First, I took a blank knife sheath and traced the design into it, then cut it out (now if you haven't done this, take a class first!)
After that I used my craftools to pound and hammer to give the whole thing lots of dimension and texture. Took about 3 hours to do this one. But then, it's been 20 years since I've done much leather work.
Using a paintbrush, I painted alcohol inks on the leaves and acorns to give it color. Used 8 different colors of inks. And then used caramel for the background and expresso to distress the edges. I think it came out pretty cool.
I did not want a "new" look like they will show you on Tandy's website - I wanted it distressed. You can click on these photos to get a closer look.
I think the distress look on the handle is exactly what I was going for - but notice the edges as well!
I normally use a Tandy product to seal my leather, but found online that you can use a mix of melted beeswax and olive oil to protect the leather. I tell you what - I love it! I painted the wax on to the leather and then set it with my Heat-it tool. Totally cool!!!
This is a gift for my brother-in-law as I saw the one he made in high school is falling apart. I like that it looks old, not new.....but that it's new, so it should last for years to come.
Who knew I'd be using Ranger products on leather? What next? LOL!!!
