Hey Clever, one thing I've learned over time, in order to help clean up leather dye spills on your work table, you can use high percentage Isopropyl alcohol and a Mr.Clean magic eraser. The two of them together can even tackle black dye on light surfaces..... Ask me how I know XD
Lol, we have been asked about our design process before. The problem is… I would need a process to show. 🤣 it’s mostly just looking at things on Pinterest for inspiration and redrawing things until they feel right. Check out our weekly stream on Tuesday (In the Roots) for a taste of kinda how we put things together. As for the cricut transfer, we actually have a whole video around that here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tKJLtnJxI_M.html Hope that helps 😁
I'd rather make apron with belt to wear it more secure and hang instruments like hammer and tongs. To take the weight off the shoulder. Hang a pouch for flux etc. Pockets are more practical voluminous than flat. This is purely my personal opinion. The work is great as always. Obviously everything goes to the fact that blacksmithing will soon begin 😉🤘
Great video! I found the amazon "shoe patching" machine to be very worthwhile and fun to use once I dialed it in and got the hang of it. Good for larger projects (like a cloak or apron) but does not match hand stitching in terms of strength and appearance. Did you know the vinyl sticker paper you used for your stencils also works great as a resist for acid etching copper and brass? With your cutter you can etch just about any design you want, maybe to make a piece of jewelry or decorative trim for a drinking horn or some other project. 2 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part muriatic acid, only takes about 20 minutes to etch. Just use good ventilation and wear protective gear, such as a heavy shop apron...
I forget the compound, but there is a chemical marker that people use to wood burn without the expensive tool. Since it only uses a heat gun, it wouldn't damage the leather if you're paying attention. I think that would have been a nice extra to do with the leather symbols, magic symbols burning themselves into the leather Mr. Artificer.
Aaah damn I just made one. Wish I had seen this first. I used 5mm leather which is super thick and is like a sandwich board when new! Why not add a a loop on the side for a hammer. Super useful so you don’t leave the hammer on the anvil when you are the forge and then knock it on the floor when you turn around . Useful tip on the edge beveller! Another tip is use thicker straps as they distribute the weight better on your shoulders
That looks amazing and gives a ton of techniques to use even if you're not making an apron. I'm sure its going to look even better with some wear and tear.
That’s what we go for 😁 we like to include new and interesting techniques where ever we can so people can use them in *whatever* project inspiration drives them towards.
I am really enjoying the leather crafting. I must be on a leather kick or something, but I cannot get enough of it! I would like to see more of that, maybe more dragon inspired items or with dragon scales. Definitely want to see more armor. Woodworking is also another addicting hobby of mine and I need some more inspiration to get back at it!
That's such an awesome design! 😍 I too need a workshop apron! P.S. I sharpen my edge beveler by stropping it on either the edge of a piece of leather or some cord that I've previously covered in jeweler's rouge! 😉
Just had a spark of a thought. We always go leather in a post apocalyptic theme buuuut, wouldn't car upholstery be the most available material?? Just throwing it out there as an alternative material.
Not to nit pick, I'm in love with this apron. I noticed at the end when you put in on that it pulled away from your collar, is that intentional for some breathing room or will it come back to your collar over time with some use? I've been wanting an apron of my own for a while and this has given me some AMAZING ideas, and the collar was the only part I thought may need a bit of a change for my own use. I'm the kind of guy that needs somewhere for his hands when they aren't busy, so grabbing the collar or a pocket/hand resting strap may be the solution.
Really love the look and feel of this apron, turned out really nice. Noticed it gaping at the neck/top area, but maybe that'll fix itself in time. Speaking of time, it's been about six months since you made this, I wonder how it has held up? I totally understand what you mean about the 'Fisher-Price' look/feel, plasticy, yuck.
Im back @Skill Tree i was wondering how did you dye your milled leather so evenly brown? i tried to dye it like i dye my other projects but it came out a bit splouchy and darker in other areas and now im worried that dyeing on the black silhouette is gonna be to hard to see on the leather so im thinking of just cutting out a circle of leather and dyeing the design on it so that its more visible that dyeing it onto the leather itself. HALP x-x
BROTHER , where can i get the vinyl to do transfers! i have a design im making for an apron myself for the gf's BDAY and i have a custom design i got made from a commisioned artist. but iv been having nothing but trouble trying to figure out how to get the design on the leather! iv been wanting to to be crisp and the lines perfect, so i felt tooling the leather wasnt the right option >. < PLEASE get back to me as soon as possible!.
I gots you. I bought mine at Michaels but you I am sure you can get it on amazon. It was the Cricut brand removable vinyl and the cricut transfer tape. I hope that helps!
Please dont get one of those stitchers. They're horrible out of the box and even with all the modifications to make them work, they make a poor product. I had one. did the mods, and hated it so much. It cheapened my work. Keep up the good work! Love your content!
An interesting note on the transfer tape from Cricut that I did not know when I first started using one: Cricut sells a regular transfer tape and a strong transfer tape. Do not mix them up. The strong transfer tape is too strong for the vinyl materials and will hinder the application of the vinyl or stencils onto whatever you're placing it on.
i love this and it is giving me so many ideas for my own apron for my own shop...i honestly would have done white dye like if the runes were applied with soap stone (which would have been reinforced with spells to keep on) and it would have made them pop more. But that's just me
All these years I never wore an apron in the shop. Now you've shamed me an I gotta build one. :-) Seriously great job! Love it. The hand stitcher you were talking about is the Chinese shoe patcher. I use one on larger stuff. After a little work and polishing mine easily sews through two layers of 7-8 oz for belts and holster but I still sew most holsers by hand. Mainley Acres channel has a lot of instructions on them. Main thing is that rough walking foot. I filed mine down and used electric wire heat shrink on it, works great now
I was somehow directed to cheap tattoo machine kits on eBay a few years ago but had no practical want for that. It did interest me enough to consider, and I now wonder, if one could be utilised to give you more of a tattooed effect on leather. Fascination is one thing, trial & error in attempting the unknown may be too much. Would you be willing to consider and try something like that?
It's like you luve un my brain. I havr a tattoo artist friend that has old machines they are willing to let me use to try this very thing! Expect an episode soon on it 😁
This is so awesome🤩. Can you make an old, realistic, full sized human skull?🦴...you can even stick a candle on the top, like a medieval viking or an evil pirate lord looking candleholder.🤔🤩👌🦴
I actually just re-watched Adam Savage's apron build last night! I think you've both sold me on the leg slit. I'll probably try and get some waxed canvas for mine though. Love the embellishments, and I can't believe you went with Kelly Green! It's my favourite colour, and my partner doesn't believe it's a real thing!
This was kick ass! The leather tattoos were spectacular! Maybe I’ll learn how to use my new cricket I got in 2020 thinking I’d have time… work was ya no, you will have a record year and zero time. LOL.
I have heard (don't quote me on it I need to double check) that you can use wood burning tools and techniques on leather - essentially "branding" the hide - to add details, texture, etc.. If I recall correctly you want to do this BEFORE adding any dye, and I think because of the chemicals involved in the process of making chrome-tanned leather you need to stick with veg tan, just to avoid releasing chemical fumes when you're burning in your design.
Nice job on the apron, I guess we will not be seeing you on fire anytime soon :) I've watched vids on the $100 leather sewing machines there is a lot of setup but they put out nice stitching after you get them working right.
If you don't like how constricting it feels in the legs, slit it in the middle till a couple of inches below the crotch line. Add some leather straps to them and now you can loosely strap them around your legs giving you protection as well as full range of motion. I would add some length to the bottom, at least to knee length as well as making it wider at hip level so you can wrap them at least half way around your thighs. This will also give the added bonus of being able to add more pockets if needed.
If you're having trouble pouring small bottles, use a straw or a stir stick held against the edge and pour along it. This should help prevent the liquid from clinging to the lip of the bottle and spilling everywhere. :3
I think it's more of a "me being an idiot in the moment" kind of thing. Rushing around and not taking the time to do simple steps like you outlined here.
Dont use "dye reducer"... its just alcohol. denatured, Isopropyl , whatever. WAY overpriced for what it is. Edit to add: I have been doing leather work for years. some for resale, most for personal use. and, as most leatherworkers, I watch alot of youtube about leather. Almost every solvent, cleaner or thinner sold by any leather company( cough tandy) is far cheaper to find the hardware store (HD or whatever) version. I use denatured for most stuff.. and.... it makes a great camp stove fuel as well. Unless your dye is water based, just use denatured alcohol. FYI: denatured means DO NOT DRINK. Oh and the same idea goes for paints as well.
Just need... NEED... to add. PLEASE.....PLEASE.... before you put adhesive on the smooth side of leather.. it really should (as in it will not hold as well if you do not) be scuffed up (as in, this makes the difference between a nice leather project... and a leather heirloom to be passed to your kids) . I like 100 grit sandpaper. Its coarse enough for a deep scuff, so you dont need to spend alot of time on it, but not so coarse to leave severe marks if you go outside the lines you made. If you skip this, it will... WILL.... peal up. It will take some time (years) but it will peal (hangs head in shame)... I know.
This is an amazing video. I feel like I need to get some other leather projects under my belt before I shoot for something this complex. (I'm only like a 3rd level leather worker. I mostly do straps for SCA armour.) But this absolutely gave me some inspiration for a future project.
I've been binge watching your projects the last few days. I think this may be one of my favorites. You are an inspiration to crafters everywhere. Thank you!
I have to say, your humor felt on-point this episode. Not to say you aren't normally funny, this just felt far more organic. Just spot-on jokes all around. [EDIT] Just visited the endscreen, and again, absolutely perfect.
I hope you get the leather machine, and do an instructional/ setup video. As always, your videos are entertaining and very informative. Keep up the great work. You are one of my favorite channels.
Definitely get one of those sewing machines. I bought one and it's great. Full disclosure when it comes it will be filthy, covered I oil and the stand is cracked but bolted onto heavy bench and you're golden.
So two things, first definitely get yourself a stitcher from Amazon. You do enough leather work to make that kind of investment. And second, I love your channel you are a great inspiration and you explain everything you do be it a mistake or something you experienced during your own learning process.
Wow dude, I watch every one of your videos and I've just got to say that you have some incredible talent and your videos are very entertaining. A thousand upvotes to you good sir.
I found your channel earlier today, and have been binging it. I keep meaning to make or buy a proper shop apron, and this really helps me in my thought process on how to make one. Personally, the one thing I would have done differently in terms of function is I would prefer to have a strap around my waist to better secure the apron and keep it from moving in ways I don’t want it to. That’s entirely personal preference, but I’m happy that this video catalysed that realisation for me. Also, the ring for rags is a great idea, as is the little back control.
