How to Do Leather Stamping
Stamping leather provides a fun craft for people of all ages. By using stamps (shaped objects) to create impressions on leather you can decorate leather with intricate designs, words and other shapes.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Leather stamps
- Mallet
- Leather for stamping
- Sponge
- Bowl or tub for water
- Leather oil
Instructions
-
Do a Leather Stamping Project
-
1
Use thick leather for stamping. This specialty leather can be found in craft stores or ordered from leather retailers. Cut larger pieces down to the size you need for your project.
-
2
Choose the stamps you will use. You may be able to find the stamps in kits at craft stores. Be sure to use leather stamps, as other types of stamps may not be strong enough. Tandy Leather Factory offers a wide variety of stamps and kits (see Resources below).
-
-
3
Lay the leather out on a piece of plywood or other strong sturdy surface. You can also buy or build a leather press. For smaller projects make sure that you are using something that won't break as you apply pressure.
-
4
Wet the leather slightly with a small sponge to make it malleable for stamping.
-
5
Place the stamp where you want it to appear on the leather. Hit the stamp with a mallet to make an impression. You may have to hit the stamp a few times to make a lasting impression.
-
6
Check the impression. The stamp should penetrate the leather only slightly, leaving a darker brown at the bottom of the impression. If the impression is not very deep or is too light, you should use more water. On the other hand, if the stamp left a deep mark and the impression has no dark brown at the bottom, then the leather is too wet.
-
7
Continue stamping the leather until the design you desire is complete. To preserve the design, finish the leather with mink or another type of leather oil.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
There are generally two types of leather--stamping and non-stamping leather. Stamping leather is thicker and usually not dyed, so it is a more natural tan color.
Dye or paint the leather after you do the stamping so the color is even.
The larger the stamp, the harder it is to do clear impressions in the leather.
Keep the stamped leather dry. If it becomes wet and is flexed, the design will fade. If it starts to become too brittle, lightly oil the leather.
