How to Do Leather Stamp Kits

Leather Stamps

Leather stamping is a fun and easy craft for boys and girls of all ages. You and your kids can create lasting mementos in minutes from basic leather stamp kits and a few inexpensive leather craft tools.

Personalized leather items like wallets, belts or even bracelets make wonderful gifts!

Things You'll Need

• Leather stamp kits
• leather stamping tool handle
• leather stamps
• wooden mallet
• block of wood
• sponge
• water
• Leather Sheen (or other commercial finisher)
• paintbrush or sponge
• ruler

Instructions

1. Make a rough sketch of the design you would like to stamp into your leather project. Choose small stamps (1/4 inch stamps are ideal) to form a pattern that creates a bigger design.

2. Find the center of your design and the center on the leather you will be stamping on. Measure this with a ruler! You don't want an off-center design to ruin your project!

3. Fill a small bowl with water.

4. Place leather with the smooth side facing up on your block of wood (your work surface).

5. 

   Dampen sponge, then dampen leather. Do not make the leather sopping wet. Water should not pool on it, but make sure your leather project is wet and stays wet throughout. Wet leather takes the stamps more easily and clearly than leather that is dry or drying.

6. 

   Working your way from the center to the outer edges of your design, choose your first leather stamp. Slide the leather stamp over the end of your leather stamping tool handle.

7. 

   Place the leather tool handle against your leather project, with the stamp end directly against the leather. Strike the other end of the tool handle with your wooden mallet. Check the impression. Are the lines dark? If not, you may need to swing that mallet a little harder or your leather may be drying out.

8. Finish your pattern, moving from the center to the outer edges. Be sure to keep your leather wet!

9. 

   Finished? Allow your leather to completely dry.

10. Dip a paintbrush or sponge in Leather Sheen (or any other commercial finisher). Cover the entire surface of your leather, not just your design. Leather Sheen goes on a milky white, but it will dry clear so don't worry!

11. Let air dry.

12. If your leather project calls for lacing or stitching, do so now.

13. Enjoy your leather stamped project!

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a practice blank or plain rounder to practice your design on before moving on to your project, especially if this is your first leather craft project.

• Basic leather stamps and a few kits are available from the Boy Scouts of America on-line. You could save a few dollars ordering from the BSA and you don't have to be a Cub or Boy Scout to order. See resource link below.

• Start with basic leather stamps. You can add more stamps to your collection as you go.

• If you're just starting leather crafts, buying a starter stamp set is your best option, but price check what's in the starter set. How many of those items do you really need? Add single stamps to your starter sets to give you more variety in design.

• Keep your leather wet!

Resources

• Boy Scouts of America on-line store, leather crafts and supplies
• Tandy Leather Factory