How to prepare leather for tooling

This video answers a question I received “What is the best way to prepare my leather for tooling?”
If you want to dive deeper into more skills like this and build a firm foundation in your leather work, checkout my online courses at the link below. 644n6efw2ydgqg...
⬇️Learn Online With Me In The Leather Life Classroom
www.skool.com/...
🎁Get A Free Belt Pattern
mailchi.mp/f0d...
🛒Shop Tools, Supplies, Patterns & Classes
twentythreeplu...
✅Follow Joe
/ joe_meling
😎For Items We Don't Carry Check Weaver & Use Code JOE10 To Save 10%
www.weaverleat...
#leathertooling #toolingpatterns #leathercraft #23plus #pendletonstyletooling

[@billybeasley5131]

I would say getting the leather to the right wetness was my biggest problem for a couple of years. Also knowing which tools that the leather needs to be dryer for. Ie the beveler and thumbprint

[@slik00silk84]

I am a great believer in casing the leather like the old timers such as Stohlman did. A big advantage is that we have ziplock bags today.

[@hamptonconsultants4815]

The thing that impresses me the most Joe is you guys that can use box cutters without cutting your fingers off. Great tutorial!

[@susanna1207]

Great Video! Thank you 🙏

[@benjammin1212]

I started leatherwork making falconry hoods, so any tooling is done on 2-3oz veg tan, a simple rule of thumb on leather that thin is, if water seeps through to the flesh side, then its too wet, lol

[@ryterekker8852]

Hey, I’m new here, I was wondering if you could do a video on how to do your designs for scrollwork?

[@jeffr5221]

Does this help with shrinkage after the leather dries? I don't really have a problem with stretching, just projects drying and not being square anymore

[@IUnfugI]

Das hilft mir sehr. Vielen dank dafür:)

[@kcg3927]

Great instructive video...
I've used packing tape. But I don't like the way it lifts the back of my leather. Do you experience that &and if so what do you do about it...?

[@maddawgnoll]

I haven't found a tape that doesn't lift the flesh side. But my best results is from frog tape. It's like the blue painters tape (in green instead) but holds a lot better. And comes off easier. The blue tape always ends up coming off in pieces for me

[@joemeling3216]

Yes, sometimes the tape will lift the flesh side of the leather. I find it has more to do with the leather than the tape. A piece of leather that is more “flanky” or not as tight of grain will lift more. Generally when I peel the tape, if it’s lifting bad I will pull the tape from the other direction and it won’t lift near as bad.
If you’re lining a project, lift isn’t a problem. If you’re not lining it, using resolene on the back will clean it up and slick it down.

[@kcg3927]

Thank you both for the info & tips.
I'm new to leather work and it's always one of those oh no moments.

[@danhoy8356]

When is the deluxe kit going to be back in stock? Thanks

[@jenniferwhite6089]

about your price on the crafts you make should and should do at a framer market

[@drewsaccucci7907]

Hi there, when I use clear packing tapes, I do not care that it lifts the leather fibers, because like you mentioned in another comment, you can finish with resolene. However what I am having trouble with, is that when I remove the tape, it leaves very sticky residue in the leather fibers, as if the glue from the tape wants to stick to the leather more than the acrylic tape.
Have you ever ran into glue coming off the tape and being left behind on the leather? Does anyone know a good reliable tape that works without leaving a sticky mess, but also doesn't stretch?