I've been curious how efficient of a maker I am compared to everyone else's crafting time for for certain items. Lets say a bi-fold wallet (since that is what I make most of for now:) 6 card slots, bill slot, all fully lined (12 layers of leather) and 3 coats of edge paint. Everything hand cut and saddle stitched. Used to take me 8-10 hours when I first started the craft two years ago, now it takes me about 6 hours of labor, not including drying time between edge paint coats. How about you?

Hi! Matteus here. My leathercraft obsession started a bit over 2 years ago. I found myself becoming very upset at the expensive belts I was buying, and them only lasting a years or so before falling apart. Traveling the world as I do for my day job, I found myself enamored with leather workers I would see at different markets and festivals. One day I walked by a booth that was selling DIY kits for belts and decided to try it out. Since that first project, I have had an insatiable lust for learning more and more technique and to make the finest product I could. Currently on my travels I carry a mobile workshop toolbox with me to keep on designing, stitching, and crafting everyday. If I could offer one piece of advice that I've learned; Its important just to be present everyday. By that I mean, try to complete something everyday you have. Be it practicing your saddle stitch, skiving, or completing a project. Practice and repetition have helped me immensely along the way. I'm excited to meet new people on this forum and share ideas. Drop me a message anytime! Best regards, and keep on stitching! -Matteus

Ive been looking to get a hot foil machine for a while now. After inquiring about then model in Philip‘s video, it’s has a very steep cost getting one to the US. Are there any other models anyone has had great results with? Im not against spending the money to get the KSF mini, but like to explore options. Cheers!

Hello! I’ve been using Barge brand solvent cement for bonding linings onto leather. Specifically using chrome/veg goat hide onto Veg tan cow and exotics It gives the products I create a strong solvent smell, that takes a while to vanish and hides some of the wonderful leather smell. Is there a less smelly product to use that creates just as strong and flexible of a bond?