Quick Leather Tooling Tip on Beveling

This video is a quick leather tooling tip on beveling your floral tooling patterns or any patterns you may buy for your leathercraft projects. The question that I get a lot when it comes to tooling leather floral patterns is "How do you figure out which side of the line should I bevel on?" Well my hopes is that this short video will help to clear up any issues you may be having in your tooling sessions.
Thank you so much and I hope this video is helpful for you. Please like and subscribe if you would like to see more videos like this. If you have any questions please comment below and I will be glad to help.
To learn more about my work or to see what tooling patterns that we have available for purchase visit us at:
dgsaddlery.com/

[@TandyLeatherCo]

All of your videos are great. Thanks for your contributions to the industry. You’re doing big things! Also, beard game is strong man!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Ha ha! Thanks so much! All about that beard life!

[@lwurzvidz7918]

Thanks for being a great supplier of leather and tools. Tandy leather i love yalls double shoulder veg tan deals thats what got me started in learning to tool leather

[@drsira7248]

After 20 or so videos, finally a video that explains it properly. I just started tooling a few weeks ago and only finished 3 or 4 pieces, but in all cases I was always wondering why some beveled line looked good and some looked weird and I had to do so so many and I finally know how to avoid that problem from the start an not after my first past on every line. "Working back" so simple but as a beginner its not to obvious, especially if many other videos explain it with "inside to outside" which is defenetly way more complicated, when you try to make 2D lines look 3D.

[@donnaphelps572]

Thank you very much. I am learning how to use my Dads tools. I’m so glad I found your utubes. Am learning lots. I’m 70 but I still want to learn.

[@earlelzy9975]

I think this was helpful for me to start tooling. I do need to learn what to do and where. I have the basic tools and need to learn how to move the bevel tool and the background tool. Thanks.

[@MusicIsTheJoyOfLife]

Great video now I will go practice. Thank you for your time.

[@Alex-ib6tm]

Please do more of these and tooling series

[@davegeneric3181]

Artist, tattooist... transitioning mediums, that won't require me having to deal with the general public. Gleened alot from your videos, thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I just stumbled onto your videos and they're all really great! I began teaching myself this stuff and your videos have helped me a lot just by pointing out little tips that I either haven't figured out yet, or wouldn't otherwise have learned them. I also had a leg up on other beginners because I've been a tattoo artist since my apprenticeship in that art/craft form back in '84, so I'm already armed with a certain amount of knowledge and experience that pretty much automatically tells me on which side of a line I should bevel in order to create the image of a shadow (or light spot,) to give depth to a piece. Anyway, all the above was aimed toward a point I want to make that a lot of rank beginners might find helpful if you bring the concept into your future videos, and point is to go to your local art supply, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc., pick up a book on basic drawing skills, and DO ALL of the lesson exercises! Seriously, every one of the books out there begins with teaching you the basic shapes used in ALL drawing, such as spheres, cones, cylinders, boxes, etc., then, how to imagine a light source in your artwork, and finally, how to imagine where the shadow will fall when you turn on that light source. That (the side where the shadows fall in your artwork,) is the side of the line you bevel! Oh, and one more little thing... If your viewers get to where they've learned all their "Basic Drawing" book can teach them, and if, and ONLY IF they need to learn more, they should then get a copy of an AMAZING book, titled, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and, again, PERFORM ALL OF THE EXERCISES! :-D. What happens after you've gone through the lessons in that book is nothing short of amazing. You begin to see things in ways you've never seen them before! Negative vs positive space, "pixels," instead of the entire, overall picture. Remember those line drawings with captions that ask, "What do you see, a vase, or two faces in profile?" And you could only see one or the other, but not both...unless you stared at it for WAY too long, or unless you left it alone and returned to it the next day, when you could see them both at will? Well, after studying that book, you'll see both faces and vase (positive and negative spaces) of each and every one of those "optical illusions." Hey, and remember those awesome "Magic Eye" posters? Well, I couldn't, for the life of me, see what the hell people were seeing!! Until that book, dude. Anyway, apologies for the super lengthy comment, but I wanted to be a creative artist for a long, long time before finally getting the help I needed to get there, and any time I have any opportunity to help somebody else reach a similar goal, I reach out as best I can, which often results in this kind of long-winded pontification. The one thing that matters is, only those who are actually ready and willing to do what it takes to attain a goal like this are the ones who are also willing to wade through the entire comment. If I reach only one person, I've accomplished that goal. Thanks for the platform to "preach" from a little.

[@crypto_pinto2660]

I would love to know more about the stamps you use

[@waynerosiesharman6073]

You are Amazing! Just started having ago .... I found a bit of veg leather, scalpel knife and a knitting needle and small steel crochet hook !!! Crude , I know ,but it got me hooked ! Then I found your little lessons ...... Thank you ! I’ll keep watching and learning x...... Rosie 😀👍

[@Robert-xp4ii]

I only tried this once with a new beginner's set of 6 tools and swivel knife. Just want you to have a reference. LOL But you make sliding that tool as you tap it look ridiculously easy, and I assure you it's not at all. LOL I can already tell that practice is where it's at since I got a little better towards the end. Still, you make it look very easy and your work is great!

[@macgyver2417]

Thanks for the instructions, I live n the country &books are not always as clear as watching someone beveling. Keep them coming.

[@jestillwell1964]

Very good on explaining which side of the line and figuring out which line to start with. Many people have a hard time seeing the pattern and knowing what is to be in the foreground and how the rest of the pattern proceeds farther into the background. Sheridan and floral carving are as you said, beveling on one side of the line. I'm glad you did not go into the exceptions of reverse and double beveling. It would have made your excellent tutorial confusing for those just starting out. Get basic beveling down first, then learn the exceptions when you need them. Great job!

[@ashleyforeman7952]

You are so good at what you do! And you're so good at teaching it, too. Not everyone has that skill. Thanks so much for all the videos! These bevelling tips are exactly what I needed to help make sense of where I was getting things wrong. You're a ninja. I look forward to seeing more of your inspiring and informative videos!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

So well explained. Thank you so much. Tomorrow I’m making a belt using one of your patterns - very excited to get started.

[@dannymarkgraf34]

this is the best video i have seen regarding beveling. thank you for the great video. this will be a huge help

[@w.scottsherman1358]

I really appreciate your videos and most importantly your tips on saving time and effort in tooling. Your willingness to share your experience and skill. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. If I eventually get down your way I would like to stop in and speak with you personally. Thanks again

[@jessicamazie]

Thanks for this video. You have a gift for explaining things in a way that is easy to comprehend. It really cleared up where I should be beveling.

[@stephenkaufman1059]

this was the MOST helpful video. Beginners must watch. Thanks Don!

[@rexjerome5931]

Howdy Don. Nice explanation. 👍 Looks like you've got yourself moved. You'll have to give us a shop tour!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

I’m working on that too! Thanks so much!

[@BBurt775]

I've done some small projects and haven't tried any tooling but I'm ready to try it and this video is extremely helpful, I bought the pancake scabbard pack and am excited to try it out. Thanks mister

[@oldcodger3509]

One of the best if not the best video's I've seen on beveling! Great description of what/when to bevel and which line to bevel first! Thanks sooo much for what you've shared with 'newbies' like myself! Thanks again for all you do and I'm looking forward to your next video!!!!

[@BigTex0516]

Thank you I’ve been looking for a vid like this ! Great job A video possibly on making a border line following with a stitch line making it all fit on a belt or guitar strap piece.

[@claremartin9143]

SO helpful. Thank you

[@Native_love]

Still the best videos on KZbin! Thank you Don!

[@bullandtimber]

Man, this was explained perfectly, great video! The way u approach tooling makes a lot of sense and I can relate to it

[@danehanz]

Thanks so much this is something I definitely have struggled with and the only information out there explaining it. Also you made it simple

[@Rrealms_]

Don, thank you so much. Your videos have been like finding treasure and my leatherworking is improving! Really great explanations, keep up the great work.

[@jamesdepner7833]

Great Videos! You are a simple and easy to understand instructor...keep up the good work.

[@richardanderson4916]

I'm confused about bevelers. I'm brand new to the craft. The beveler I see you using has an angle and comes to a point. Makes perfect sense given the job at hand. I asked the guys at the leather store for a beveler. What they gave me does not come to a point when held upright at 90 degrees to the work surface. It's flat and blunt and totally would not do the job I see you doing. Greenhorn confusion??

[@wjneupe]

Really helped me, thanks for taking the time to do these informative videos.

[@larryswenson7834]

Don, thanks for this explanation. I've been doing tooling for years and never gave it a thought except that it just made sense. Your explanation makes it easier to find where you want to start the bevel. I always learn something when I watch your videos. Thanks again!

[@geraldlagrange183]

Don, thanks for all your great videos, this has help me understand beveling as l am just starting out on tooling. Thanks again.

[@petercook-jones6238]

Brilliant explanation for newbies and oldies alike, would the people who disliked please own up here and explain why, please

[@MrJonthebassist]

Your videos have helped me a bunch in learning to work with leather. Thank you!

[@tinoyb9294]

Thanks Don. Still amazed that you use pencil on the leather.

[@jamesledbetter125]

I was wondering if you could do a video of like this one but with a rose pattern knowing which side of the line to bevel on?

[@charliesullivan7546]

This is a very good video. It helps when you are just learning about tooling. i especially like the idea that when you don't have a pattern with all the tools numbered as to where you should stamp, this video helps out.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Fantastic! Thank you!!!

[@elainemock7058]

Thanks! That was a great demo and very helpful.

[@paulcirino2960]

Great video as always they have helped my work with leather go to the next level and makes it easier and more enjoyable! Thanks for all your advice keep’em coming!

[@dimitrispetroupolicity9950]

Very helpfull video. Will you please tell me the item number of the tool you used for beveling and where I can buy one ? And yes ...I'm new in leathercrafting :)

[@megarouge61]

Thanks! This was a video I needed to revisit. I was encountering a bit of confusion on my part

[@keithb3115]

New to the craft and your tutorials are great. I just found your channel within the last week. Thanks and keep making them.

[@Nancy4133nope]

Wow one of the greatest videos I have seen on tooling help Excellent!!!!!!!

[@wessmith2361]

Thank you for this, just got my first set of tools and this helps give me a good understanding and place to start

[@amberschroeder2351]

Something wasn't looking right with my practice bits, sooo after 3 other video skips, I found this. A well explained and yet to the point answer for my question. How do I bevel this?(using my custom art) . Great video tidbit! New subscriber. 🤙 for leather craft I do my own art and find something I can't do then KZbin the pro tips, rather than watch a long winded step by step video on the entire history of leather. :) thank you so much!

[@TheSwatmachine]

Good tutorial brother!

[@susandixon9772]

Awesome. Thank you

[@loumcdougall6973]

Fantastic video Don! So happy I clicked on this, it was easy to understand, very detailed, and I walked away feeling like it finally made sense :) I look forward to watching more of your work!

[@BBrubaker0804]

THANK YOU 🙏

[@rfleecs]

Can't add much to what's already been said...other than you're a great teacher!!!

[@SuzonPianga]

Great job explaining things. You’re a real asset to the leather community. Can you explain or show the difference between steep & undercut bevelers? Also, is there much need for lifters? Thanks so much!

[@Cmoonx2]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Much appreciated!

[@dannymarkgraf34]

Any tips for those that have arthritis? Beveling is a bear when your hand starts cramping up. Any tips on avoiding the hand cramps?

[@victorantoniovolpe4047]

son buenísimas estas clases de don Don! gracias amigo!

[@donaldmoody9561]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to produce this content and help people like myself learn this great craft.

[@chadheadley78]

Very helpful information. Thanks for sharing.

[@lisbethjohannsen6613]

Excellent video! Thank you for explaining so detailed 🙂

[@susanna1207]

I’m just a beginner, thank you for the clear instructions . I will practice this. You said sth about an e-book. Where can I find it?

[@hughanderson7285]

Cool. Seems to me in the background you’d have a choice of which side to start on. You could get that wrong. How do you choose where to start in the background?

[@MrCosmos110]

Keep'em coming Don, I love it.

[@neilyeag]

Great tip.

[@Firewalker688]

Excellent! Thank you Don.

[@kelsayb5136]

Very helpful! Thanks :)

[@bubba7531]

Thanks Don. Great tip

[@JPryce710]

Great video! Thank you so much!

[@Jhl6342]

Well explained. Thank you.

[@mattbarnett6632]

Another great tutorial Don!!

[@stevesyncox9893]

Very good

[@whazee]

Really helpful tips, thank you.

[@aubreycobel8695]

Great video! Very helpful!

[@popscratchie3985]

when you are bevelling at 7:51 is there a reason why you stop at the back of the leaf and don't continue down the vein in the center of the leaf. I am just a beginner, don't you bevel the leaf vein or were you going to get to that later. Great video by the way.

[@ancamelinte9912]

I love you allready! Hi from Romania

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Thank u!!!

[@luke4351]

Thanks don this really helped me out a lot

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Fantastic man! Thanks so much!

[@luke4351]

Don Gonzales you where the one that inspired me to do leatherwork about 2 years ago

[@seanhollowood1151]

I'd really love to see a book that covers proper use of the tools, not just designs or patterns.

[@Munky332]

Is there a good place to get a budget/affordable (but not garbage) set of bevel and other stamps? Amazon/Ebay has the typical 20 piece kits, but it doesn't look like they have much in the way of bevels?

[@c.brooks7199]

very well explained....thanks !

[@markolson7877]

Again...Fan-dam-tastic... Thank you!!

[@mikeday9699]

Thank you soooooo much. What do you put under the leather while working. I am going to do my first piece, motorcycle seat. Your info helped tremendously.

[@timmills3038]

Great stuff. I really enjoy your style of teaching and your process. I have only been doing leather work a few months and love it. I look forward to watching the rest of you videos and would greatly appreciate any advice you would have on where I should go to learn more about this craft.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Thanks a bunch! I would for sure sign up for our Leathercraft newsletter on our website as well as be sure and get connected with Aaron at makers leather supply in Waco tx... great resource!

[@timmills3038]

@@DonGonzalesMaker Thanks for getting back to me. I signed up for your newsletter and have also watched a few of Aaron's videos and will work on getting in touch with him. Keep up the good work and thanks again

[@Aglaurus1]

thanks, I'm waiting for the continuation...........

[@darrenwoodruff3256]

very well presented thanku

[@eastmeetswestleather6029]

thanks for this video, it will help me alot!

[@benjaminmarin243]

Muy didáctico.Gracias

[@hughanderson7285]

What if the background is between two leaves? You have to choose.

[@saulcantu347]

Hi Mr. Gonzales, I have a question. I have real ban arthritis and hand tooling is really difficult. Do they make an affordable electric beveling handheld tooling for people with a handicap? Saul Raymondville, Texas

[@charliescarber3737]

I've just begun tooling & the basic kit I purchased has 1 smooth beveler with a very slight angle & a rounded point. It doesn't seem to get the depth I'm looking for a the cut & I thinks due to the rudimentary aspect of the tool. What smooth beveled would you recommend?

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I think your best bet would be to go to any store where leather carving tools are sold and try out every beveling tool they have. Tandy always has a big piece of leather and a mallet on the counter in front of their "Wall of Stamps" as I jokingly call it, LoL. It's so that customers can whack away with any tool they want so they can see precisely what each stamp does, right in front of themselves. Years ago, I had to ride over 200 miles up to Tampa to get to a Tandy, and it was worth every hour and gallon of gas I used up to be able to try everything before buying. Or... If there's no place within driving distance of you that sells this stuff, you'll just have to poke around the websites to find what you think you may need...and at Tandy, there's a pic of a piece of leather upon which each tool has been used, so that you can get an idea of exactly what each one does. They're also presented in a logical order so you can see how much wider, deeper, etc., each tool carves more or less to the ones in either side. However... I would check with whomever is selling the tools you're interested in buying to find out what their return policy is - you definitely want to be able to return it if it isn't what you need. On the other hand, just because the tool you ordered doesn't quite do what you need today, doesn't mean you won't ever need it for the next project. Or the next, et cetera, ad nauseam. :-D and one final thought... Apologies for the length of this comment, but it's difficult to convey certain thoughts about something as personal as your tools without going into detail, but more to this last point, Tandy is having a Clearance Sale ATM that includes 466 items, and here's the part that applies to you: ALL of their Craftool Pro stamps are in this Clearance Sale, and are marked down from just under $30, to just under $7!! Yep, that includes several different beveling stamps, smooth and patterned! Now, the bad news: it's a Clearance Sale so, once they're all sold out, there will be no more. The sale is on until the 31st. Have fun!

[@adriantom1723]

Hello, I know this is an older video and hopefully you still read the comments. Question, what size beveler are you using on this tutorial and is that at steep or 15 degree bevel??

[@0whistler0]

Thanks for the nice tutorial! What brand of beveler do you use? Or could you prefer some nice brands of tools?

[@kodyplemmons6710]

Hey Mr. Don, what beveler are you using here? Do you happen to have a link for it? Thanks!

[@marshallsmith6842]

Another great video Don! Had a question for you though..what weight maul do you use for beveling and do you use a different weight maul for beveling and backgrounding ?

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

I use a 16 oz Barry king maul... I’m pretty sure it’s a 16oz... I also have a 24 oz that I use for pear shading and set stamping.

[@marshallsmith6842]

Don Gonzales Thanks so much! I really enjoy your videos and they give a lot of hope for new leatherworkers starting out.

[@juliangonzales2916]

Muy bien 👍👍👍

[@jimjones8892]

maybe a stupid question but if you were doing figures could you bevel the leather from the reverse of the leather?

[@eugenethomas4647]

Hi Don, what beveler are you using in this video? Your work is amazing by the way!

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

A couple are Barry kings and honestly a couple are craftool... just like the particular ones I have.

[@huntergreen99]

Great job man. Thanks for doing these videos because they’ve helped so many people myself included. And by the way, what is the weight in ounces of that mallet or the one you prefer to do tooling with ? Thanks again bro. Mark in Paducah, Ky.

[@huntergreen99]

Yo Don

[@JJMANZY11]

I love your videos, you do a great job!! What beveler are you using? I heard you say that you use a checkered one that was already wearing smooth. Also what undercuts do you recommend for belt size tooling? I really appreciate it, I'm a big fan of your work.

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Thanks so much! I recommend Barry king undercuts! I would say get three sizes... small med and large.

[@JJMANZY11]

Thank you.

[@SandrinoC.]

nice

[@kelleyfrazier3920]

I was looking at berry king steep bevelers. I'm still trying to get the hang of tooling and I would like to get a set of steep. What tool number do you recommend I buy to use on 99% of my projects

[@reyboy4284]

About how long from start to finish does it take you to took a belt?

[@jimmiejames5429]

Do you make tool pouches and tool bags for construction work ?