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Main => The Armoury => The Workshop => Topic started by: Ian on 2014-05-28, 16:35:56

Title: Leather purse
Post by: Ian on 2014-05-28, 16:35:56
This is the start of a leather purse.  The covering flap will be lined and pocketed with linen on the inside, and everything will be hand assembled.  So far all I've done is cut out the pattern from the leather and tooled the exterior of the front flap in preparation for dying.

I've not decided what color, but I'm thinking oxblood.

The leather is cased by dampening it with a wet paper towel (do not soak the leather).  Then set the leather aside and wait for it to begin to return to its natural color.  Once this has occurred, it is ready for tooling.  (If you try to stamp dry leather it won't leave deep impressions, and if it's too wet they won't stick).  I used a straight edge and a stylus to impress the crossing lines on to the surface of the leather.  Then I hand-stamped the fleur-de-lis in to the resulting diamonds using a stamp and a maul.  Then I went back over the impressed lines and incised them using a swivel-knife.  The next step will be to dye the individual pieces of the purse.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/14268621646_36452c3a2a_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Patrick on 2014-05-28, 17:43:48
Wow!! 8)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Edward on 2014-05-28, 18:09:16

Holy crap, that's a nice start!
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir James A on 2014-05-28, 19:05:46
Please stop making so much awesome stuff. I'm becoming envious of your skill, and that's not knightly. :)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Lord Dane on 2014-05-28, 21:12:28
I support Sir Ian for Order craftsman and historical tailor. That is nice work.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Wolf on 2014-05-29, 00:14:27
i have never used a swivel knife. is it just like a creaser or is more like a knife?
also, have you ever beveled your edges?
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Ian on 2014-05-29, 00:17:49
i have never used a swivel knife. is it just like a creaser or is more like a knife?
also, have you ever beveled your edges?

The swivel knife has a very sharp straight blade on it that you draw towards yourself and cut in to the leather.  Your finger sits in the yoke at the top and you grip the barrel with your thumb and middle finger, and it freely swivels you can cut curves.

The edges on this purse are way too thin to bevel, it's only 2-3 oz leather.  Most of the edges will be invisible too since it will be sewn and turned.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Aiden of Oreland on 2014-05-29, 02:37:58
These are such beautiful pieces your making! And in a rather fast paste. How much are you charging for these purses, pouches, and sheaths? Because your are incredible and would love to order one when my wallet is a bit fatter.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Ian on 2014-05-29, 18:39:18
Thank you Sir Aiden.  I've been making all of these for my own kit, so I have yet to sell any pieces.  I really have no idea what they're worth.  I could tell you what similar pieces sell for by different merchants, but the ones I'm trying to emulate obviously have a lot more experience than me and thus provide a cleaner more finished product.

My goal is to create items without historical compromise, or at the very least with only unavoidable historical compromise.  I would always be willing to provide documentation to justify a particular design or construction method if available.  All of my leatherwork is completely hand made and thus not 'machine-perfect.'  The designs I use are based on historical examples.  Purses are one of those areas much like shoes, that you really can't find a historically designed one on the mass market without paying a lot.  The closest ones to historical designs are by Lorifactor that I've seen.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir William on 2014-05-29, 18:41:48
Nice, very nice Sir Ian.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Aiden of Oreland on 2014-05-29, 18:54:16
Thank you Sir Aiden.  I've been making all of these for my own kit, so I have yet to sell any pieces.  I really have no idea what they're worth.  I could tell you what similar pieces sell for by different merchants, but the ones I'm trying to emulate obviously have a lot more experience than me and thus provide a cleaner more finished product.

My goal is to create items without historical compromise, or at the very least with only unavoidable historical compromise.  I would always be willing to provide documentation to justify a particular design or construction method if available.  All of my leatherwork is completely hand made and thus not 'machine-perfect.'  The designs I use are based on historical examples.  Purses are one of those areas much like shoes, that you really can't find a historically designed one on the mass market without paying a lot.  The closest ones to historical designs are by Lorifactor that I've seen.

I would choose hand made any day, plus it creates a more personal value to it. That's one of the reasons your pieces are so marvelous, its as accurate as you are capable of getting them. One thing I noticed is that you have a very keen eye for things. It can be seen in your pieces and photography.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Rodney on 2014-05-30, 04:15:08
I would choose hand made any day, plus it creates a more personal value to it. That's one of the reasons your pieces are so marvelous, its as accurate as you are capable of getting them. One thing I noticed is that you have a very keen eye for things. It can be seen in your pieces and photography.

Very well said.  Any product that is handmade will have slight imperfections that make it perfect.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Ian on 2014-06-02, 22:58:21
Dyed oxblood.  A few coats gave it a deeper richer hue.

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2907/14146545970_e6b0cc19c6_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Martyn on 2014-06-02, 23:37:12
Looks great, Ian - where are you getting the buckles from?  Also, going with linen lining?
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Ian on 2014-06-03, 00:01:05
Looks great, Ian - where are you getting the buckles from?  Also, going with linen lining?

Yes to the linen lining.  This will not be buckled.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Patrick on 2014-06-03, 01:53:54
Beautiful work!
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Don Jorge on 2014-06-03, 03:02:34
I cant wait to see the final product!
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Ian on 2014-06-13, 15:57:38
Here's the finished piece:

This album contains more photos of the construction:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/68089438@N05/sets/72157645157428504/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/68089438@N05/sets/72157645157428504/)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14412658505_d6427a0dc6_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14226057358_b481e41f60_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14432834163_8ccbeef337_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Douglas on 2014-06-13, 16:39:48
Dang, that's cool! 8) I like those little pouches on the inside.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Martyn on 2014-06-13, 18:49:27
Turned out nice - well done.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Lord Dane on 2014-06-14, 05:59:11
Gorgeous work Ian. Now whip me up some sort of leather thing-a-ma-jig for my what-cha-ma-call it.  ;D
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Patrick on 2014-06-15, 01:24:26
So cool!  You do great work!
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Nate on 2014-06-15, 15:06:41
Your too good at this, looks amazing though
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Aiden of Oreland on 2014-06-15, 17:14:23
Just look at that product! Well done!
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Lord Chagatai on 2014-06-15, 19:44:03
Well done...taking orders???


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Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Lord Dane on 2014-06-15, 23:50:14
Sir Ian missed his real calling in life: "To design premium leather ladies purses and other such accessories." I mean, his name is print next to the product looks a designer brand. Step aside, Versace. Move over, Lord & Taylor. Get out of the way, Martha Steward. Ian Laspina is now in fashion. :) Now taking orders.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Ian on 2014-06-16, 01:01:53
Sir Ian missed his real calling in life: "To design premium leather ladies purses and other such accessories." I mean, his name is print next to the product looks a designer brand. Step aside, Versace. Move over, Lord & Taylor. Get out of the way, Martha Steward. Ian Laspina is now in fashion. :) Now taking orders.

Hey, if Louis Vuitton can charge $1,400 for leather handbag, these should go for at least half that!  ;)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Douglas on 2014-06-16, 02:18:00
Yeah, "LaSpina" is totally a designer name. It sounds foreign and exotic; just the kind of thing rich snobs love dropping money on. ;)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir James A on 2014-06-16, 16:00:35
I was expecting a basic leather purse, with the main pocket and closing flap. Wow! Fantastic job!
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir Rodney on 2014-06-24, 03:40:04
That is very well done!

I can imagine myself sporting an original LaSpina paired, of course, with a Tod’s Stuff bullock dagger.   :)
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Sir William on 2014-06-24, 18:46:51
That's much more than I was expecting, really nicely done, Sir Ian.
Title: Re: Leather purse
Post by: Aiden of Oreland on 2014-06-24, 19:34:06
Beautifully done! That's one down at least ;)