Leather working?

[Ethical hunter]

Im thinking about getting into leather working as a hobby, making gloves and such. I have several elk and deer hides that I would like to do something with. Any suggestions on where to start?

EH

[Chesapeake]

In the past I have used a hand sticher (they sell them for canvas tent repair) to hand sew things like belts, and knife sheaths. Also in grade school we made mocasins that were pretty easy and made good house slippers. A gun scabbard for a muzzle loader would also be easy.

I think to get serious about it would take the purchase of a very expensive sewing machine capable of handling leather.

The leather also makes great skull covers when mounting antlers.

[Rank Amateur]

My Dad recently took up leather working, he gets his supplies in Portland some where, I could ask. Fortunately, he had a big sewing machine for sewing bear rugs ect. I be dang, but he really took to it and has gone crazy making slings, lamp shades, water bottle holders for horses, bridles, halters, saddle bags, moccasins and even a purse! He never ceases to amaze me. It is a fun hobby and he has taught some of my cousin boys and now they are turning out projects. He made me a wallet that will never wear out.

It takes a lot of tools and patterns.

[OSUhuntnfish]

Oregon Leather Company, I believe is out of Salem. They have many different leather working tools and offer a great selection, sometimes even great deals too. I had a pair of rodeo chaps made a couple of years ago with materials bought from there and ended up saving about $120 (remnants, closeouts, etc). They are the only place I've really heard of in the area that had a decent selection. Hopefully this helps.