First Toolbag.... I've come a long way. Still a long way to go...

So, this is the first bag that I ever made,I thought it turned out pretty well but, I've learned a lot since then...

I'm planning on doing a tutorial soon so wait for that in the near future.

First - you have to get your pattern onto the leather and tool and stamp it as desired:

This one I did a celtic scorpion with some backgrounding where the cross overs are, I also did all the hole punching for stitching up (I actually dry fit each time).

Next - dye the piece and apply a finish to ensure it lasts:
Dying needs to be handled in a few steps remember lighter colours first....

Next - Add some hardware and remember anything else you want to do while it is flat:
You won't be able to use a mallet once the sides are on...

Last thing you need to do is stitch up the sides...  really it's that easy LOL...  (with about 10~20 steps in between that I didn't list):
I do a different stitch now with the sides, as I mentioned this was a first run...

I promise a tutorial with way too many steps before the summer is done....  I promise  ;o)

Paws

Leather Work

I got a new bike at the end of last year, a 2007 Kawasaki Mean Streak:

So now I have been adding leather to it (the pick in my title was my Drifter, I had done enough so it was time to move on.  I'll do a new titlebar photo soon).  I did a seat over the winter which changed the look a bit as well as the backrest.

I have a toolbag ready for it also, but I need to relocate the rectifier (done while getting photo's ready ;):

I also did a fender bib to cover over where the old pilon seat was:

My latest work is a little bag for the bars.  I had a lot of ideas bouncing around but decided to go simple, and quick as I don't plan to have it on all the time.  No photo yet, Once it is done I'll get one up.

But she is starting to look a bit different...

 

Leatherwork lets me relax when I can't ride....  with the rain lately that has been often this season...