My first leather work - Possibles Bag project

[Marcruger]

I decided a little while back that I wanted to learn leather work.  I was inspired by James Rogers' wonderful bag at the CLA show. 

My dad was a super leather craftsman for many years, though arthritis stopped him.  I decided that while he was still around, I'd better learn some leatherworking skills from him.  Sadly we are 2 hours apart, so I can't be there all the time.  I went down for a 3 day weekend and he showed me a lot. 

James Rogers endured many e-mails asking questions, and I owe him a huge debt of thanks.  What a wonderful, patient, selfless artist. 

So, long story short, if there is anything you like about this bag, it is due to Dad and James.  The mistakes....all mine. 

This is a simple leather bag, with an inside pocket and attached front flap.  I have a second, wider finished flap that will go on another bag.  It was meant for this one, but I made it too wide.  Ooops! 

Obviously, I don't craft buckles like James, so I went with a simple buckle that I stripped of finish, cold blued, rubbed back, and clear coated. 

Lots to learn, and I had to start somewhere. 

Best wishes, and God Bless,   Marc




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[KC]

That's a good looking bag. I had also just finished my first shooting bag and had planned on posting some pics but I think I better get some more leather and up my game a little. Your stitching looks nice and consistent, I had a little trouble with that. I also like the tooling you did on the flap. A very professional looking job from my perspective. What weight of leather did you use and how did you get that nice even coloring with your finish?

[rich pierce]

That’s just not right, posting that and saying it’s your first bag  .  You’ve got great teachers and apparently inherited a great aptitude. Looking forward to seeing more of your work as you continue.

[hanshi]

Are you absolutely sure that's your FIRST bag??  That's the kind of work I can only dream of doing.

[Marcruger]

Yes, it is my first leather project of any sort.  I have watched my dad since I was old enough to crawl, so that helped.  It didn't turn out like I wanted, but that is the learning process.  I already have bag #2 patterned out.  :-) 

The real key is patient folks like James sharing.  It short circuits many hard-knocks decisions. 

The main thing to do is never look at my bag and anything James has made in the same sitting!   :-)  Humbling to say the least.  Sort of like a beginning guitarist listening to Eric Clapton, Chet Atkins, or Ricky Skaggs. 

Thank you for all of the nice words.  God Bless,   Marc

[Tim Crosby]

 Really nice job Mac. The stitching looks great. What size is it?

  Tim

[Marcruger]

4'x8' Tim.  Like a sheet of plywood.  Hah, hah.  :-) 

Seriously, it is 9" wide and 8" deep.  Feels fine on, and I can get my hand in the main pouch or the pocket easily.

Best wishes, and God Bless,  Marc

[Marcruger]

BTW, does anyone have a good source of 18th Century looking brass or iron buckles in the 1" wide size?  Many thanks,   Marc

[Dennis Glazener]

Nice work Marc. James is a good mentor.
Dennis

[GA Turner]

Marc; great job. Keep at it and the horn work . I wish my first projects turned out so well. Only gets better with time.  Ron

[Tim Crosby]

BTW, does anyone have a good source of 18th Century looking brass or iron buckles in the 1" wide size?  Many thanks,   Marc

 Marc, I thought I did a Tutorial on making them from Iron but I can't find it. I will make one in the next day or so and take Pix along the way. It will be very simple but the design can easily be refined.

   Tim

[Arcturus]

Nice job, Marc.  With guys like your dad and James on your side, you're well on your way!  Your stitching looks very good already and will only get better with time.  (And don't sweat it, we're ALL jealous of James in that regard!    )

[PPatch]

Handsome bag! I like it a lot. Good work.

dave

[Mark Elliott]

That is super good work, first bag or not.

[BOB HILL]

Marc, you are doing a great job with your horn and leatherwork. Can't wait to see your next ventures.   Bob

[Tim Crosby]

   Marc see if this helps, if you have any question just ask.

  Tim

Piece of plate, maybe 3/16's



Cut off a piece, layout buckle



Drill A couple of holes in Sqs



Start filing out the holes to Sq.







Bend a nail for the tongue.



File a little grove in the center post for the tongue to ride and square up, you can give it a little bend to make it lay flatter.

[John SMOthermon]

First or Fiftieth ya’ done good ! 

[James Rogers]

Marc, super job!!
Sorry I did not post sooner today but I have been doubling the size of my leather shop so I can be able to hold classes after the first of the year.
I do the buckles somewhat like Tim shows but I drill a series of holes and connect them with a jewelers saw so I can keep the centerrible for melting.
The original brass and bronze ones were of course cast and the iron ones were mainly die forged. Many of my buckles I replicate based on examples I have dug in central va or friends have recovered.

Again Marc, kudos to some fine work. You've done your dad proud in sharing that craft!!

[Marcruger]

Many thanks for the encouragement folks!  It is greatly appreciated. 

Tim and James, you make buckle crafting sound so easy.  I am sure there is a learning curve lurking in there.   :-) 

Best wishes, and God Bless,  Marc