Handmade leather book-covers.

 

My spouse taught me how to make leather book covers since I adore using notebooks and sketchbooks.
Neatsfoot oil was used to treat, soften, and maintain the one my husband made.
Inside is a small composition notebook measuring 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" x 1/4" This one includes a pencil slot.

Saddle stitching was used to secure the leather. My spouse used metal stamps to add his initials.
He has a lot of leather, tools, and equipment, plus he has worked with leather before, which benefits me. 

My spouse's completed project.

These are some of the tools and equipment we used. A small hammer, stainless steel leather hole punches, pencil, eraser, 12" metal ruler, a cigarette lighter, awls (the sharp points are protected with corks), thread, craft pegs, a soft plank, scissors, a template, Saddler's needles, a big nail clipper (used to round the corners of the leather), metal letter stamps, artificial sinew, a leather thong, a leather hole punch, etc.

I gathered some of the supplies in a 12" pencil box that fits into an Iris® 13″x13″ Stackable Storage Box

Inside the Stretch Pencil Box by Storex.

He keeps his hardware in a divided craft container.

I had assistance with the hardware for my initial attempt.

I haven't put the notebook in as the Howard feed and wax I used was still oily. I used blue thread on mine, on the fastening as it is my favourite colour. We hung the covers outside to dry. To prevent it from getting greasy, I wrapped the notepad in cling wrap for the picture.

I have learnt a lot and appreciate the work that goes into leathercraft.

Here I am working on my second attempt.

I think my second attempt came out better.
The small  sketchbook inside measures 6" x 4" 

That's a wrap.

These are some of the leather journals I bought, maybe one day I can make my own.

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TOKELOSHE ©️

 

Making Hot Glue Embellishments.

These are some of the hot glue embellishments that I have made to use for my scrap-booking.

CR8

Click above for more information.

CR8.

I created one 12"x 12" page. My inspiration was Witching you a Merry Christmas by Cheryl Lindsay from Murrieta, California, U.S.A. in the Nov/Dec 2016  Somerset Studio magazine.

Lace Masquerade Masks.

I made some Lace Masquerade Masks, with netting and hot glue.

Mono-printed Tags.

 

 I made a few tags to try out mono-printing, which I think will be great for making customized backgrounds. I don't have a gelatine plate and although one can make them, I thought I would first experiment the technique with what I have, to see if I like it. 

Making Hatpins. 🎨

I made a few hatpins, which I want to use in my scrapbooks.

"Hatpins reached a peak of popularity between the 1890's and 1920's, as music hall actresses like Lillian Russell and Lillian Langtry fueled the popularity of large elaborate hats without bonnet strings. Having originated in the 1850's to secure straw hats, hatpins became longer and more ornate over time (1910 was the height of hatpin length, with the stems alone reaching 10 to 12 inches)."- Collectors weekly.

 

They are also called stick-pins. I used a salt shaker and an incense holder as hatpin holders. You can also use pincushions, cotton reels, etc. The hatpins fit in the salt shaker as well.

 

Hint: A neat trick that I used was to use Earring Butterfly Backs to keep the beads in place and prevent them from  falling off. You can also use Crimp beads, which are available at Walmart, Michaels, bead stores, etc. How-to: Attach a Crimp Bead. Here you can see I also attached charms to some.

 

Some of the supplies and tools I used were: Beads, Earring Butterfly Backs, etc. Beads are available at bead stores, craft stores, dollar stores, etc.

 

Corsage pins with white bead heads (these are 2 1/2" long), they are available from Walmart, Michaels, bead stores, etc. and are usually found in the wedding/floral departments. You can also use wire, which you cut to the desired lengths and curl at the end using round nose pliers.

Flower Hat Pin

My table while having fun. I have a set of pliers, tweezers, small scissors, etc.Most of my beads are kept in plastic storage boxes. I have a bead funnel tray which I also use for heat embossing powder.

Related:

Antique Hatpins and Hatpin Holders.

Whimsical Wire Stick Pin Tutorial!

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Tokeloshe ©