Making a Leather Portfolio

This video shows the complete process of making a leather portfolio. These leather portfolios have been great projects for me over the years and they have so much room for customization.
My goal with this video is to show my process and how I approach making a legal pad portfolio. There are many different ways to create these and many different styles and sizes, all of which accomplish the same end result. This video is simply the process that I have found that works best for me.
I have created a Companion Pattern Pack as well that goes with this video. The pattern pack includes all the dimensions of the cut patterns for all the parts to make this portfolio. There are also five floral tooling patterns included. The pattern that I created for the portfolio I made in the video is one of them.
If you would like to purchase the companion pattern pack for this video click this link:
dgsaddlery.com/...
*Remember that all of our patterns are instant downloads that you print off on your printer.
If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe to this channel. And if you would like to see more tutorials and information like this or would like to see what other types of patterns we have available visit our website at:
dgsaddlery.com/
The music in this video was performed and produced by my brother Ben Schane. If you would like to to hear more of his music you can find his music on itunes. The song in this video is from his album "Antique Noises."
Thanks so much!

[@lindamellingen5977]

You are such an amazing artist! Thank you for taking the time and showing the love to inspire! It is so appreciated!

[@ChelleWilson]

Until you stop and really think about it, you don't realise how much work has gone into creating something. I really enjoyed watching this piece come together, thank you for sharing your process

[@rsw987654321]

Hey Ya'll, I had the coolest day today. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Don Gonzales and seeing his shop. Thank you, Don, for taking some time out of your busy work schedule to show me your shop and talk with me about leathercraft! I plan on getting some glycerine and canvas right away to use for my burnishing. And thanks for posting these very informative videos. Again, it was a pleasure meeting you, Don, and thanks for showing me around.(and for the leather craft tips!)

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Richard Wilkins hey thanks a bunch Richard! It was great to meet you and glad I could help!

[@waynerogers5485]

Awesome everything like everyone below said and really, thanks for the music. Loving that, too. Please pass that on to Ben.

[@lopo8975]

Thank you so much for this video and all the other 👍

[@eugenethomas4647]

This is one of the most impressive videos I have seen! Your pattern drawing and tooling skills are insane man! Amazing work!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@wiltwager]

WOW!! You have a God given gift to draw like that.

[@lisajarvis3820]

Your work is absolutely ridiculous GORGEOUS ~ AND I VERY MUCH ADMIRE IT!!

[@andremathys3915]

Beautiful work

[@ownelpostal2362]

Thank you so nice wow i wish i new how to draw the tool pater n i paint and letter loved your work.old timmer book and old time writer. Great job..

[@garyblake4296]

I'm so glad guys like you post this kind of video Don....sure gave me the bug to learn the craft.....

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Gary Blake thanks a bunch man! Grab some leather and get to slinging buddy!

[@rdeanleatherworks1618]

Love your videos don. I have been doing leatherwork for over 30 years, mostly self taught. Leaned a lot just watching a few of your videos. Especially liked tecnique for gluing down pockets in the portfolio. Keep em common. R. Dean

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+R Dean Leather Works thanks so much! Ya that little glueing trick saves a lot of time on a lot of different jobs!

[@sarahleech7830]

Thank you so much for this video! Just finished my first portfolio. Very pleased with the outcome!

[@nicholassnell7111]

Thanks Don. You are incredibly gifted, in both your leather craft and your ability to deliver a clear and concise message. Very well done video! Thank you once again!

[@ructruc5794]

Your drawing skills are fun to watch. These is no substitute for experience! Great work, very inspiring!

[@jayrhoten5747]

Incredible artistry and craftsmanship. Thank you for providing education and inspirational material.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Jay Rhoten thanks a bunch!

[@SoulfulSmokie]

Nicely done!!

[@graciechristian2446]

thanks i have been so excited to see the video im purchasing the pack tomorrow!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Gracie Christian thank you so much!!! I have been working on this video forever it seems! Lol!

[@wynbock]

Love your channel & leather working tutorials! Your great talent & ability compel ppl to climb higher! Thank you! 9:18AM Texas Time LOL 💋 08/05/22 #2.4K+ LIKE!

[@bagramdave883]

Great job Don. This is my favorite tooling I’ve ever seen on your vids

[@valeriebeaudoin5020]

Made my first one and did it a little differently but in the end only made one mistake and it was that I made the right pocket too long and it closed a little off-center. Will do better on the 2nd, great video and a great digital download, thank you!!!

[@bogopuar7463]

Don, You are an artist in every sense of the imagination. It is privilege to watch you work. I always learn a lot from your videos. Keep em coming. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Bo Gopuar thanks so much man! I truly appreciate that!

[@dudediva69]

WOW !! that tooling .... is amazing ....

[@morte100]

Extremely well done vid, Don. Pacing is great. I learned a bunch of little things you don't learn from the books...only by watching a real craftsman with experience. Off to get the pattern pack. Keep up the great work!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+morte100 man thank you so much! I'm still figuring out making these videos but I'm glad to hear they are offering value! Thanks a bunch!

[@rolandfitzgerald1475]

Don Gonzales the

[@mistydawn2717]

Wow! I'm sorry but words fail me atm. If u knew me lol that's saying a lot. Beautiful job dear! 💜✌

[@stevekitella4781]

Well done lad. Very good work, nice to watch a true artist that knows his craft.

[@edjet6031]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. Excellent Craftsmanship and teacher.

[@GottliebGoltz]

Hay, and I'm learning what a portfolio is too. Thanks again. G-G.

[@bradymcphail9690]

Man Don, you absolutely blow my mind! So darn good. If I could just have the talent of your little finger, I'd be so stoked!

[@gwynneclark6372]

Thank you ,It's good to see a leather crafts man at work very nice job well done .

[@iheartart9954]

Beautiful work. Had no idea the amount of work that went into something)g like this. I enjoyed watching this process and listening to the music. Your family is very talented.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it and glad u enjoyed he video!

[@ms.beehaven266]

Amazing...beautiful

[@sherrihodder5532]

Beautiful work!! I've just started leather work this week and your work is amazing! Thanks for sharing this... something for me to aim towards after I've learned much, much more!!

[@lucamarialanza7319]

Amazing... I'm stunned by a so much beautiful thing... Speechless.

[@rfleecs]

Beautiful, beautiful work! I learned a lot watching this video. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Ron Fleecs thank you so much!

[@yayatouri4797]

Very thanks about all these wonderful videos

[@joshuamoore9328]

Thank you for the easy to follow video, Don! Not only are you truly talented at what you do, you actually are a great instructor as well. I'm still a novice but I've fallen in love with leather working and I'm trying to make my own leather portfolio someday soon! I have most of your tools, but I may have to figure something out with the sewing machine; I don't know if my Brother machine can handle something this thick...

[@jordanrounds9890]

Just saying if you skive down the edges of the material where you’re going to stitch it’ll help considerably when you got to put it together. I’m working with regular stitching irons and no machine and that’s my work around.

[@HauptmannFritz]

Thanks for sharing this video. It's a great resource of knowledge.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Martin Munke thank you so much and glad u like it!

[@toequantumspace]

Absolutely stunning! Please show more!

[@lancetrent6691]

Thank you Don. Truly enjoyed the video - very helpful. Learned a bunch.

[@stevenscott3278]

Thank you for making these videos. Ive learned a lot from your videos. I hope to see more in the future

[@reinreyes6365]

wow its so unique and beautiful

[@JayJay-sf2wn]

It's gorgeous.

[@niwnsod4755]

Wow wow wow simply fantastic work. I like that😊🙏🏽

[@veroniquecognasse1618]

Splendide, quel talent ! Bravo !

[@suegotcreative]

Wow! I've watched the first 7:49/26:58 and I'm totally blown away by this video. You are so talented, and that sound track has me wanting to know who the artist is.

[@monicaadriana6144]

this was absolutely amazing, I`m blown away at your skill!!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Monica Adriana thank you so much!

[@manueltroncoso5769]

Que excelente video demostración de el experto don González, mucho se aprende como esto. Fuera de este comentario, deseo saber si es posible pegar un cuero humedecido pues pienso que no podría,ese es mi problema ,gracias por entender.

[@muhammadfadly9129]

Thanks for your lesson. I just start making this. Keep up your hard work.

[@marktracy]

Beautiful work! Great video, I am new to leather working, and your video gave me some new ideas! Thanks.

[@kreator-ys1yz]

You sir are a Master... Thanks for the videos.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+kreator861 201 ha ha! Thanks so much!

[@irelandcustomleather1371]

Superior Craftsmanship - excellent video Ireland Custom Leather & Art Red Rock, Tx

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Eddie Ireland thank ya sir!

[@claytonschicks]

Really nice work. Thanks for bringing us along on the build

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Georgia Clay thank you so much!

[@addictivearchery1123]

Good Job Don. I hope you keep making videos, they are a great help.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Addictive Archery thanks so much! That's the plan!

[@bluedevil9mm]

another awesome video Don. nice to see you cranking more of them out. that portfolio really pops, especially with the blue centers. I am truly envious of your drawing and layout skills. keep them coming Bud!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+DanFranklin thanks a bunch duder!

[@МикитаКарацупа]

Perfect work!

[@shanesims2864]

Awesome job !! A true craftsman !!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Shane Sims thanks so much!

[@leahcutler8017]

Loved it!

[@johnabernathy8462]

Love watching and learning from you !! You should make a video of a rope bag with a pattern we can buy !! Thanks !!

[@carylyons7937]

I love your videos, they are very informative. I would love to try my hand at leather work and I am sure I will in the near future. That portfolio is amazing.

[@wiltwager]

I Love your Videos!!!!! That is one sweet cover!!!!!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+wilton wager thanks so much brotha!

[@poppamonk]

Very nice brother. I have learned a lot from you .

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Michael Monk thanks so much!

[@LoraKnutson]

Wow Don, that is beauytiful!

[@hairchick1985]

love your videos, your items are just amazing, such a artist

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+hairchick1985 thanks much!

[@secretagent3764]

WOW! Your work is amazing!,

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Secret Agent thanks so much!

[@markbrooks324]

Brilliant loved every second beautiful work!

[@johnnorton2182]

Yes that's what I was referring to and thanks for the reply

[@dudediva69]

amazing ... love your videos ... thank you

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+DudeDi Va thank you!

[@slugobuddy]

WOW.... Very nice sir!

[@Chungustav]

There you go Don. Subscriber number 5000!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Silkworm hey hey!!! Thanks so much!

[@SahtiaVoyance]

So gorgeous!

[@TheSimpleman35]

Beautiful.

[@rexjerome5931]

Beautiful job Don!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Rex Jerome thanks buddy!

[@joseluisaltamirano1531]

amazing

[@olcrow2065]

this was awesome amigo!

[@HonestDoubter]

I have one of Don's patterns packs. Very inexpensive and very generous with his patterns.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+HonestDoubter thanks so much!

[@carlosraposo9014]

Great job

[@gustavoandrade4710]

WOOOOOW !

[@timrichards1270]

Damn fine work sir

[@LeatherBeast]

Very nice!! Love this.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Leather Beast thanks so much!

[@gildavalentin7679]

Sooooo beautiful

[@kittykat999a]

Wow. Amazing.

[@flowersafeheart]

Awesome!! And gorgeous. Bet that was very satisfying to make. Really makes ya appreciate a product seeing it handmade in detail! Anyone know how the blue dots were made? And the black part on front cover? And would this be the same way (minus the beautiful cover details) to make this with synthetic leather basically (minus the parts obviously about working with leather)?

[@loribradley2807]

Wow! So Impressive! LOVE it!

[@stevefranks9873]

Just. Wow

[@rustyz4014]

Do a video on how you made the decorative cuts on the handle! I try and try and mine always look terrible. You make it look so easy. I even copied yours and mine still looks bad. I guess I'm not an artist...

[@johnnorton2182]

I was watching this on my wife's I phone. I dabble in leather work mostly as a stress reliever. Just wanted you to know I think you are way beyond a craftsman. You are an artist. One question I had is what's in the water pot? Because it looked like it was pretty dark. Want to thank you for the tutorials and the videos they are great

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Jeanette Norton thanks so much! Are u referring to my slicking water can? It's just water... I'll be it dirty water... but just water. lol

[@hairchick1985]

Can you please also do a video on your preferred knives, i see you also like to use a razor blade. I've purchase my first couple of lifters, thank you for the tool video - i had no idea about lifters and can't wait to see the difference it make to my work

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+hairchick1985 that's a great idea... I will see what I can come up with! Thanks a bunch!

[@sreynoldsred]

What about a video for a rope bag? Love this one ! Thanks

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+shannon bailey thanks a bunch! Next time I have an order for one I will try and make a video.

[@briandalponte5898]

Holy shit your glue pot looks like its made solely out of glue 😂 but I digress, the project looks amazing. Really good tips on stiffeners as well

[@sawdust3043]

Enjoy your videos. Can you do a video on how you sharpen your tools?

[@philochristos]

That's beautiful.

[@garymurdoch8084]

Don, Thanks so much for the effort that goes into these videos. I'm retired and being an old Army combat veteran, I've used leather craft for over 40 years now to somewhat keep my sanity. it is my earthly passion that allows me to learn new things everyday. I notice you use a trim knife that holds an injector razor blade. Where did you find that blade handle? I'd really like to locate one. Thanks Gary A Murdoch

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

+Gary Murdoch thanks so much for your service! And thank you for the support and kind words! There is definitely something about leatherwork that helps to keep the mind grounded. The blade handle is an exacto handle that you can buy at hobby lobby... it is much fatter than the usual one and I have only found them at hobby lobby. Thanks so much!

[@garymurdoch8084]

Thank you kind Sir!

[@tjvdos]

B E A U T I F U L

[@scsherman75]

Hi Don. This looks incredible. I am taking my first leatherworking class this weekend. I am just curious, what would something like this sell for? Thanks for the video.

[@nickklumb8038]

Hi Mr. Gonzales, thanks for making such great videos and passing on your wealth of knowledge. I was wondering on this portfolio instead of sewing the outside edges would it be possible to lace it with a round braid or would it be to thick. thanks in advance. Nick

[@lillianthistlethwaite9996]

Do the companion packs include a list of tools / glue types / card stock types you used? I am brand new to this, but your work is the closest to what I want to do compared to all other videos I've seen! It looks like the leather you're using is quite thick, too, to allow you to cut your designs into it. Are other (cheaper) fabric types easy substitutes - faux leather or faux suede for example? Or would you absolutely recommend leather only? Thanks for sharing your talents and inspiring me!

[@bbrachman]

I am wondering if you can just add some glycerin to water in some ratio that will do the same thing as water and the bar of glycerin soap.

[@nathanrainwater1657]

You ever get dark smudges on your natural veg tan while working. Trying to narrow down the cause and possible fix to clean them up and not make it look like somethings been removed. Thanks for any input.

[@evgenykhlebnikov7080]

Just curious if there any pros using slicking rag instead of slicking board? And one more: glycerol soap over edges - how does it reacts to the water/moisture later on in use?