I started leather working about a month ago in order to give myself something to do, especially since I need it to keep me out of trouble. I started with a kit from Hobby Lobby, and I have found it to be a very fun and calming craft. About a week ago, my mom mentioned the Instructables leather working contest, and now I'm giving it a shot.

Step 1: Step 1: Get Your Supplies

You will need:

Clean water with sponge

Swivel Knife

Leather stamps: Backgrounder, Beveler, Pear Shader

Leather piece (I used a kit piece from Hobby Lobby)

Pencil or Pen

Wooden Mallet

Leather finish/Stain and Sponge for Stain, Not same one from water

Hard Surface (Desk, Hardcover Book, Table...)

Step 2: Step 2: Choose Your Design

I chose a hand drawn Android logo by me for this project due to my love of Android. You can choose any design you want, as long as you feel you can do it, and it fits on the leather piece you are using.

Step 3: Step 3: Transfer Design to Leather

First you will need to wet or "case" the leather. Use a clean sponge and dampen it with your clean water. Now evenly apply water to the leather, getting it visibly wet, but not soaked. Wait until the leather returns to the natural color. Take the paper with your design, and tape it onto the leather piece where you want the design to be placed. Once it is secure, take your pen or pencil, and semi-hard draw over the design, making sure not to rip the paper. Once done, the design should be visible on the leather.

Step 4: Step 4: Cut in the Design

Take your swivel knife, and place it straight up and down, then tilt it forward. Make sure to cut towards you, pulling the knife slowly. Stop each cut just before it crosses another cut, in order to prevent over-cuts.

Step 5: Step 5: Add Detail to Your Design

After you have finished cutting in your design, you can add detail by using stamps. I chose the backgrounder, beveler, and pear shader for my design, then used the seeder and camouflage for extras. It just depends on what you want it to look like. Stamps shoulb be held straight up and down, only tilted when a special impression is wanted.

Step 6: Step 6: Finish Your Leather

Let you leather dry completely, then dampen you clean sponge. Drip the leather finish product onto the clean sponge, and rub evenly onto the leather. Wait until dry before using your leather project!!!