Introduction: Skin Leather Bag for "Everything".

About: I am a former active duty Marine. I am married and have two cats. I love learning new things, tools, and sharing/ trading skills and ideas with others. For 2018 I plan to release an instructable every month. M…

Hi, school is around the corner and i have art classes so i made this bag as and art bag. Testing the bag I found I could put in a lot of my art supplies, but shortly after I found I could stuff my phone, wallet, "sunglasses", small folded or rolled paper, and food. The eyelets on the bag allowed me to hook it to my belt for art to keep it on me and to grab my stuff, while also being able to be worn around my neck to grab my wallet, keys, phone, or glasses. its color grabs eyes and it is always a conversation starter for classes and social events.

best of all it holds cookies but again use a plastic baggy

Also warning read the whole guide from front to back before starting.

Step 1: Things You Will Need

Now depending on whether you use my design as a reference then make your own bag with a different decoration can change the tool list. However, there is a difference between needing that tool and thinking you need that tool.

Absolute need:
craving knife
something to punch holes
pliers
hammer
eyelets and setters
leather
paper
pencil/pen

optional (this is all in how you want to do it and how its all up to you)
modeling tools
stamp tools
bevelers
overstich tool
wooden slicker
thread
rivets and setter dremel
wing compass
lacing punch 
edge beveler
lacing awl 

Step 2: The Pattern

The bag its self is just a 8.5" X 11" piece of leather the size of printing paper. However because I feel it is necessary to show the outside decoration and how I designed it so that everyone can try it out and experiment. Please refer to the picture tags for detailed info for better understanding. :) 

items need: 
Card stock white paper i used 15 Lb paper 
pencil
eraser
idea

Step 3: Tracing the Design Into the Leather

Okay so after your pattern is finished you will want to wet your leather till water is just barley setting on the top then give it a second to dry, place paper on top of moist leather, and began using a leather stylus or modeling tool of choice trace design.

things need for this step:
modeling tool or stylus
water bowl
sponge
leather and design pattern

Step 4: Craving

pretty much just grab your swivel knife and begin craving out your design that you traced also make sure not to go to deep with the knife.

general things to know and tips:
i found that when craving the leather must be moist
if your blade is getting stuck in the leather you are either going to deep or your blade needs to be stropped 
if your leather dries out while working on another part or you walk away just re-wet it, but be careful to not over do it.

Step 5: Slash Muscle Detail

This is very important for looks and it helps with know where to bevel later on. Those circles that are not "flesh" or "skin" will be where the slashes go.
Look at the picture notes for more details.

Things needed:
craved leather 
and swivel knife

Step 6: Bevel Rise the Skin Detail

Now I used a smooth beveler to press down where the "muscle" is and the "skin" is.
Look at the pictures for details on how to do this.

things need:
leather hammer
beveler
leather

Step 7: Raising the Skin Edge

this is not needed, but it really helps just check out the photos.

things need:
the leather
leather hammer
beveler

Step 8: Depressing the Leather for Shadows

this is also and extra step just for detail, but i liked it some what.

look at the pictures 

tools needed:
ball modelers 
Pear shader

Step 9: Coloring Options

There are so many ways to color. Infer to the pictures for more details.

things need
leather dye
sharpie markers
shop towel
leather finishes

Step 10: Making the Holes & Putting the String

This is like the dying because there are so many options.

there is lace, wax thread, and string.

depending on what you use will depend on what tools you have and look you are looking for look at my pictures i decide to make no sew holes with hemp string.

Step 11: Finished

i forgot to add a leather finish before all the hole making and eyelet setting and i had to spray it with shellac which makes it shiny hard and a bit darker.
Any way this is my bag and i love it i had wanted to add clasp but didn't want to.
i hope everyone likes the bag and idea.
leave pictures and comments.

Back to School Contest

Finalist in the
Back to School Contest

Hurricane Lasers Contest

Participated in the
Hurricane Lasers Contest