Leather Dream Weaver – Custom Handmade Leatherwork and Fine Art by Doug Nave

Designing something well is challenging and rewarding but first we need a reason for a design.  Our reason can be protective, decorative, ceremonial, etc. Then, how will our project “wear” and be used?  The specific dimensions and measurements will have to be noted, especially if the case is to fit closely. Will there be hinges, snaps, buckles, loops, tabs, magnetic or a friction fit closure?  Does it need to be lined and if so, what sort of lining?  Will there be tooling, painted designs?  How much hand stitching?  Do we use conchos or rhinestones?  Does it need a handle or strap for carrying?  What sort of finish?  The embellishments are an area where you can make a wide range of aesthetic choices.  If a design is a must, it can be traced (and sent to me via email or post) or I can make or choose something from your suggestions.  Often a form needs to be made, usually from wood, to form the leather around so that it will fit the object closely.

In the end, once the purpose is understood, coupled with what you are willing to spend, many of the above considerations will fall into place.

If you want to measure a shifter crystal for a close fitting case, use the diagram here to assist you.  The body is most often tapered toward the point and so it is important to get the measurements near both ends.  When I made Case 1 the difference in ends was not apparent until after forming the leather over the crystal itself.  I had to use spacers in the stitching to compensate.  I was lucky that time as this worked well, was a minor adjustment and is essentially unnoticeable.
Case 1a, Case 1b
Case 2a, Case 2b
Case 3a, Case 3b

Another design consideration, which is not obvious at first glance as they are almost never seen, is the use of stiffeners .  Often leather is not stiff enough for a particular application so we use stiffeners.  Stiffeners can be made of any thin, stiff material.  I use high grade plywood in most projects but thicker sticks can be used, also metal especially if it is for a flap of some sort which would give one the opportunity to use magnets for latches.  In the feather cases I use plywood which is thin enough to allow for some flexibility without being floppy.  In the pipe case with the fairy painted on it I used 3 mil plywood and it is extremely strong but also quite heavy.  The larger pipe case with the harness only has plywood stiffening in the lid while the sides and bottom are double leather.

Here’s a check list of considerations:

Click here to see some examples of the items listed above.

Images for Designs

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