It looks very nice! I like the clean look it has. Sewing the straps on the inside gives the tote a modern look. I like your design for the bottom! It allows for a more formed look and it probaly makes the tote stay in place when it's off the shoulders.

Very nice and creative! The first picture of briefcase - could you please show the other side/back please. I like the design.

Nice work, Perry! I like the “hinged” back. Did you use a wooden or leather dowel to support the fold?

Johnny, that’s amazing work! The skull is super cool! The doctor bag is lovely! You are definitely an artist at heart and that shines in each piece you made. I am impressed of how many crafting skills you acquired in such short time AND how many differentiated items you were able to produce. Keep it going!!

Funny, read the same details a while back. I also noticed that many tanneries have adopted the saffiano cross hatch design. Some make the lines more close together (original Prada) and some have a wider cross hatch print.

didn’t know saffiano is actually chrome tanned….

Thank you for your comments. The pictures/card holders looks absolutely stunning, and I can see how a heavily finished leather paired with exotics makes total sense, preserves the look over time, adds a lux look. I guess it’s all about using the right leather for the right project and based on client’s preference. I have a designer bag made of Saffiano. After several years of use, it still looks good but has scuffs I can’t remove or condition. I suppose with wallets/card holders this issue may not exist as they get nicely kept in a pocket. Thx!

I actually like it the way it is! I like the thickness; it gives it a sturdy look and accentuates the beautifully burnished edges. Oh, and you have another approval rating from my hubby 🤓

that’s great! I have a similar process (sans skiver), just need more practice 🤓 thank you for sharing!

do you skive the binding strip yourself or use a skiver? Also, do you use pricking irons to mark the stitching holes and then use an awl? How the hec do you execute so uniformly?!

It looks beautiful! The edge binding is impressive, something I have yet to learn. Love the side pockets!

The first project is always very special! I love the navy/yellow color combo!

it’s gorgeous! very nicely designed and executed!

Here is the bag in action! I still love it but…of course, I notice all the little imperfections and ways I could have done it better. However, it will always be my baby 🤓 and it gets lots of great use. Thank you for all your nice reactions!

@Leathercraft Masterclass Great ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!

@Fadi I will try to use creaser back on the mould. The problem doing it before moulding is that the leather stretches and the lines don’t look uniform. I also cut out the opening post moulding. I feel like my sequencing of steps is off. I am still pleased with my first attempt but would like to be able to recreate the project again, better. Thanks, Fadi!

This looks like a super challenging project and, for a first attempt, your execution looks pretty good!!!! I like that you showed various steps in pictures. The last picture with the watch looks very nice! well done!

@elizabeth What?! That’s crazy amazing!!!! Yes, would love to meet for coffee. Please reach me at nikitagirl74@yahoo.com

@elizabeth I hear you except that defeats the purpose of my design. The strap has to detach. Here it is with jewelry. While resting on the bathroom counter, the strap is attached with jewelry on display. When I am ready to travel, I detach the strap and place inside the case until next use.

@lcallawayjr surprisingly, that was fairly easy to do. I skived the edges of the gusset, applied PVA (not cement) and then started to adhere to the main body starting with center seam (that’s actually very important). Here is the paper pattern for a visual.