Figure Carving a Horse Head into Leather

Here is a much requested video from your suggestions both here and on our facebook page! For the July Leather Tooling Series we are showing how to figure carve a horse's head into leather. I am not the greatest figure carver out there and I still have a lot to learn on the subject, but I will attempt to show you what I do know. After that, you can seek out guidance from some of the greats out there... and there are many amazing figure carvers that you can learn from. Jim Linnell would be one that I would highly recommend checking out if you haven't already... here is a link to his website: elktracksstudi...
If you would like to tool along with us in this tooling series, here is a link to a FREE copy of this pattern: dgsaddlery.com...
Just enter your email address and we will shoot that out to you. It is a PDF file that you can download and print on your own printer.
Tools used in this video:
-CS Osbourne push beveler
-Barry King Lifters (or undercuts)
-Barry King Crowners (checkered)
-Bevelers (BK and craft tool)
If you haven't, I would suggest going through our first tooling series where we explain in a little more depth the different tools used in these series videos: • How to Tool Floral Lea...
If you would like a full run down on my stamp tool roll, then here is a link to a video that we did on that: • Leathercraft Tool Roll
The model for this project is an unknown Bay Gelding that resided on a place that borders us. I just liked the way the horse looked and took many photos of him for artwork reference. Not sure what happened to him, but we haven't seen him in a long time... I like to think that he is somewhere on the rodeo trail or maybe just retired and moved to Florida.

[@tinoyb9294]

No need to apologize for your generosity, Don.

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

It’s really interesting that whenI saw how long it was I was thinking “okay, I need to set aside some time to really watch this”. Good grief that was over before I even realized. I never fail to learn something new from you. And you really are a great teacher! Very relatable and down to earth. Thank you very much sir. Can’t wait to follow along on this beautiful pattern.

[@iraisrose]

This is awesome 😎 I can take a tooling class at home at 4 am or whenever . Thanks Don. 🙏🏼

[@markflores6875]

Good day Don. I am just starting with leather tooling, and I must say, “I appreciate not only the videos you’ve produced, but also the quality.” Your videos sure make it easier to learn. God bless you for your generosity.

[@dlbraly]

Amazing work! Cant wait to see you do an Octopus!

[@damesydneyleatherworksprie9136]

I started watching your videos in tooling last November. I have learned so much from you and I thank you for that knowledge. I’m re-watching this tooling video again after not having watched it in a feed months and man I can’t believe how much i picked up ! Keep up the good work!

[@axe609]

Thanks man. I would love to see you go through some of the pattern stamps and border stamping, so we can see how you do it. I always learn a lot as far as making things look neat and also for improving efficiency in doing tooling from you. I really appreciate you sharing your talent, skill and experience with us, Thank you!

[@StudioJ-TX]

Thanks for the tip on tooling on the dry side rather than the wet. I am sure I can improve my work with that new bit of knowledge! Great channel.

[@GottliebGoltz]

Yay, now I can figure out how to use some of My "lighter" practice pieces that I keep buying. Thank's again Don.

[@shawnxo3539]

Great work! Really enjoying your channel 👍

[@Countrylivinhistory]

havent got into the tooling portion of leather work yet but watching your videos don and some others I am goin to try it one of these days when I get a little more practice. thanks for all the terrific videos

[@fogcreature]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing!!

[@traceywinter3842]

I love these videos. Thanks for doing these.

[@jeffshearer5125]

Daaaam,I need to practice a lot more. I mean a lot. Beautiful work.

[@charliebarba5943]

I love this series that you do!

[@TexHoss1]

Believe it or not Hobby Lobby has a couple of pretty decent steep bevellers.

[@TDNel]

Thanks for the lessons.

[@peteallen1868]

Great video Don! thanks so much.

[@Countrylivinhistory]

jim linell is a good one to check out also

[@ageorge7140]

Great video. What is the weight of your maul

[@brandonshehan699]

The hair and outline of the horse looks as if it is cut a little less deeper than the flowers and vines. Do you do these the same way but with a lighter touch on the swivel knife. OR am I crazy and it is all the same.

[@benjaminweill9475]

Do you find a noticeable difference going from checkered bevelers to smooth undercut/lifters?

[@cakeoid]

Have you done a video on your recording setup

[@user-xr5cf2ee4r]

How do you know her you hove to do deep or great

[@billybeasley5131]

Will the oil change the color of the dye tgat was inlaid.

[@alexscott1705]

just curious, what weight / thickness is the leather you used for this?

[@j.m.england6828]

Hi there, I am new at leather working, I was so happy to see you offered some free patterns, I went in to get some of them, but once I added them to a cart, it showed no-way to be able to download them, is there a way to do this or do I need to fill in the questionnaire, if I do, what happen then, how can I get the free patterns?

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

There is a free pattern for this video by using the link in the description of the video. There is also a free patterns page on our website under leather worker resources. We sell the other patterns available on our website.

[@rdvierasr2151]

Where can I find the 13-15oz leather? Where I leave I only find up to 10-12oz.

[@maryfrederickson9400]

It would be really nice if you could please hold up the end of the tool you are going to use for a few seconds so that we could actually see it as you name it. Thank you.

[@amaysme45]

Stupid noob question, what is the difference between a beveller and an undercutter. They look the same to me..???