Stracci
I’m going to want you make me a belt if you keep this stunning work up!
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Wow, @Stracci! Really lovely work. I can see a real emerging personal style and flow in your scrollwork designs and execution. Down the road I think you’ll find the techniques and processes transfer well into silver work which uses almost the same techniques, processes and equivalent tools for chased, embossed scrollwork. As your work progresses, there are some videos available from one of my engraving design instructors Sam Alfano which cover developing and building successful scrollwork designs. I think they would be directly applicable to your own work, and they’re both a great learning tool and great fun. This one is highly recommended: Play | Hand Engraving Videos
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@mmrogers Thanks for the info on Sam Alfano. His scrollwork is wonderful. It is an inspiration for future designs!
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That’s a really sweet scroll, @Stracci! Your leatherwork is beautiful.
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Thanks @mmrogers ! I’m trying to improve with each project. I know I have a long way to go! It takes time, I know.
I wish I could work on my art and jewelry during the week, instead of just weekends.
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Beautiful. Looks like you are an accomplished leathersmith.
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A jewelry box for turquoise jewelry! Your flower design is so pretty. I’m especially drawn to its flow & movement. As always, your craftsmanship is wonderful.
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Pretty soon everything in my house will be embellished with leather….!
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@Stracci Your talent is just, wow! I really enjoy seeing your creations.
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Thank you @here4turquoise! I enjoy this leather work very much. I will post new creations here, as long as they are worthy of showing!
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I bet it is relaxing when you have the time to do it and are not rushed.
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