YOUR Leather Craft Questions, Answered!

[@lucaswegener2010]

Every time you’ve said “that deserves its own video” can you make said video? I’ve just found your channel and you are an absolute wealth of information and your delivery is immaculate. I fear I’ll run out of your videos to binge!

[@MasconLeather]

😆 Thanks !!! Yes. I have tons of videos to make. The issue is, they take 1-2 solid weeks to film and edit, while I’m also fulfilling leather orders. Time management. Stick with me. And thanks for watching!

[@actualartist3082]

As someone that does photgraphy, I wanna let people no something. If you dont have a camera.. you're fine. If you just have your phone, learn how to use lighting to your advantage. Create texture in the image but make sure your subject is the focus. Make the photos eye catching. Great video, Sir! I'm slowly getting into the craft and always love seeing a new vid from you.

[@MasconLeather]

100% true. Honestly? 95% of my photos are from the iPhone. I shoot all videos on an iPhone. I edit all photos on iPad. Edit all videos on iPad. You do NOT need expensive gear. I should have said that more in the video. You’re correct.

[@brianmickelson4642]

Just today I saw on another YT video a comment that said “A boring day is a day with nothing new learned.” Today is now definitely not a boring day. Thank you for sharing so much info. I’ll be saving this and referencing often I’m sure.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for that! And thanks for watching!!

[@peterdelaurier6085]

I'm new to leather work and in a short time you have answered so many questions. You are an asset to the craft. Thank you!!

[@GTsAdventures]

You absolutely made my whole week by using my comment about the goo and blinker fluid in another perfectly executed video!! Blessings to you and your family for all that you guys contribute to make the world a better place one handcrafted piece at a time. Greg from Hamtramck Michigan 🙏

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for the great question! And thanks for watching!

[@dianenortness2131]

As usual "Mascon Style"is informative and entertaining! Thank you!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks !!

[@_Mr.Tuvok_]

5:31 “… … sure…yea… I’ve tried sum stuff…” The camera pan during that always cracks me up.

[@MasconLeather]

😆

[@BiffRoberson-ft4xc]

I started watching your videos about 3 years ago, best thing I ever did, anyway I learned a little more on every one of them, I have a J R dog too , he’s 15 years old , sorry for your loss, have a happy new year and all that Jazz “ lol , good to see you back! Thanks!

[@MasconLeather]

Thank you!!

[@walterholmes4609]

In spite of your talents, originality and acumen, this may be your best effort yet. Take away? Know yourself, find your own style, take it as far as possible. Love your videos, appreciate the hard work.

[@MasconLeather]

Awe !!! Comment of the week! Thanks!!! And thanks for watching!

[@ps3moe314]

Happy Friday! Just wanted to say thank you, my young children and I love watching your videos. They are soothing and inspiring. Keep up the great work!!

[@MasconLeather]

You are so welcome!

[@milom.2057]

Great video! Answered many questions I had.

[@MasconLeather]

Perfect!!

[@sylvainarchambault9746]

Hi! I just want to say Bravo! I love your videos. Love your style.

[@MasconLeather]

Thank you!!! And thanks for watching!

[@nauticalknotcraft]

Excellent! Beginner to expert we all benefit from these q & a's. Thank you for this one and the shop tour. Well done sir.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for that!! And thanks for watching!!

[@cadaddy357]

Great video! Thanks for including my question. Great way to end the week.

[@MasconLeather]

No problem!!! Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@akashkshirsagar6490]

This is perfect.. love your work. Thank you so much

[@MasconLeather]

Thank you, sir!

[@dougmorgan1812]

I just watched your q&a video. Thank you for the last answer, your mud. I'm new to leather crafting and enjoy you products but had concerns of how to "slick" the inside. Thanks again.

[@MasconLeather]

🤘 And thanks for watching!

[@joseperezgonzalez7092]

I love your videos...get my popcorn from the begining of this one...😊

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks ! And thanks for watching!! Enjoy the show !

[@bigfranksworld]

This was a great video, and a lot of quality instruction. Thank you!

[@tj9911]

Good job, funny video as usual. Great hints and tips and I agree with the Tokanoleeee, I gave up the witches brews years ago. Tell Chloe she would make a great accountant with that bark she has.

[@MasconLeather]

Chloe has applied for the accountant position. 😆 Thanks for watching!!

[@tj9911]

@@MasconLeather LOL

[@MasconLeather]

👍

[@RealityAnimated]

What is good cheap leather to practice with? I want to get into this, but I do not want to spend a lot of money on leather for testing purposes. I want to learn with cheap quality leather and move to the expensive stuff once I have more confidence!

[@MasconLeather]

I mentioned in video. Acadia or thoroughbred. Half the price of Horween, and great quality. Tell them I sent you

[@anthonyshand3454]

Really good stuff, I am a couple of years on my leatherwork journey and now make wallets, belts, dog collars and leads and a few bags that I feel are good enough to sell. I arrived at Tokonole early - it was just a good product and as you say its does disappear down the bottle quick. I also enjoy the challenge of pattern making, the three-D thinking to work out how an idea can become reality. I often look at other workers leather for ideas and inspiration and enjoy thinking of the production process, the order of how you put it together. Ive recently made a few accordion card holders, wallets and purses, the order of manufacture was a real challenge. I would extend a big thank you to you for being so open with your advice, ideas, and how to's - not everyone is so open, many want payment are accolades for the same thing. I was particular interested with your ideas on branding and marketing. Your product is exceptional, keep on doing what your doing!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for all of that !

[@ussgear]

I'm #28! Thanks! I love getting to be a part of this! Thank you so much!

[@MasconLeather]

I really appreciate the community and involvement

[@cdag24]

Fan-friggin-TAStic video! Thanks again for being water, my friend.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!!! “Water”. 😉

[@tjkoker]

Fantastic and informative. Great job Artie. At 64 years old, I've never enjoyed anything more than designing and crafting leather goods. Unfortunately, with the DIY movement, I fear it would require more energy than I have to make a nice living selling my wares through social media. Oh well, thanks for the Chloe fix and the great information. All the best. Tom

[@MasconLeather]

Perfect!!! And it’s never too late. Just let your own style come out. Chloe thanks you for watching!

[@signet1453]

Thanks for sharing so much knowledge. I’ve learned a ton from your channel and am having a blast making wallets for friends / family.

[@MasconLeather]

Perfect!!! Thanks! And thanks for watching!!

[@bmoreruckus5574]

My favorite leather channel

[@MasconLeather]

Awe !!! This is what I like to see! Thanks!

[@babetteleblanc7620]

Yep Tokonole. I was hoping you doctored it somehow. I cut mine with water 1:1 to get it to flow out of a sponge tip marker. I don’t see any difference in its ability to “glass” an edge. That might save a bit of money. If I have a loose/furry flesh side I use it at 100%.

[@MasconLeather]

Yep! Perfect! I’ll spit on it often. 😆

[@BobJones-r6o]

I really enjoyed the Q&A very interesting. The eye candy was also stimulating for a 76 year old gentleman, thanks.

[@ROBTAT2]

Artie, thank you !! This was tremendous helpful. You are the reason I’m hooked on leather craft. As I’m sure many of us are. Thanks again!

[@MasconLeather]

Awe! Thanks for that! And for watching!

[@mikecleeksr3269]

Thanks for this Video dude I have watched a lot of u tube and Learned a lot of leather craft secrets because there’s no school other than high school to teach Leather Craft anywhere that I know of , I love your work and your videos are interesting keep it up 👍

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks, Mike ! And thanks for watching!

[@clydegoman1228]

Hello Artie than you for the videos the time involved is huge you do amazing work that I hope with practice I’ll be maybe half as good as the work you inspire. I tip my hat and glass to you!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!!

[@scottmorrell148]

Artie, another fantastic video. I love your videos you show how to lay out cut and finish the project all the while being funny and a bit cocky

[@MasconLeather]

😆 I’m usually so exhausted by halfway through filming, I’m fighting off the bitchiness with a crow bar! Forgive the cursing and cocky. 🥴

[@scottmorrell148]

@@MasconLeather LOL no no it was meant as a good cocky like when you roll the liquor bottle after you put some in the cup and add coffee

[@MasconLeather]

Oh. I took it well. It was funny! Lol

[@nm3389]

Great video, I really enjoy watching your video. Great job!!!!!!!!!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@greggbrown0]

Excellent video, great info. Keep 'em coming. Take care.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks, Gregg!! And thanks for watching!!

[@bubbalansdale6301]

Wow! Thanks for sharing so much knowledge in one vid. You're great Art. Always love your work.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for that! And for watching!

[@jimday6171]

Thanks Artie! Awesome video as usual!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for that! And for watching!

[@timwoods4100]

Ok, now I feel like Ralphie from “A Christmas Storey” Tokenole! That’s the secret message! A crummy Japanese product! Just kidding, I use it too. I could have sworn it was going to have something to do with whiskey or bourbon. Anywho, great video, I got a lot out of it. Thanks.

[@MasconLeather]

😆 My wife’s favorite movie. And trust me …. Whiskey was used often. 🥃

[@randyfernando4442]

great advices! your my new idol. 👋🤟

[@christineturlo6396]

Fantastic Video, Artie! Thank you for taking the time to answer all of these questions. I’m already looking forward to the next one. 😊

[@MasconLeather]

Awe! Thanks, Christine!! And thanks for all the continued support! As usual!

[@dim4188]

Perfect video. As usual. You inspire me for leahercraft. Thank you, Artie!)

[@MasconLeather]

Perfect! That’s all I wanted ! Thanks for watching!

[@eiward]

Great video. Thank you.

[@MasconLeather]

Thank you !

[@bryanjaxson4370]

Love your channel,thanks for being so transparent and giving with the details of your business. What advice would you give pertaining to a new leather worker pricing their leather good? What’s the formula

[@bojansavic2606]

Great video! I hoped that You have some Yours recipe for burnishing agens 😂 Thank You for all of the advices that You shared 💪

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Wallfixer1]

Awesome as always !!! appreciate the video's, you and your craft and knowledge sharing, side note though really would like to have Chole's job :)

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!!! Chloe has the life!!

[@layne745]

How can I keep the leather dye from sinking to far down on my edges? I’ve been using dobbers

[@MasconLeather]

Burn the dauber. Light on fire. Let burn like a marshmallow for a few seconds. Blow it out. Wipe it off. And try that. I burn all my daubers

[@russellverdin8339]

Where do you get your blue blank credit cards from?

[@MasconLeather]

eBay

[@Ando_leathercraft]

Awesome vid Artie! Keep ‘Em coming! 🔥🔥🔥

[@MasconLeather]

Yay!!! Thanks!!! And more always coming !

[@LKS-1976]

So cool! New to leather work, love your videos!

[@MasconLeather]

Perfect!!! Thanks for the kind words! And thanks for watching! Enjoy them all!

[@Bernardo-wr8lp]

Very informative video boss... Just a beginner here, suffering from ordering leather online trying to learn from different kind of leather... Its expensive to learn😁😁😁

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!! Yeah…. That’s why I have 250+ hides. 😆

[@jackweber4768]

Great video Artie....as always! White mud.....somehow I always knew.....but I was tricked into thinking I didn't LOL. One question, do you do all your own social media management and website management as well or do you outsource that? Can't wait for the next one!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for watching!!! I do everything. 100% Literally. One man operation. This video alone took 7 days to make. 13 hours a day. So…. Zero leather work for over a week. And still asked “why the long lead time”. I’m doing the best I can. 😆

[@Stillnapie]

I knew it!!! I just knew it…. Tokonole…. Love that stuff!!

[@MasconLeather]

😉

[@masonprince1615]

When do you release spots to make an order? Do you announce it on a certain platform. Thank you. You make awesome wallets

[@MasconLeather]

Email me for an order. My next available slot is November of 2024.

[@JamesCrane]

Loved it Artie! Place all the content and answers from this video on one side of the scale, then to balance it you need some heavy talent. Something you can’t give away, you have to develop it.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks, sir!!! I’m always honored and star struck when you watch my videos! And thanks for everything you did help me succeed!

[@victoryhandcraft]

Excellent information! Thank you!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks’b

[@jeffreycrossin427]

Thanks for the help

[@MasconLeather]

Absolutely!!

[@chrispulvirenti113]

Awesome work. Products and videos. Love your style. Just getting into leather working, mostly sheaths for the knives I make. Starting to do small projects with scrap. Would like to see more advice for beginners. Thanks

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks so much for the kind words! More videos coming. I have a lot of beginner tips spread through all my videos. Especially my “bump jigs” video. Thanks for watching!

[@nicholaskillmeier4895]

If you're a decent photographer and you're still having trouble with the models thing, try Model Mayhem. It's basically a mix of myspace and craigslist, where hobbyist photographers and models can easily team up with each other. I only did it for a year or so, but in that time some of those shots landed on magazine covers, so you'll be surprised at the quality you might find. But, like craigslist, you'll have to filter through some fairly unprofessional people, so use caution and be smart. You'll build connections, and that's what really matters. I still work with 3-4 of those models from time to time.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!!!

[@sannilnambiar]

Great Video, especially the extra effort in videography, also where did you get that figurine i see in all your videos?

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks! And thanks for noticing the videography! Olivia came from a land far, far away.

[@hewpewdenbigh]

Great Q & A. Thanks

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@tnttrading-monkeyfund]

What are you using when you treat the leather at the beginning of your videos

[@MasconLeather]

White mud. Making it slick. I explain it at the end of the video

[@CarolynaLovely]

This was great. Thanks.

[@MasconLeather]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BigDawgLeather]

Awesome video lots of great information.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@jeffschutte8497]

Great stuff thanks Artie!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@Puckv-tt1fp]

I know I’m a little late to the party, but where do I get my hands on those arch gauges or whatever they’re called? Been looking for those everywhere! Love your vids

[@MasconLeather]

Hey! All of our tools are on this page : zeebeeleather.com/tool-shop

[@Puckv-tt1fp]

@@MasconLeather YES!!!! Thank you so much

[@Swingle31]

I am like Tim Woods with the Christmas Story analogy except I got my BB Gun haha! I am so inspired by your work and I am always making it a production with popcorn and drinks and my favorite chair! Thank you

[@MasconLeather]

😆 I love this ! Thanks! And it helps on this end knowing folks are watching as you are.

[@albatz1377]

I just put a pice of blue tape on the hear of the ez drum . that holds the cheap rounds on way better.

[@MasconLeather]

That’ll do it! I’m too lazy. And just for folks who aren’t going to take extra ingenious efforts, i figured I’d show the hassle free. But for all my loosey goosey drums… this is a great tip! Thanks!!

[@jeffreyjoseph1477]

As someone who's tried every traditional edge rub and then some, yes including Astroglide...... I kinda had a good feeling what that white mud was, and amazed how much of it you go through. Another awesome video loaded with info, will be watching again and again! THANK YOU for all your time in making these videos.....

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks for the continued support, sir!!

[@totesmcpreesh7617]

what might you suggest be the easiest way for someone to get custom stamps?

[@MasconLeather]

I’ve had 100s made by various Makers. Try “leather stamp maker”. He’s great. Tell him I sent you.

[@totesmcpreesh7617]

@@MasconLeather oh, haha, no one in particular stands out eh? Also, love the anvil. Glad I got my hands on one before they ended up being discontinued. Edit: HAHA! Just searched that and got "leather stamp maker" website. Aight sweet.

[@russellverdin8339]

I seen you had a stack of bump Jigs and such on your bench do you sell them?

[@MasconLeather]

Absolutely! They’re all right here: zeebeeleather.com/tool-shop

[@wildplay4717]

do you sell your patterns? specifically the rivet one?

[@michaels2208]

Not sure if this will get answered because of how old this is, but... Do you ever worry about someone using these videos to copy your pattern to make similar wallets? Only so many ways to do things but your use of rivets is unique.

[@Alex-ib6tm]

How many bump jigs and arc jigs do you keep in your inventory at a time?

[@MasconLeather]

We try for 10 - 40 sets on hand

[@Alex-ib6tm]

@@MasconLeather I am sorry I ask a ton of questions

[@RebelYell95]

Can you provide a link to your video for the Arthur Duffle, please?

[@MasconLeather]

No video

[@RebelYell95]

@@MasconLeather Ah, nuts!

[@danieljamesbinderystu2968]

Funny enough, I kinda knew that your " not pancake batter " was Tokonole all along... but with my obsession combined with OCD and being a full time professional artist PROFECTIONIST.... I kept thinking, NO...you had a home blend of the special sauce ( So to speak ). SO I went on a 4 month long experimenting spree of my own!!! and I'll be damned...I actually have made my own recipe of " burnishing heaven " that works twice as fast as Tokonole, and looks like double polished glass when iam done!!!!! It also tests WAY more permanent than Tokonole too. plus i already have 8 jumbo containers of Tokonole in my studio already... so its a win-win. So I didn't get the answer I was looking for, from you.... but just the one that I needed, ( aka: figure it out yourself dummy lol ) or something like that 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for all you do, from the Esthetically pleasing pleasure I get from ALL of your work... and your videos of pure entertainment, while iam doing my job, in my art studio and bindery... every day ( and very very late nights ) of the year. So thank you sir

[@MasconLeather]

Great comment!!! Thanks for all of that !

[@Joeg1200]

Love it!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!!

[@artieshell9205]

@@MasconLeather question…. How did you find it? Not public yet ?

[@RedRider566]

wow ,,, you have NO TIME ,, alot for a 1 man show bro ,,, great vids , i love your stuff

[@AlexanderMason1]

the neatsfoot oil compound actually has no real neatsfoot oil in there. It is however far better than pure neatsfoot oil for leather. Originally, neatsfoot oil became widely used in the leather world because it was another byproduct from cows ( it’s made of cow shin bones) and is very inexpensive. That being said, it oxidizes quickly, goes rancid and under certain conditions, will cause your leather to mold or rot. Often times, you won’t even notice if it went rancid or if it caused your leather or stitching to mold.

[@MasconLeather]

👍

[@tjellis2924]

Hey Archie when you gonna do a video making a bag?

[@MasconLeather]

I have. A few. Totes, Walden satchel, etc.

[@vanessakitty8867]

Thank you.

[@MasconLeather]

Thank YOU!

[@MrDannocs]

Do you sell any apparel like T-shirts or hats? I was on your site and never saw any.

[@MasconLeather]

I have. Just don’t have anything in stock currently. I will soon

[@jameswelch6778]

Where do you get your clicker dies made ?

[@MasconLeather]

Puzzle maker in Singapore

[@kcg3927]

Great video... keep grinding!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!! And thanks for watching!!

[@michaels3429]

Video idea/question What do you know about skiving? I could use all the details 🙂

[@joaopaulodossantos9898]

Parabéns excelente trabalho manual!

[@MasconLeather]

🤘

[@ronpeterson9055]

Very interesting....

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks !

[@joaopaulodossantos9898]

grande profissional no trabalho manual com couro , parabéns conhecimento total.

[@MasconLeather]

English translation?

[@joseperezgonzalez7092]

@@MasconLeather he said " great professional in leatherwork congratulations".

[@MasconLeather]

Thank you for that translation!!!!

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!!

[@Annalorraine2x]

Thank you 10 fold

[@MasconLeather]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@Darkeklaw]

I always thought that white mud looked familiar.

[@MasconLeather]

🤘

[@Porsche964Guy]

Artie, another fantastic video. I found you a long time ago when I wanted to make a leather passport cover for my kids. Your old format was so entertaining and now with the ‘talkies’ I feel like I’m getting to know you. Next time we go to OBX I’m taking the long way through Williamsburg and buying you a libation or two in thanks. 👍👍👍

[@MasconLeather]

😆 perfect!!! Looking forward to it! We may have to meet IN OBX. We go often.

[@dim4188]

Yeah! Exactly! Like talking with old good friend)

[@kristoffertinney5971]

"it's just tokenole" ?. He's using some sort of sorcery or gypsy spell because his edges look like glass when he's finished.

[@MasconLeather]

😆 comment of the week!! (The sorcery = time + patience)

[@collinarnold9178]

And sanding! Most important part. I won’t plug my stuff here, but my edge process is sand, sand, sand and then tokonole. 120 grit, 240 grit, 320, 600, 1000, and sometimes up to 1200 with slight burnishing in between, and then finish with tokonole and a canvas cloth. Time reference, one wallet worth of edges can take 35-40 minutes or more (usually more)!!

[@rationalbushcraft]

What I love about your use of models is you use models of all types not just the traditional skinny flat chested runway models. You use beautiful women who are more like the women I would meet in real life. That is marketing genius.

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!!!! Omg, it’s so difficult! I try harder for “curvy” models…. But ironically, they’re more difficult to obtain. The bombshell stereotypical are abundant. I’d love more “natural” models for sure. And males. Male models are 100 times more difficult than any female. 🤷‍♂️

[@m3rkaba86]

I know we probably won't answer this one but what is an average year salary? Not an exact number. or maybe at least do you make more or less from leather than your 9-to-5 that you had before?

[@MasconLeather]

I make 2 times as much now as I did in banking. But…. I do A LOT more than just “leather” goods. However, I work 13+ hours a day now. It’s all about diversity in incomes, etc etc. But looking at JUST leather goods, when I quit the bank (I was there at the same place for 19 years, branch manager, courtroom rep, etc) I was making exactly the same either way. That’s why I made the leap. But!!! It took 7 years of every morning before work, every night after work and every Saturday and Sunday. For 7 years, I worked two full time jobs (bank and leather) to push leather brand upward. Then, after I quit the bank, those measly hours went to leather, I didn’t have to start leather at 4:30 am and end at 9:30 pm. Now I work 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. 😆

[@malanehra5246]

Your travel wallet for passport etc is it real leather?

[@MasconLeather]

Yes

[@davidbruno818]

Have you ever made any pieces of leather work with animal hides such as deer or other animals?

[@MasconLeather]

Yes. Bison, deer, kangaroo, etc.

[@aaronharvey3974]

I think my wife would like a intro to the world video. :)

[@MasconLeather]

🤘🤘🤘

[@cashsales2417]

PREACH

[@MasconLeather]

🤘

[@joaopaulodossantos9898]

Como faço pra adquirir uma carteira ?

[@MasconLeather]

English translation please

[@joseperezgonzalez7092]

@@MasconLeather He said "How can I buy one of your wallets".

[@sleepycheetah]

Do you make ladies’s wallets?

[@CaulderLeather]

Raise your hand if you knew it was just Tokonole the whole fucking time lol ✋ Didnt fall for your Tom Cruise black magic for one second 🤣

[@MasconLeather]

🤘 My issue was, I haven’t always used it. Example. My Barry king awl. If someone asked me 7 years ago what i and I recommend, it say it. Easy. But because I wasn’t done with trial and errors, I could never say “this is all I use”. Until now.

[@CaulderLeather]

@@MasconLeather I feel you brother. Ive got a whole shelf full of tools, pastes, gums, glues, dyes, you name it, that Ive tried and liked for the most part, but they dont fit in to the perfect (but subject to evolution) system I have now.

[@MasconLeather]

Bingo. We’re on the same page. Pushing forward and having fun! Thanks for the comments!

[@juliangonzales2916]

Saludos👍👍👍

[@MasconLeather]

Thanks!!! And thanks for watching!!