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MY63
May 12th, 2014, 02:44 PM
I read a post sometime ago about Midori notebook covers and found myself making a basic one for my daughter

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/12461162165_c87ce4dd10_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/jZ9Hnx)IMG_6611_1 (https://flic.kr/p/jZ9Hnx) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

My next cover I made for a friend who was in hospital

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/12515723953_64e03c2de7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/k4YmG2)IMG_6660_1 (https://flic.kr/p/k4YmG2) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

As I was making a pen and notebook case which I was dying blue my daughter decided that her cover was too plain and she wanted it dyed blue I decided it would be easier to make a new one "oh" she said "well if you are making a new one can you make a mini one for my friend"

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/13039048024_5179ea97e5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/kSdwGQ)IMG_6806_1 (https://flic.kr/p/kSdwGQ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Passport size
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/13165057013_4400efa712_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/m4mmMB)IMG_6838 (https://flic.kr/p/m4mmMB) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Full size
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2612/13129591643_9b7ba39c4d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/m1dAaH)IMG_6833_1 (https://flic.kr/p/m1dAaH) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

A member on another forum asked if I could make a cover with a date embossed on it oh and I want it in green

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2907/13930204960_96454696b4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ndXWBA)IMG_7241_1 (https://flic.kr/p/ndXWBA) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14148799226_d604f0d3b8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nyhi5f)IMG_7256_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nyhi5f) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I like that he said can you do me one in orange and one in yellow

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14106517395_5400582e01_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nuxAaa)IMG_7223_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nuxAaa) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5554/13965498839_ca2d7fecf1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nh5QfK)IMG_7282_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nh5QfK) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

look hand made

It appears I forgot to take a picture of the finished yellow case.

My Daughter had asked me to make a special cover for one of her lecturers who was leaving I assumed she meant at the end of term however I must have misheard as last week she asked if it would be ready for Friday Of course I said hiding the panic.

If you go back to the beginning my daughter traded in a plain cover for a blue cover well I had kept the plain one on my desk, I had recently bought some fine pierced and embossed leather in red and purple so I made this

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/14136278855_31aebf2880_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nxb8cM)IMG_7262_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nxb8cM) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/13955715568_8d516cb99c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ngdG2E)IMG_7264_1 (https://flic.kr/p/ngdG2E) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5195/14142551914_74a6461c31_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nxJgXY)IMG_7265_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nxJgXY) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I hope you have enjoyed my notebook cover journey thanks for looking

Michael

Lady Onogaro
May 12th, 2014, 03:50 PM
Those are really beautiful, Michael.

caribbean_skye
May 12th, 2014, 06:10 PM
Oooh, I *really* like the blue ones.

Tracy Lee
May 12th, 2014, 06:29 PM
Fantastic! Makes me want to use Midori just so I can say, "Listen, Michael, can you do one in black with dragon embossed on the front?"

earthdawn
May 12th, 2014, 06:40 PM
Awesome work !!!

They all look great.

Dreck
May 12th, 2014, 07:17 PM
Gorgeous & nicely done.

VertOlive
May 12th, 2014, 07:22 PM
Lovely!

AndyT
May 13th, 2014, 01:28 AM
They're splendid, Michael.

MY63
May 13th, 2014, 02:05 AM
Thanks everyone
Tracy I do like a challenge but I think that may be a little beyond my ability I would love to be able to carve such a shape into leather but that is not as easy as it looks.
Now that my ten pen cases are finished I am going to make a three pen case and a larger notebook cover.

Thanks again for the kind words

Michael

Tracy Lee
May 13th, 2014, 05:10 AM
They really are nice covers, thanks for sharing them! The ones with the date embossed do have a really nice look to them.

MY63
May 13th, 2014, 06:46 AM
Thanks Andy and Tracy your comment about dragons started me thinking I have always fancied having a go at leather carving I bought a swivel knife months ago,
So this morning I had a scout around the internet and found what looked to be an easy image as a starting point.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/13990223018_3e42979bde_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/njgxTG)IMG_7335_1 (https://flic.kr/p/njgxTG) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I wet the leather and printed an inverse image which I laid on the wet leather then used the swivel knife to follow the lines unfortunately the paper started to tear so I had to guess some of it.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/13990224228_c90dc5661f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/njgyfy)IMG_7336 (https://flic.kr/p/njgyfy) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Rather than embossing the lines are actually cut into the surface of the leather. The swivel knife is a funny little tool to use I am sure I will improve over the years.

Thanks

Michael

jde
May 13th, 2014, 08:14 AM
Bravo, Michael! I love that you went from "that may be a little beyond my ability," to not letting the thought go and giving it a try. Some never take that 1st step! Cheers.

MY63
May 13th, 2014, 09:23 AM
I quite like this dragon I had not intended to do anything other than practice carving, however it is on the end of a reasonable size piece so I am going to do something with it I just don't know what.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/14177746354_e34334691d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nAQE3E)IMG_7337 (https://flic.kr/p/nAQE3E) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Here is the carving with a picture of my swivel knife it is just a cheap one apparently the best ones come from the USA.

I have a small selection of notebooks so I will have a look in that box the carving is 180mm x 160mm.

Thanks for looking

Michael

Tracy Lee
May 13th, 2014, 01:57 PM
I quite like this dragon I had not intended to do anything other than practice carving, however it is on the end of a reasonable size piece so I am going to do something with it I just don't know what.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/14177746354_e34334691d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nAQE3E)IMG_7337 (https://flic.kr/p/nAQE3E) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Here is the carving with a picture of my swivel knife it is just a cheap one apparently the best ones come from the USA.

I have a small selection of notebooks so I will have a look in that box the carving is 180mm x 160mm.

Thanks for looking

Michael

That is just BEYOND fantastic! I didn't believe you anyway, when you said it might be too much. Thank you, thank you for giving it a go and then sharing with us! It is just beautiful, a great image.

MY63
May 13th, 2014, 02:42 PM
I found another picture that I might be able to emboss in the normal way (see how I said that like I knew what I was talking about) :)

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14179948495_c6b26f13a6_s.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nB2WEB)dc68nzBc9 (https://flic.kr/p/nB2WEB) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Michael

Tracy Lee
May 13th, 2014, 05:00 PM
I found another picture that I might be able to emboss in the normal way (see how I said that like I knew what I was talking about) :)

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14179948495_c6b26f13a6_s.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nB2WEB)dc68nzBc9 (https://flic.kr/p/nB2WEB) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Michael

That is a really good image, too. I can't wait to see it! :D

MY63
May 14th, 2014, 01:38 AM
OK I will make them.
If you don't use midori what size notebooks do you use I am not asking you to commit to buying one but if you do like it then it would be helpful if it was the correct size.

MY63
May 15th, 2014, 03:51 AM
When I made the green cover above I had problems with embossing the date so I thought I would have a practice yesterday afternoon before starting on the dragons.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/14004025007_347f498099_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nkuhK2)IMG_7352_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nkuhK2) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/14210764733_fcd5826e79_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nDKTg4)IMG_7348_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nDKTg4) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

It is a complex monogram there must have been a fault in the leather I had not noticed as it has cracked at the bottom of the S and M I will dye it and see what happens.

Thanks for looking

Michael

Tracy Lee
May 15th, 2014, 04:44 AM
OK I will make them.
If you don't use midori what size notebooks do you use I am not asking you to commit to buying one but if you do like it then it would be helpful if it was the correct size.

I promise to get back with per our DM! :-)

Tracy Lee
May 15th, 2014, 04:47 AM
When I made the green cover above I had problems with embossing the date so I thought I would have a practice yesterday afternoon before starting on the dragons.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/14004025007_347f498099_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nkuhK2)IMG_7352_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nkuhK2) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/14210764733_fcd5826e79_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nDKTg4)IMG_7348_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nDKTg4) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

It is a complex monogram there must have been a fault in the leather I had not noticed as it has cracked at the bottom of the S and M I will dye it and see what happens.

Thanks for looking

Michael

I like the complex monogram. I hope it takes the dye well.

MY63
May 15th, 2014, 05:31 AM
Areas of leather that have been worked always sow up a different colour when dyed I think it is because the fibres have been compressed during the working.
I was advised to dye the leather first then do the embossing but that would involve planning what I am going to do in advance but I am not good at that I get an idea and just do it.
Her favourite colour is red so it is going to be red by the end of the day I want to post it tomorrow so it needs to be dry.

As soon as I know the size of the notebook its on with the dragons.

Michael

Lady Onogaro
May 15th, 2014, 11:57 AM
Michael,

With respect to the color, do you find it to be colorfast, or is that a matter of time (the longer the color dries, the more steadfast it is)? Also, does the color tend to darken over time, or does it pretty much stay the same (save for the user getting the oils from his or her hands onto the cover). Just curious.

MY63
May 15th, 2014, 12:31 PM
Dragon no 2

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14004573527_e05b857cc6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nkx6Ng)IMG_7354_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nkx6Ng) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am thinking I may do something with suede maybe like a window in the leather with the dragons head embossed in suede


This is a quick mock up in paper please engage your imagination it still needs some more work and might never happen

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/14006687187_f723db3b7a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nkHW7F)IMG_7357_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nkHW7F) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am happy to hear any thoughts

Michael

Lady Onogaro
May 15th, 2014, 01:11 PM
Dragon no 2

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14004573527_e05b857cc6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nkx6Ng)IMG_7354_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nkx6Ng) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am thinking I may do something with suede maybe like a window in the leather with the dragons head embossed in suede


This is a quick mock up in paper please engage your imagination it still needs some more work and might never happen

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/14006687187_f723db3b7a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nkHW7F)IMG_7357_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nkHW7F) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am happy to hear any thoughts

Michael

I love the dragon, and I especially love the dragon in the window.

MY63
May 15th, 2014, 01:19 PM
cover now red

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/14213769863_10f3389037_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nE2hzD)IMG_7359 (https://flic.kr/p/nE2hzD) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Hopefully it will be ready to post tomorrow

Michael

MY63
May 15th, 2014, 04:00 PM
Michael,

With respect to the color, do you find it to be colorfast, or is that a matter of time (the longer the color dries, the more steadfast it is)? Also, does the color tend to darken over time, or does it pretty much stay the same (save for the user getting the oils from his or her hands onto the cover). Just curious.

Hi lady Onogaro
I am sorry I don't know how I missed your post.
Colour fast it is really hard to say as I have not been working with leather for more than a few months, What I can tell you is that I apply mink oil to even out the dye when it is still wet followed by carnauba wax until no more colour comes off on my cloth.
It is my under standing that leather will absorb oil from anywhere including your skin the best way to avoid this is to feed the leather an alternative such as mink oil , there are acrylic products that will seal the leather but they put a coating over the top surface of the leather.
I only use acrylic edge coat on my projects although I prefer beeswax.
Believe it or not leather changes colour in light like a sun tan although it does not need to be sun light this piece of leather was wrapped in brown paper except this edge sticking out of the top. As you can see it has changed colour.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/14171351886_7cc9740794_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nAgTcd)IMG_7375_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nAgTcd) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am not an expert the information I have given is correct as far as I know.
Any other questions please ask If you want to make one I will help in any way I can.

Regards

Michael

Lady Onogaro
May 15th, 2014, 04:18 PM
Thank you for your reply, Michael. For someone who has only been doing this a few months, you are doing great work. You must have a facility for working with your hands. Clearly you are an artist.

MY63
May 15th, 2014, 05:14 PM
I don't know if I have mentioned this before 10 years ago I had a life changing medical accident which caused one of the main nerves in my right arm to die, since that time I have had issues with pain and disability in my right hand and arm.
Some time ago I was advised that the lack of use of my right hand and arm was causing wasting of the muscles and I should find some way of using my hand.
I started by making boxes and restoring writing slopes however I found this a little heavy and I had used suede to line the boxes so I moved all my efforts to leather work.
I can't use many power tools so almost everything is done by hand and often I will use clamps and jigs to overcome my restrictions of movement.
I now have a knife with a large handle that I can hold in my right hand but often use my left hand anyway.
I enjoy the projects and the comments and also enjoy seeing pictures of them being used.

Thanks

Michael

VertOlive
May 15th, 2014, 08:36 PM
How do you finish the cut edges?

jokeruk
May 15th, 2014, 09:03 PM
Michael - there's some absolutely beautiful work there!

Leigh

MY63
May 16th, 2014, 05:16 AM
This is dragon number three
I know it looks the same as dragon number two

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/14011120407_8980bc44ba_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nm7DXv)IMG_7378 (https://flic.kr/p/nm7DXv) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I assure you it is different


look


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/14195193432_0d8a43589e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nCo5sm)IMG_7379_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nCo5sm) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Passport size

Thanks

Michael

MY63
May 16th, 2014, 05:40 AM
How do you finish the cut edges?

Edge finishing there are a number of ways this is my preferred method these are the tools the wooden tool is a slicker and the metal tool with the wooden handle is an edging tool.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14174768066_e471dd2625_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nAzoGS)IMG_7380_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nAzoGS) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

using the edging tool the corners are shaved off

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14011240368_ba0cf48f1c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nm8gBN)IMG_7385_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nm8gBN) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The next step is to wet the shaved edge it is then left to soak in for a few minutes then the slicker is rubbed up and down the edge generating heat this causes all of the fibres to lie flat a little beeswax can then be applied and the rubbing repeated.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/14197822644_a995ba992c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nCBy2A)IMG_7390_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nCBy2A) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The end result is a smooth edge

Thanks

Michael

MY63
May 16th, 2014, 04:23 PM
This afternoon I made a field notes size cover and used some cognac suede to cover the dragon head I clamped it in place for a couple of hours this picture is taken immediately after the clamps were removed.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14014687090_f6d05e68cc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nmqWd3)IMG_7394_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nmqWd3) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I think it will expand a little overnight I will take some more pictures tomorrow.

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
May 17th, 2014, 07:59 AM
This has not turned out as well as I thought it would I might remove the suede and just go with leather which may mould to the shape better as it will be wet.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14017398897_4848ff4cdc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nmEQkk)IMG_7398 (https://flic.kr/p/nmEQkk) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

It did spring back a little but not as much as I had hoped.

Michael

MY63
May 17th, 2014, 02:35 PM
Through the round window

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14184532936_433a71e617_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nBrrsG)IMG_7403_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nBrrsG) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14227819963_2ea28751da_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nFgibK)IMG_7402_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nFgibK) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I think a little sewing may be required as well as glue

Thanks

Michael

MY63
May 18th, 2014, 02:03 AM
I had an early start this morning and wanted to do something quiet I had printed a smaller version of the carved dragon and thought I would have a try I did not take any pictures but it is the same process as the large version.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14231274783_3d864725ee_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nFz1bB)IMG_7406_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nFz1bB) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

As you can see I have dyed it black I also dyed the window dragon cover black as well

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/14024448638_a1cfdf5f41_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nnhXYA)IMG_7408_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nnhXYA) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I think it will be a good contrast with the cognac suede.

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
May 18th, 2014, 07:41 AM
Next stages on the window dragon is the marriage between inner and outer

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14026185849_ca984bb3a9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nnrSov)IMG_7416 (https://flic.kr/p/nnrSov) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/14026186588_5226883d31_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nnrSBf)IMG_7419_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nnrSBf) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am planning on offering these for sale when complete if anyone has bought similar in the past and would like to help me with pricing I would appreciate it.

Michael

Crazyorange
May 18th, 2014, 12:02 PM
Beautiful Michael.

MY63
May 20th, 2014, 03:21 PM
I had some English bridle leather sitting on my desk for some time I decided to make a notebook cover.

Measuring and marking out

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14231012584_9f5d51a521_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nFxEeW)IMG_7423 (https://flic.kr/p/nFxEeW) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I made this cover for the Rhodia pad although it will also fit any a5 notebook the only difference is the internal fixings

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14044647840_a567d000f4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/np5uuG)IMG_7427 (https://flic.kr/p/np5uuG) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

You may have spotted the deliberate mistake the fastener is on the left and should be on the right.
Excuse the fingers

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/14045029108_947ff704bb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/np7rQh)IMG_7430 (https://flic.kr/p/np7rQh) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The fastener is the same as the one on the ten pen case but is part of the back cover

Thanks

Michael

MY63
May 21st, 2014, 02:38 AM
Here is the outer cover almost complete this is intended to be a pair for the ten pen case

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14049323120_2578e879a4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/npushY)IMG_7438 (https://flic.kr/p/npushY) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I really like this bridle leather although it is quite waxy to the touch I am going to make a Leuchtturm 1917 notebook cover for myself

Thanks for looking

Michael

inlovewithjournals
May 21st, 2014, 08:08 AM
Michael what a privilege for us to go through your creative process with you! Stunning work, truly stunning.

MY63
May 22nd, 2014, 03:01 AM
Thanks for your kind words I do appreciate them.
Today is a glue up day.
I have the dragon embossed project along with the bridle leather cover and needed a third to use the glue up as I always seem to have glue left over.
So Cut a piece of leather and for decoration

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14263379543_24999fdf73_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJpxNX)IMG_7452 (https://flic.kr/p/nJpxNX) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This lovely soft embossed and pierced leather I don't have an order for two of these but I am making them anyway I think I will offer the embossed dragons head for sale here as this is where the idea came from.

I am still learning about carving and bevelling these are my practice pieces.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14239887891_d2e38949ff_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nGk9yt)IMG_7445 (https://flic.kr/p/nGk9yt) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14056549459_7042009b89_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nq8ur2)IMG_7446 (https://flic.kr/p/nq8ur2) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
May 22nd, 2014, 10:20 AM
I wanted to share the final stages of this cover as it started here the first picture shows the inside cover with the embossed dragon head on its outside.
I have mixed some latex glue with 1/3 of water to help it soak into the leather, As this is a contact adhesive it is applied to both pieces of course this also means that the two halves must only come together when you are ready

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14221870256_642f3e52a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA)IMG_7454 (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Once the glue had started to dry I covered it with a piece of card matching up the edges and the corner

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14265197333_a436e35eff_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba)IMG_7455 (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Next I placed the top piece in place again matching the two edges and the same corner

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/14058442767_833ae7bcde_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg)IMG_7457 (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The final step was to remove the piece of card and press the two pieces together.

At the request of the purchaser I made some alterations to the inside of the bridle leather cover to allow papers to be stored opposite the note pad

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14058420440_c715aaf7a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj)IMG_7458 (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am hopeful that the marks showing through will fade as the glue dries, the inside needs to be dyed a suitable colour I will also sew around the edges.
The were some issues getting the back cover of the note pad to slide in and out so I lined the inside of the slot with suede this resolved the problem.

thanks for looking

Michael

Tracy Lee
May 23rd, 2014, 08:48 AM
I wanted to share the final stages of this cover as it started here the first picture shows the inside cover with the embossed dragon head on its outside.
I have mixed some latex glue with 1/3 of water to help it soak into the leather, As this is a contact adhesive it is applied to both pieces of course this also means that the two halves must only come together when you are ready

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14221870256_642f3e52a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA)IMG_7454 (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Once the glue had started to dry I covered it with a piece of card matching up the edges and the corner

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14265197333_a436e35eff_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba)IMG_7455 (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Next I placed the top piece in place again matching the two edges and the same corner

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/14058442767_833ae7bcde_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg)IMG_7457 (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The final step was to remove the piece of card and press the two pieces together.

At the request of the purchaser I made some alterations to the inside of the bridle leather cover to allow papers to be stored opposite the note pad

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14058420440_c715aaf7a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj)IMG_7458 (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am hopeful that the marks showing through will fade as the glue dries, the inside needs to be dyed a suitable colour I will also sew around the edges.
The were some issues getting the back cover of the note pad to slide in and out so I lined the inside of the slot with suede this resolved the problem.

thanks for looking

Michael

Turned out really nice! And you thought a dragon was too difficult . . . You have done a great job with the challenge.

MY63
May 23rd, 2014, 12:42 PM
Here is the red case that you have not seen.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14065814108_5c4115b7cf_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqWYum)IMG_7465 (https://flic.kr/p/nqWYum) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5154/14229332226_fbc2aed618_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nFp3Jf)IMG_7469 (https://flic.kr/p/nFp3Jf) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This red leather is the same as the purple I used previously it is incredibly soft. I need to dye the inside but I cant decide on a colour if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it

Thanks

Michael

Shimmershadow
May 23rd, 2014, 10:16 PM
Oh my gosh Michael, these are beautiful! Bravo!! (I especially love that you've put little charms on them!)

MY63
May 25th, 2014, 02:27 PM
I wanted to share the final stages of this cover as it started here the first picture shows the inside cover with the embossed dragon head on its outside.
I have mixed some latex glue with 1/3 of water to help it soak into the leather, As this is a contact adhesive it is applied to both pieces of course this also means that the two halves must only come together when you are ready

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14221870256_642f3e52a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA)IMG_7454 (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Once the glue had started to dry I covered it with a piece of card matching up the edges and the corner

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14265197333_a436e35eff_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba)IMG_7455 (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Next I placed the top piece in place again matching the two edges and the same corner

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/14058442767_833ae7bcde_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg)IMG_7457 (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The final step was to remove the piece of card and press the two pieces together.

At the request of the purchaser I made some alterations to the inside of the bridle leather cover to allow papers to be stored opposite the note pad

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14058420440_c715aaf7a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj)IMG_7458 (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am hopeful that the marks showing through will fade as the glue dries, the inside needs to be dyed a suitable colour I will also sew around the edges.
The were some issues getting the back cover of the note pad to slide in and out so I lined the inside of the slot with suede this resolved the problem.

thanks for looking

Michael

Turned out really nice! And you thought a dragon was too difficult . . . You have done a great job with the challenge.

Thanks Tracy and thanks for giving me the inspiration as an extra thank you would you like one of the dragon cases they will both take field notes type notebooks.
Michael

Tracy Lee
May 25th, 2014, 02:38 PM
I wanted to share the final stages of this cover as it started here the first picture shows the inside cover with the embossed dragon head on its outside.
I have mixed some latex glue with 1/3 of water to help it soak into the leather, As this is a contact adhesive it is applied to both pieces of course this also means that the two halves must only come together when you are ready

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14221870256_642f3e52a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA)IMG_7454 (https://flic.kr/p/nEJNxA) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Once the glue had started to dry I covered it with a piece of card matching up the edges and the corner

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14265197333_a436e35eff_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba)IMG_7455 (https://flic.kr/p/nJySba) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Next I placed the top piece in place again matching the two edges and the same corner

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/14058442767_833ae7bcde_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg)IMG_7457 (https://flic.kr/p/nqicfg) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The final step was to remove the piece of card and press the two pieces together.

At the request of the purchaser I made some alterations to the inside of the bridle leather cover to allow papers to be stored opposite the note pad

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14058420440_c715aaf7a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj)IMG_7458 (https://flic.kr/p/nqi5Bj) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am hopeful that the marks showing through will fade as the glue dries, the inside needs to be dyed a suitable colour I will also sew around the edges.
The were some issues getting the back cover of the note pad to slide in and out so I lined the inside of the slot with suede this resolved the problem.

thanks for looking

Michael

Turned out really nice! And you thought a dragon was too difficult . . . You have done a great job with the challenge.

Thanks Tracy and thanks for giving me the inspiration as an extra thank you would you like one of the dragon cases they will both take field notes type notebooks.
Michael

I have been on travel so I will pm you!

MY63
May 26th, 2014, 02:04 PM
Another notebook cover finished today this was ordered to match the ten pen case I made for someone in Japan it is English bridle leather with an oxblood kip leather interior

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/14276417374_1982e5283f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nKynv9)IMG_7518 (https://flic.kr/p/nKynv9) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/14276807335_cd64a33349_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nKAnqB)IMG_7505 (https://flic.kr/p/nKAnqB) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/14090249067_476e02565d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nt7d9K)IMG_7507 (https://flic.kr/p/nt7d9K) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I hope that when the interior dries out fully the colour will even out if it does not I may be dying it black

Thanks for all of the support

Michael

MY63
May 28th, 2014, 07:59 AM
I am looking for a little help I have a cover ready to be put up for sale but I cant decide which colour elastic to use as you can see from the picture below I have red black and gold.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/14290771575_2a812f3481_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nLPWvn)IMG_7520_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nLPWvn) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

It is a midori traveller style although it has been made slightly larger to hold three or more notebooks.

Thanks

Michael

cwent2
May 28th, 2014, 08:44 AM
Michael

I would eliminate the black one - and depending if you wanted to blend or stand out the red to blend and the gold to stand out obviously

Capt Obvious

MY63
May 28th, 2014, 03:33 PM
Thanks CW if it was for me I would use the black but I am planning on selling this one so I wanted the colour that would have the widest appeal.
Thanks for the input though
Michael

Carole
May 30th, 2014, 04:27 PM
Michael, these are all so beautiful! You had asked for input on the red notebook elastics--I don't know if it's possible, but could you offer to customize the elastic at the buyer's request? They can choose the color they prefer. It's a way for people to personalize their notebook, perhaps. That you've made it larger than the standard ones, is just brilliant! Best of luck with your new shop!

MY63
May 30th, 2014, 11:11 PM
Hi Carole thanks for the input.
I don't actually have a shop leather working is just a hobby to me, usually I only make items when someone asks.
I made one of these notebook covers for my daughters lecturer in purple and it looked great and I wanted to see what one would look like in red.
Your idea of allowing the buyer to choose the colour of the elastic is a good one I was thinking of offering it for the same price as a standard Midori traveller notebook cover?

Thanks again

Michael

MY63
June 2nd, 2014, 12:41 PM
Finished
The carved dragon case is finished

Here are some final pictures

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5232/14329422322_4e385e2b34_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nQf32y)IMG_7581 (https://flic.kr/p/nQf32y) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14331146175_a7791ee772_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nQoSta)IMG_7579 (https://flic.kr/p/nQoSta) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks

Michael

cwent2
June 2nd, 2014, 01:57 PM
Mike

That is awesome! Great work as always!

Mahalo for sharing!

Carl

Crazyorange
June 2nd, 2014, 03:30 PM
Cool!

MY63
June 4th, 2014, 01:24 PM
I don't know if anyone is interested but I have just put the red case for sale in the classifieds section there is also an option to order a purple one for the same price.
To be honest I am unsure of the price it seems expensive but it is good quality leather and there are two pieces well I would appreciate feedback good or bad.

Thanks

Michael

Tracy Lee
June 13th, 2014, 06:21 PM
Michael, I have thanked you privately but wanted to thank you publicly too. I am thrilled with the notebook cover, it arrived today. It is the perfect size for the backpocket journal (Tomoe River of course) and the charms are, well, charming! I won't be changing a thing. I am so glad you gave the dragons a try!! And with the extra cord you included, it holds two books very nicely.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/14/a3y3u6aq.jpg

Mags
June 14th, 2014, 07:33 PM
Lovely cover

Crazyorange
June 14th, 2014, 07:36 PM
Michael's work is outstanding. Beautiful cover Tracy.

MY63
June 17th, 2014, 05:10 PM
I have been asked to make a notebook cover for an FPG member and as they have a blog I said that I would provide step by step pictures.
So the starting point is a piece of leather cut to the approximate size.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/14260166728_7c2015c7ac_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14260166728/)
IMG_7670_1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14260166728/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

From this point I have cut one edge straight and marked out the exact size required.
I am going to stick a piece of purple embossed leather to this face which will form the front the finished side of this piece will become the inside and will be dyed green.

Come back later tonight for the next instalment.

Michael

MY63
June 19th, 2014, 09:35 AM
I often have difficulty deciding in which order to make a cover.
I have cut the leather to the rough size the next step for this project is to dye the inside.

Aqua Green

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3918/14272626079_5311ed5896_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nKdWtZ)IMG_7684_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nKdWtZ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I applied the dye to wet leather so we wont see the true colour until it has dried out I have the purple leather for the outside which I will appy later

Thanks

Michael

MY63
June 22nd, 2014, 05:53 AM
I have made some progress with this journal cover.
There are a few areas I am unhappy with where glue has made its way through apparently a natural rubber eraser will remove it (we will see)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14477576932_2dfacc9ed1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o4kneo)IMG_7698_1 (https://flic.kr/p/o4kneo) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14477656134_a856a6e901_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o4kLLW)IMG_7699 (https://flic.kr/p/o4kLLW) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Once everything is dry I will start marking out the size of the actual cover and trim then I will sew around the edges and punch the holes.

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
June 22nd, 2014, 01:36 PM
I had hoped to be showing you the pictures of the finished cover ready to go in the post tomorrow.
Unfortunately things have not gone to plan the smudge in the lower right of the first picture in my last post is actually a crease I cannot correct this so I will be starting again tomorrow.

Regards

Michael

MY63
June 24th, 2014, 01:09 PM
Attempt number two at this purple cover I have dyed the inside cover green as before and I took all precautions this time with the gluing of the two pieces together.
I applied the glue with a roller onto both pieces and allowed them to dry I used two pieces of card which were laid over the thicker piece of leather the thin outer cover was then placed on top. I slid the card out one piece at a time starting from the centre and smoothing as I pulled the card out

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/14495929691_7339b502b5_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o5XqSg)IMG_7726 (https://flic.kr/p/o5XqSg) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

My plan is to allow this to dry overnight before I start trimming, punching holes and adding elastic and then the blingy bits

Thanks for looking

Michael

RayCornett
June 25th, 2014, 03:05 AM
I have a friend who made me an awesome midori like cover with refillable papers stitched in. The only thing is the edges are not burnished. I don't have the special little rounded burnishing tool for leather nor the stuff the put on the edge before burnishing. Any suggestions on how to do this with things I have at home?

MY63
June 25th, 2014, 05:30 AM
It will depend on the type of leather that your friend used to make the cover.
If it is chrome tanned then the only thing I am aware of is an acrylic edge treatment like edge kote.
If it is veg tanned leather you can smooth the edges by wetting them and rubbing with a piece of denim or canvas you need to create heat this will smooth the edges you can add bees wax which will improve the finish.

I hope that helps

Michael

MY63
June 25th, 2014, 05:34 AM
It will depend on the type of leather that your friend used to make the cover. If you post a picture I will try to tell you which leather you have.
If it is chrome tanned then the only thing I am aware of is an acrylic edge treatment like edge kote.
If it is veg tanned leather you can smooth the edges by wetting them and rubbing with a piece of denim or canvas you need to create heat this will smooth the edges you can add bees wax which will improve the finish.
There is a tool to take the corners off but you can do this with sand paper but be careful if the cover is dyed as the dye may not go all of the way through.

I hope that helps

Michael

ArchiMark
June 25th, 2014, 08:35 AM
Michael,

Fascinating to read and see your journey progress in making leather covers...

Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Mark

MY63
June 25th, 2014, 01:12 PM
I have a friend who made me an awesome midori like cover with refillable papers stitched in. The only thing is the edges are not burnished. I don't have the special little rounded burnishing tool for leather nor the stuff the put on the edge before burnishing. Any suggestions on how to do this with things I have at home?

I did not think my explanation was very good so I have taken some pictures of the process for veg tan you don't need a lot of moisture just dip your finger in some water and run it along the edge

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/14320417179_9675d2f79e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nPrT7t)IMG_7729 (https://flic.kr/p/nPrT7t) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I used an edge shave to remove the corners but you could use sandpaper
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/14483920166_c728ef745f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o4TSRu)IMG_7731 (https://flic.kr/p/o4TSRu) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I used a slicker I have seen them on ebay from china for 99p

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14505883922_f809910aca_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o6QrUW)IMG_7733 (https://flic.kr/p/o6QrUW) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Hope this helps

Michael

MY63
June 25th, 2014, 02:43 PM
IT WORKED ha ha I feel like a mad professor glue set up over night without any further issues

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5157/14320939730_b3978e1e37_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nPuyrY)IMG_7736 (https://flic.kr/p/nPuyrY) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Holes are punched for the elastic and I will hopefully be starting the sewing around the edges tomorrow it is quite large so it might take a little while

Thanks

Michael

Crazyorange
June 25th, 2014, 06:14 PM
Beautiful.

MY63
June 26th, 2014, 04:25 AM
Time to start the final stages of this cover.

These are the tools required for this part of the project
2 x saddlers needles 1 pair of dividers 2 pricking irons 6 stitches per inch, 1 x saddlers awl, black thread, 1 x masons hammer with leather shroud

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14511465365_d8c830437e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o7k45H)IMG_7750_1 (https://flic.kr/p/o7k45H) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I want the stitching to be close to the edge to keep the edges tight however it is easy to breakthrough the edge of the leather and ruin the whole thing.
So I am setting the dividers to 5/32nds of an inch about 4mm I will then mark a line all around the edge

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5153/14510426072_ee82557e33_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o7eJ8S)IMG_7754_1 (https://flic.kr/p/o7eJ8S) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr.

Now the line is all around the edge of the cover I need to mark out the holes for this I will use the pricking irons shown above as the leather is quite thin the iron will go almost all of the way through so I will be using light taps, The idea here is so the diamond shaped awl will make the hole which will close up after the thread is pushed through.

More later

Thanks

Michael

MY63
June 26th, 2014, 05:36 AM
Thinking about this cover over lunch I decided to use a stitch marking wheel rather than the pricking iron many different sizes are available this one matches my irons at 6 stitches per inch.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14488720736_0b11a6fef0_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o5jtTW)IMG_7758_1 (https://flic.kr/p/o5jtTW) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The awl I will be using is a short awl and is diamond shaped it actually has four edges the point is very sharp and will easily pierce leather even thick leather, the rest is not intended to cut rather spread the leather for the needle and should be put through the leather just before the needle so the hole will close around the thread.
Because of the limitations of movement in my right hand I often work in a different way.
I will give the awl a quick sharpening and start to make the holes for the needles.

More later

Michael

MY63
June 26th, 2014, 09:49 AM
I have just finished sewing around the edges if you ever wondered why hand sewn leather goods are expensive it is because it takes a long time especially sewing

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2919/14512170442_da6480e010_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o7oEFd)IMG_7760_1 (https://flic.kr/p/o7oEFd) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/14326620780_639dcd2f66_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nPZFe7)IMG_7761_1 (https://flic.kr/p/nPZFe7) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Thanks

Michael

MY63
June 27th, 2014, 01:32 PM
Finished

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3872/14334980078_e9b31ddfe4_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334980078/)
IMG_7763_1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334980078/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/14334909480_6641be3fd5_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334909480/)
IMG_7767_1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334909480/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks to everyone for looking and especially those who have joined in.

I only have orders for pen cases at the moment but I will post again when I make another.

Michael

inlovewithjournals
June 27th, 2014, 03:10 PM
Oh it's so beautiful! Can't wait to see it in person (yes I'm the lucky buyer!) Thank you so much Michael for taking us along on this notebook journey, through the ups and downs of creases but then a gorgeous finished project! :)

tandaina
June 27th, 2014, 03:20 PM
Wow that is stunningly beautiful. Ever thought of tackling a Hobonichi cover? ;) Yours are way prettier than the stock stuff they offer! (But would be wicked complicated with all the pockets and the double pen loop.)

MY63
June 28th, 2014, 08:49 AM
I have not made anything with pockets as yet, but that would not stop me.
I don't normally like to copy items exactly I prefer to take inspiration and add something either from myself or the buyer.
Are the pen holders elastic or leather or both.
If you could post some links I will have a look

Michael

Tracy Lee
June 28th, 2014, 08:53 AM
Finished

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3872/14334980078_e9b31ddfe4_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334980078/)
IMG_7763_1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334980078/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/14334909480_6641be3fd5_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334909480/)
IMG_7767_1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14334909480/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks to everyone for looking and especially those who have joined in.

I only have orders for pen cases at the moment but I will post again when I make another.

Michael

I really love this cover, really gorgeous! :-)

tandaina
June 28th, 2014, 02:54 PM
Yes I wouldn't think an exact. Copy would be necessary. I can't afford their leather covers so mine is nylon but all are laid out the same, here are some photos....

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/29/u4ehedeg.jpg

You can see there is a pocket for the cover to slide into, another for bills, etc. And then credit card sized pockets so the book is also a wallet. That's one of the pen loops, it is made out of the same nylon.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/29/rydepuha.jpg

More pockets in the back. The book goes in the deepest one and the there is room for sticker sheets or whatever. Second pen loop visible.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/29/u7azynuz.jpg

You can see the loops are offset so when the pen goes through both it holds the book shut. Really an ingenious system. There are two bookmarks sewn into the spine.

The journal is Japanese paperback size I'm told. Not entirely sure what size that is, a5 maybe?

MY63
June 28th, 2014, 03:58 PM
Thanks for those pictures
Are they really asking 31,500 yen for a leather cover we would need to add 20% vat to get it to uk plus shipping :jaw: .
There is quite a lot of material involved in the case you have shown but it is not impossible.
Let me know if you want one and how much you would like to pay for it.

Michael

tandaina
June 28th, 2014, 04:00 PM
Yes, and some of their covers in the limited edition styles are even more than that. It is crazy, though I don't have to pay VAT.

MY63
July 1st, 2014, 08:49 AM
Thin and light field notes cover with card slots

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14547338991_52c6fce21c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oauV4v)IMG_7785_1 (https://flic.kr/p/oauV4v) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I have cut out a basic shape but I want the cover to hold three so one slotted in each side then a Midori style band to allow the third to be added and secure the other two.

I just need to work out a colour scheme now I like the idea of a dark exterior and bright interior.

Thanks

Michael

MY63
July 1st, 2014, 01:06 PM
The sun has been shining again today so I went with yellow for the inside I have not decided on the outside colour yet

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14365990830_5b537882ab_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nTtsz5)IMG_7792 (https://flic.kr/p/nTtsz5) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The colour will even out as it dries

Thanks

Michael

MY63
July 2nd, 2014, 12:32 PM
Ok here is what I have learned today.
When dying leather make sure you finish dying before making the holes for stitching seems straight forward doesn't it.
So today I punched the holes then thought I will dye the outside of the cover oxblood not a good idea as the dye seeped through the stitch holes and ruined the yellow on the other side.
So goodbye yellow and hello oxblood.

Thanks

Michael

tiffanyhenschel
July 2nd, 2014, 02:51 PM
I'm sorry to hear about that lesson learned. It must have been disappointing, and that yellow and oxblood would have been a striking combination. :(

P. S. I tried to message you with photos, but your inbox is full.

Polyhistor
July 2nd, 2014, 02:59 PM
Michael, it's always a good idea to let a piece dry overnight after dyeing. Even though the spirit component of the dye will evaporate rather quickly, there's still moisture inside the leather. The tried and tested method for telling whether leather is still moist is holding it to your cheek. If the surface feels cool, it's moist on the inside.

Cheers,
Adam

MY63
July 2nd, 2014, 03:39 PM
I'm sorry to hear about that lesson learned. It must have been disappointing, and that yellow and oxblood would have been a striking combination. :(

P. S. I tried to message you with photos, but your inbox is full.

Thanks I will just make another one I have emptied my messages folder which means I have lot all of my chats which is unfortunate.

MY63
July 2nd, 2014, 03:42 PM
Thanks Adam
I did the yellow yesterday and the red today I think the issue may have been the holes around the edges for the stitches, I should have dyed the leather first and them made the holes.
Thanks for the tip though I will try to remember that.
Michael

MY63
July 3rd, 2014, 09:20 AM
The Oxblood cover has now changed to Mahogany a darker colour to cover the previous dye

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14378700410_9d1512203a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nUAAFL)IMG_7800 (https://flic.kr/p/nUAAFL) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I am happy with the outside although I am unsure about the inside

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/14585473583_a0bbcc8d9a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/odSn9t)IMG_7799 (https://flic.kr/p/odSn9t) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

OK so the original plan was to have Oxblood exterior with a yellow interior this time I have kept the colours as far from each other as possible.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14378698050_ddf7c5e870_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nUAzZ5)IMG_7798 (https://flic.kr/p/nUAzZ5) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14378932487_8355bcee0d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nUBMF6)IMG_7794 (https://flic.kr/p/nUBMF6) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14563706194_320731d15c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/obWNsE)IMG_7795 (https://flic.kr/p/obWNsE) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14378965569_b48a090037_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nUBXvt)IMG_7801 (https://flic.kr/p/nUBXvt) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I am a little unsure about the oxblood colour in between the yellow but it will be covered by the notebooks

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
July 3rd, 2014, 01:58 PM
This is the current situation everything is dry I have trimmed all of the yellow leather to fit and sewn in the card slot

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14563843011_22d68e2c4c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/obXv8z)IMG_7806 (https://flic.kr/p/obXv8z) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/14380594728_b0778f4d63_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nULiNq)IMG_7805 (https://flic.kr/p/nULiNq) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I am not too sure about the oxblood so close to the yellow but I will wait until it is finished I will continue with the black thread.

The first attempt is getting darker by the minute and may end up black tomorrow.

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
July 3rd, 2014, 02:23 PM
I have added some wax to the first attempt it is really odd with all of the colours especially the inside you can almost see the yellow underneath the Mahogany and the oxblood almost like a shadow. I think I like it more because of all the problems odd I know but that is me.

I will sew it together tomorrow and post the finished pictures

Thanks

Michael

MY63
July 4th, 2014, 10:35 AM
I have finished off the first cover as there is something about it

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14569270431_4254cb72ec_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ocrjvM)IMG_7814 (https://flic.kr/p/ocrjvM) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14569268681_bdcf07e631_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ocriZB)IMG_7811 (https://flic.kr/p/ocriZB) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I used gold/ yellow thread for a contrast

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/14569271731_a6736d7056_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ocrjUc)IMG_7815 (https://flic.kr/p/ocrjUc) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

It is quite thin in fact at 7mm it is actually thinner than the two notebooks it was designed to hold

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14572699595_98064c666c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ocJTTi)IMG_7819 (https://flic.kr/p/ocJTTi) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

A third notebook could be added with the use of some Midori style bands

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14386374650_d91cfbcd2f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nVgVYf)IMG_7822 (https://flic.kr/p/nVgVYf) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The field notes books are a tight fit so there is no fear of them falling out.

Thanks for looking

Michael

Crazyorange
July 4th, 2014, 09:05 PM
I like the color variations on the inside of the case. Contrast thread is eye catching. You're developing a good eye for colors.

MY63
July 5th, 2014, 01:17 AM
I cant keep them all so I think this one may go in the classifieds
My usual problem is I cannot decide on a price if anyone has any suggestions please let me know

Michael

MY63
July 5th, 2014, 08:34 AM
I am starting a new project today for a member of another forum but I thought I would share it here as well.

I will be making a four pen case as well as a matching notebook cover the colour will be mahogany the same as the field notes cover I made earlier in the week.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14392303057_c2522c3a0c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nVNjha)IMG_7842 (https://flic.kr/p/nVNjha) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I have cut a piece of leather that will give all of the pieces required and then started to apply colour in order to reproduce the colour of the previous cover I applied oxblood dye first followed by mahogany dye.
In this picture you can see the red with the mahogany on top.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5313/14575906871_bf53530e70_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/od2kia)IMG_7847 (https://flic.kr/p/od2kia) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

This picture shows the dyed edge with brown paper backing it

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14599354713_2003ea30b6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/of6vwi)IMG_7851 (https://flic.kr/p/of6vwi) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The colour has gone on very well and looks solid I am really pleased with it.

Thanks

Michael

MY63
July 5th, 2014, 12:21 PM
Now that the dye is dry I have started to apply wax to the leather carnauba wax first it will keep the leather supple. I have marked out some of the cut lines on the reverse side.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14394225508_dcd5907a64_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nVYaKS)IMG_7855 (https://flic.kr/p/nVYaKS) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I will start cutting tomorrow

Thanks

Michael

MY63
July 5th, 2014, 03:18 PM
Final update for today

I have started to lay out the dimensions of the notebook

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2919/14395564657_3946331ea9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nW62QD)IMG_7862 (https://flic.kr/p/nW62QD) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

I marked around the notebook and expanded from those lines and added some extra to the sides.
If anyone wants more detail then just ask

Michael

MY63
July 6th, 2014, 09:13 AM
This is the pen case part of this pair


Here you can see the hot kydex being formed over a wooden form


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/14585268914_14cb81ab05_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/odRjiG)IMG_7865 (https://flic.kr/p/odRjiG) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


Four pieces ready to be trimmed to size


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/14585272774_8edf9525e3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/odRksf)IMG_7868 (https://flic.kr/p/odRksf) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


The four pieces being wrapped in suede


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/14401030640_f09dbae7e2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nWz3FJ)IMG_7872 (https://flic.kr/p/nWz3FJ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


Wrapped in suede waiting for the leather outer cover


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/14586981482_b9647b3c81_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oe16oJ)IMG_7877 (https://flic.kr/p/oe16oJ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


Thanks for looking


Michael

MY63
July 6th, 2014, 01:49 PM
In yesterdays last post I had marked out the leather for cutting today I double checked all of the measurements and sharpened my knife and when I was happy with both I started cutting.

The back and front were one piece and the inside covers were another two pieces, I set the dividers to the same distance as the outer size marked on the main section and transferred these sizes to the inner pieces, I applied some glue sticking the front piece first then I placed the notebook in position and marked where the elastic closure band would go I punched holes at the top and bottom then made a cut to join them.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/14402669979_503ea99afd_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nWHs1c)IMG_7885 (https://flic.kr/p/nWHs1c) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/14402756158_e31f3ac8d3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nWHTC3)IMG_7894 (https://flic.kr/p/nWHTC3) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/14402753158_a5c67092fa_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nWHSJj)IMG_7892 (https://flic.kr/p/nWHSJj) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/14588657722_fc57b35380_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oe9FFq)IMG_7889 (https://flic.kr/p/oe9FFq) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

There is still a little bit to do sewing all around rounding the corners and a little trimming and sealing all of the edges and maybe a bit more wax.
This is the first time I have made a notebook cover of this size and style I really like it and will make one for my own notebook.

Thanks for looking sorry if it is getting a little tedious.

Michael

Mags
July 6th, 2014, 02:10 PM
Looks awesome and someone is going to be very pleased.

MY63
July 7th, 2014, 02:19 PM
If anyone is interested I will be placing the little field notes cover in the classifieds soon.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14569270431_4254cb72ec_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14569270431/)
IMG_7814 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14569270431/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Also the red with the yellow interior will be available as soon as it is finished

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5565/14568855451_632eb25c94_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14568855451/)
IMG_7809 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14568855451/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

It is the one on the left however the black stitching is now yellow.

Thanks

Michael

MY63
July 9th, 2014, 04:45 AM
Looks awesome and someone is going to be very pleased.

Thanks Mags

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14424040289_25d0fd8dac_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14424040289/)
IMG_7904 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14424040289/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The notebook cover is almost finished now just the edges to seal and a polish then I need to finish the pen case to match.

Michael

MY63
July 21st, 2014, 01:54 PM
My next notebook cover is a Midori hybrid in that the notebooks will be Midori however the closure will be via pen slots

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14481673687_7926a2e6d5_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14481673687/)
IMG_7948_1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14481673687/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This is my first outline on the leather there were one or two well ok five or six adjustments in the end I went over the cut lines with a sharpie to avoid confusion.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5584/14513468738_eb75f33448_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14513468738/)
IMG_7995 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14513468738/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

After cutting out I added some pieces of elastic and punched the stitching holes.

This picture shows the outer cover almost dry, I started work on the inner pieces next

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14704585314_7b61f5641d_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14704585314/)
IMG_8006 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14704585314/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Here we can see the pink interior almost ready I just need to sew in the slots for cards etc.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/14687840666_0087b197e4_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14687840666/)
IMG_8012 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14687840666/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
July 22nd, 2014, 04:07 AM
Final stages

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14713524344_f19863e09e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oqbEbd)IMG_8014 (https://flic.kr/p/oqbEbd) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


The inserts are now tacked in place with glue and are about to be sewn in place


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5575/14529262268_39737b5c23_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o8UgtS)IMG_8017_1 (https://flic.kr/p/o8UgtS) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


Thanks

Michael

amk
July 22nd, 2014, 04:33 AM
Wow, those are lovely covers. Really adore that blue; what a stunning colour.

I'd really love to see some work in progress photos showing the processes of construction, though you might have to coerce sommeone into taking them.

MY63
July 22nd, 2014, 06:39 AM
Thanks Amk
Tell me which parts of the construction you are interested in and I will try to oblige.
The pink sections took a long time as I wanted to fold the edges over as the leather was very thin so I marked each one scored the line and then skived the edge to thin it down then stuck each one.

I am now about half way around the edge sewing and expect that to take another few hours to finish.

MY63
July 22nd, 2014, 12:56 PM
Almost done now.

There is a lot of sewing involved in this cover


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14719225505_33285913bf_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oqFSW6)IMG_8022 (https://flic.kr/p/oqFSW6) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr



https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14532575989_bf1c379798_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o9cfwZ)IMG_8023 (https://flic.kr/p/o9cfwZ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr



https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14532579108_90442d7184_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o9cgsL)IMG_8027 (https://flic.kr/p/o9cgsL) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


I still have to finish off the edges the traditional finish is black edge kote I may test to see if the pink edges will take purple dye and then finish with clear edge kote just to be different.


Thanks for looking


Michael

tiffanyhenschel
July 22nd, 2014, 01:00 PM
This is looking fantastic! Great job!

MY63
July 25th, 2014, 04:23 PM
Following on from the dragon carving I am still practicing this is my latest effort

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14744382352_02679dc113_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/osUPbQ)IMG_8083_1 (https://flic.kr/p/osUPbQ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Can you tell what it is?

scrivelry
August 1st, 2014, 07:14 AM
Following on from the dragon carving I am still practicing this is my latest effort

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14744382352_02679dc113_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/osUPbQ)IMG_8083_1 (https://flic.kr/p/osUPbQ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Can you tell what it is?

A mouse!

Crazyorange
August 1st, 2014, 08:11 AM
Ha ha.

MY63
August 8th, 2014, 02:00 PM
Here are my latest efforts in carving Midori covers following on from the dragon cover which was inspired by an FPG member (thanks Tracy Lee)

A dragonfly

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3915/14881415833_5823bd6393_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14881415833/)
IMG_8250_1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14881415833/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

An elephant

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14861189432_7b46f3280a_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14861189432/)
IMG_8245 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/14861189432/) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

They are not quite finished yet a little more work required on both I did a practice of the dragonfly and it went badly wrong but this one looks ok

Thanks for looking

Michael

Tracy Lee
August 8th, 2014, 03:29 PM
These are great Michael!! Thanks for sharing.

scrivelry
August 8th, 2014, 08:14 PM
Micheal your work is always worth seeing.

Crazyorange
August 8th, 2014, 08:20 PM
Beautiful work Michael.

MY63
August 9th, 2014, 02:28 AM
Thanks the dragonfly does not look its best in the picture it must be the angle of the camera.
I will take better pictures once they have been dyed.
Thanks for the comments
Michael

MY63
August 9th, 2014, 12:04 PM
I have not progressed as well as I had hoped today although I am now ready to start applying dye.

These are the processes that need to be completed before then.

The three tools you can see here are from top to bottom

A stitch groove cutter it is adjustable and cuts a groove a fixed distance from the edge

An edge beveller it is used to round over the edges ready to be slicked later.

Finally a stitch marking wheel used instead of a pricking iron to mark out the stitches


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3859/14682542948_36fd83466d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/onrSud)IMG_8259 (https://flic.kr/p/onrSud) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr


The next stage is to wet the leather again and apply the dye


Thanks for looking


Michael

MY63
August 9th, 2014, 01:19 PM
I have completed the dying process

The dragonfly is now oxblood

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3880/14846726546_bf51273f35_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oBXmxU)IMG_8266 (https://flic.kr/p/oBXmxU) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

My wife had simplified the design for me as it was very complex even then it was still difficult to carve The final decision is not mine if Tiffany likes it then it is ok with me.


The other carved cover is the elephant which is going to be all black

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/14867255214_3f605728a4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oDLz1s)IMG_8264 (https://flic.kr/p/oDLz1s) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

tiffanyhenschel
August 9th, 2014, 05:08 PM
I like it :)

MY63
August 22nd, 2014, 02:18 PM
Here are my latest completed notebook covers

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/14719907049_b61c13eccd_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oqKnwR)IMG_8320_1 (https://flic.kr/p/oqKnwR) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5577/14903476671_64ca0ea815_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oGYdok)IMG_8317_1 (https://flic.kr/p/oGYdok) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14786475040_c239a99a98_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/owCxSQ)IMG_8370_1 (https://flic.kr/p/owCxSQ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
November 16th, 2014, 06:18 AM
I have not made a notebook cover for a little while and have been thinking about this since I started learning to carve leather.

The original picture
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5320/5817062789_db264bd181_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/9S2Y72)White tipped Sea Eagle (https://flic.kr/p/9S2Y72) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The carving my plan was to use my own picture by tracing the outline which I may still do but I managed to find a free image online which is fine for practice

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15801945145_4a9bb77656_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q5n6L6)IMG_9009_1 (https://flic.kr/p/q5n6L6) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

opinions welcome

Michael

Kukuzovac
November 16th, 2014, 08:34 AM
This looks amazing. Keep up the good work!!

Crazyorange
November 16th, 2014, 01:23 PM
It's great...one recommendation. Have the feather a little bit over the top of the eye....I think it might give depth to the feather layering.

MY63
November 16th, 2014, 01:41 PM
Here is the link to the image I can't post the actual image as it is on my desktop machine and I am on the iPad and I don't know how to do it if I sort it later I can delete this

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/2/d/6/b/1312920257846133280Turned%20Eagle%20Head.svg

My lovely daughter started to convert my picture to an outline for carving but when I found this image I ask her to stop because she is a busy girl, I will ask her very nicely to continue.
Crazyorange I think I understand like in the picture above do you mean move that funny shaped star like thingy (look no autocorrect for thingy) thanks for the input I appreciate it.

MY63
December 28th, 2014, 04:26 AM
I plan at some point on making a notebook with this carving on the front this is my second attempt I must have thrown the first one away as I cant find it.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7576/15941077019_9323530c91_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qhEbPv)IMG_9214 (https://flic.kr/p/qhEbPv) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/people/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I find this very challenging although holding the carving tool is easier than holding a pen.

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
December 12th, 2015, 02:57 PM
It is some time since I made a notebook cover so I re read this thread to get re acquainted with the idea.

As ever I have a clear idea of what I want to make I wanted to use kip leather but it was too thin the alternative was to use a thicker leather but that does not have the same texture.

My solution is to laminate two pieces of kip together so here is the starting point

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/675/23622870141_7c1eb148cd_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BZtohv)DSC_1664[1] (https://flic.kr/p/BZtohv) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I am going to dye it .................................... maybe I will tell you next time.

Thanks for looking

MY63
December 14th, 2015, 06:32 AM
I cut the piece of leather shown above in half and then glued the pieces together before starting to apply the dye I squared up the edges but larger that the desired size.

I have started applying the dye for some reason I had two half bottles which I mixed and applied to the cover.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5793/23376978229_2ef4ff0531_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BBK8bM)DSC_1666[1] (https://flic.kr/p/BBK8bM) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Crazyorange
December 14th, 2015, 06:33 AM
Love the color [emoji7]

MY63
December 14th, 2015, 10:23 AM
Love the color [emoji7]

That is handy as it is yours :) If at any point you want me to stop adding dye just say stop :)

Crazyorange
December 14th, 2015, 12:55 PM
Love the color [emoji7]

That is handy as it is yours :) If at any point you want me to stop adding dye just say stop :)

Keep going. I trust your eyes. [emoji39]

MY63
December 18th, 2015, 06:00 AM
To Achieve the desired colour takes time and many coats of dye. I actually stopped counting at 20 coats I think the final number must have been closer to 30 now that it has dried thoroughly I can start to restore the soft feel of the leather by adding wax.

This colour will continue to darken over time

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5708/23826694015_b3d80a0747_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ciu32e)DSC_1752[1] (https://flic.kr/p/Ciu32e) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The inside is next

MY63
December 30th, 2015, 05:49 AM
The inside took a little time to figure out.
The inside of the front is going to be for card storage while the inside of the rear is to be for paper storage.
I started with the front.
This is the background leather

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1589/23710224170_6b00c93544_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/C8c6As)DSC_1823[1] (https://flic.kr/p/C8c6As) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I cut some card to give an idea of the size of the card pockets.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1535/23379128883_f5662c9015_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BBW9v2)DSC_1826[1] (https://flic.kr/p/BBW9v2) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This is the top piece and the first pocket. the top piece provides the back of the first pocket and the first for the second all of the way down.
The end "Ts" are folded over to secure each one. In order for the ends to be folded under they have to be skived (thinned down).

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5769/24061799135_a4a569b623_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CEg1zM)DSC_1850[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CEg1zM) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This knife is old but it is very sharp and I have the scars to prove it :) the leather is 0.7 mm thick so removing half of the thickness is very difficult.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5696/24061799925_6c8696b064_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CEg1Pp)DSC_1851[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CEg1Pp) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This yellow is very bright I have sewn down the right hand edge the top bottom and left edges will all be sewn when the front and back pieces are brought together.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1477/24061803015_42b9d6fd4b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CEg2JF)DSC_1862[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CEg2JF) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

Crazyorange
December 30th, 2015, 05:56 AM
Love it [emoji7]

MY63
December 30th, 2015, 12:18 PM
A custom notebook requires a custom pen holder this is where I started I had dyed this piece of leather at the same time as the rest of the notebook.

23766118760_9c1b7e7602_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Cd8z7h)DSC_1855[1] (https://flic.kr/p/Cd8z7h) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flick

I attached the elastic to this piece, rather than just leaving the elastic visible I made a sleeve from the yellow leather which I attached via the same stitching as the leather this allows different sized pens to be carried.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1675/24043764216_1db05b3b7b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CCEzqU)DSC_1869 (https://flic.kr/p/CCEzqU) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
January 3rd, 2016, 03:23 PM
The blue and yellow note book cover is coming along I have been thinking about remaking the card slots however I have not been able to come up with a better solution so I will put it together tomorrow.

I have accepted a commission to make a Hobonichi planner and a pen wrap the planner cover is going to have a carving of a bird on the front.

Here is my first practice piece.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1481/24156786475_abe447f24f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CNDR1x)DSC_1880[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CNDR1x) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr.

The leather is soaked in cold water and placed in a plastic sheet overnight before it is ready for carving which is done with a swivel knife.

MY63
January 4th, 2016, 01:47 PM
Almost there. Today I have joined the inner and outer pieces together using latex adhesive and linen thread

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1598/24150560466_478376275b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CN6Wey)DSC_1887[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CN6Wey) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I still need to tidy up the edges the card holder and the back section are not fixed at the inside so documents and even smaller note books may be stored behind.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1601/23548456374_12251da6e3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BSTZEw)DSC_1888[1] (https://flic.kr/p/BSTZEw) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

Crazyorange
January 4th, 2016, 01:48 PM
[emoji7][emoji7][emoji7]

MY63
January 6th, 2016, 03:26 PM
While I am working out the best way to finish the edges on the blue and yellow cover. I started looking through my box of templates for the hobonichi cover I have been asked to make I did not find a suitable template so I made a new one

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/24192010976_777b41e5d7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CRLo2w)DSC_1895[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CRLo2w) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

But I did find this midori style cover in red embossed nappa leather I was sure I had sold this cover :)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1626/23850193439_18bfd1915d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CkytzH)DSC_1896 (https://flic.kr/p/CkytzH) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

MY63
January 8th, 2016, 08:20 AM
Final pictures of the completed midori style cover.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1443/24169295441_7554cc74c6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CPKXun)DSC_1930[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CPKXun) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1615/24251854475_b9879836d3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CX46pZ)DSC_1934[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CX46pZ) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1629/23956245450_52c824ac3a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CuW29E)DSC_1938[1] (https://flic.kr/p/CuW29E) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I hope we will get to see a picture of it in use.

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
February 20th, 2016, 10:44 AM
Here are todays projects. The first is a cover for three field notes notebooks.

After my success with the bird carvings I was asked to do something a little more challenging here is my first practice.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1551/25056882341_10632007c5_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ebc59M)DSC_0139[1] (https://flic.kr/p/Ebc59M) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

The next step was to make a template for the cover.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1488/25123765176_b4c1d08ba7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Eh6S67)DSC_0180[1] (https://flic.kr/p/Eh6S67) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Then to make the actual cover from 2 mm leather

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1502/25031849092_17f5416c08_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/E8YLD3)DSC_0184[1] (https://flic.kr/p/E8YLD3) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I rounded the corners using a coin as a guide and used the edging tool to round over the edges of the leather. The leather was then soaked for 6 hours and then placed in a plastic bag over night to prepare it for carving.

Thanks for looking

Michael

MY63
February 22nd, 2016, 12:37 AM
After soaking and other preparations I laid out the leather with a piece of plastic and then the monogram all taped down ready to transfer the design to the leather

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1478/25139493996_aa53b6fc9e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EiutHE)DSC_0195[1] (https://flic.kr/p/EiutHE) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Once the transfer is finished

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1586/24870210490_d5c237641f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DTGk7A)DSC_0196[1] (https://flic.kr/p/DTGk7A) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Before the leather dried out I applied the oxblood dye

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1656/24798876039_efafa910e1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DMoHSg)DSC_0200[1] (https://flic.kr/p/DMoHSg) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

When I finished the carving it was clear the "M" was not right after the dye had dried out I decided to start again.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1537/25161170196_022c0cf948_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ekpzif)DSC_0216[1] (https://flic.kr/p/Ekpzif) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

fountainpagan
February 22nd, 2016, 01:14 AM
Very nice work, Michael.

Those will last for ages.

dixiehellcat
February 22nd, 2016, 09:05 PM
I just got interested in dori's and last weekend I went digging through my craft stash, and concluded I could make my own and not spend a penny!

So here's my denim-dori, Midori Passport size, made with denim and plaid from some of my dad's old jeans and shirts that I saved after he passed, planning to make a quilt. (quilt didn't happen, although sunglass case, ereader case, fountain pen roll and some other fun creations did)

(sorry for links only, but I forget how to post pix here 0_o)

Dori--https://flic.kr/p/EkcTei

Inside front--https://flic.kr/p/DT5ABq

Inside back--https://flic.kr/p/EhSRSG

And the inserts I made, 3 notebooks and a teeny 2 pocket folder--https://flic.kr/p/EkcTBc

Marsilius
February 22nd, 2016, 10:33 PM
I suddenly noticed this thread and read it all at once: an overdose of wonderful!

krischuck
February 23rd, 2016, 03:12 AM
These are all works of art! :jaw: lovely works all around.

MY63
February 23rd, 2016, 04:17 AM
Thanks for the comments I appreciate them

My first effort at the carving did not meet my expectations the "M" did not look right and the horizontal lines were not as square to the edge of the notebook as I would like. So here is MK 2.

I used masking tape on my slab and marked the edges of the cover and then marked the horizontal lines from the monogram like this.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1568/25211871905_d6b40b7f03_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EpTr9D)DSC_0220[1] (https://flic.kr/p/EpTr9D) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

I transferred the lines of the monogram to the wet leather and then used a swivel knife to cut them into the leather.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1621/25211749565_f3af137dfc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EpSNMk)DSC_0222[1] (https://flic.kr/p/EpSNMk) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Then I added some colour.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/24581084824_9e682bf4b2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ds9u8j)DSC_0223[1] (https://flic.kr/p/Ds9u8j) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

Pelikan-Vera
February 23rd, 2016, 12:40 PM
Nice cover Michael. Vera

MY63
February 26th, 2016, 10:18 AM
Here are my final pictures of the carved fieldnote's cover The final coats of dye are still drying off.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1672/25277372305_9f14783190_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EvF98T)DSC_0241 (https://flic.kr/p/EvF98T) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

This picture shows the edges there are three pieces of leather joined together here, It also gives an idea of the depth of the carving.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1659/25159121292_1d15b3e73b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Eke5ej)IMG_20160226_161132 (https://flic.kr/p/Eke5ej) by my0771 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/47080473@N07/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

Lady Onogaro
February 26th, 2016, 10:31 AM
Michael,

Would you say that the color you have used is purple, or is it more of a burgundy color?

Also, will the cover darken over time?

Thanks.

MY63
February 26th, 2016, 12:55 PM
The colour is called oxblood it is a dark red my phone camera appears to bring out shades of colour that are not visible to the naked eye.
The cover has not fully dried out yet so it will lighten a little and over time it will darken slightly through use.
Thanks
Michael

Silverbreeze
February 26th, 2016, 01:03 PM
So basically diamine oxblood then

MY63
February 26th, 2016, 02:10 PM
I don't have that ink colour but I think it would be very close.
Dying leather by hand is not easy everything you do to the leather effects the colour even wetting it can alter the shade of the base leather. That is why I soaked all of the pieces even those that were not going to be carved. Then I counted the number of coats on each piece to try and get a similar colour all around.

davegt
March 2nd, 2016, 05:19 AM
If only I knew how to post a photo...

Michael made a pen case in Ox blood red for me and it matches my Harley Davidson Road King perfectly!

Elegance and rolling art ...a wonderful match up. Elegance is the pen case, like a Rolls Royce. Rolling art is the Harley.

Together, my travels and thoughts will be lived and documented. Life is indeed good with the help of my friends. :-))

Dave

MY63
March 2nd, 2016, 07:43 AM
Hi Dave I upload my pictures to flickr and then post the link here. You can upload them to the forum but I am unsure how to do it.

Michael