Lord of the Rings Leather Map

[@Squid-pocalypse]

Adding your name was a great way to fix the dot! I was making leatherbound books for friends and I ran into the same issue where purple accidentally fell where blue was supposed to be. And this was for a hand carved and stained Alice in Wonderland book, so there was no way to get around it. If you ever run into an issue like this again, here's how I was able to fix it: If you dampen a paper towel or cloth with denatured alcohol and gently press it to the stain, if you're using alcohol-based stains, it will slowly remove the color. Depending on how much and how long it's been there for, it will take multiple passes. And make sure to do these passes in small amounts! The denatured alcohol will change the color of the leather if it goes on for too long or too much is used at once. Sanding the leather with a medium to high grit may also help with removing the problem.

[@SkillTree]

Where were you like 2 nights ago🤣. Seriously, this is a great tip. Thanks!

[@BossChi]

Hi cartographer here, the lines on old maps along coastlines has nothing to do with depth and more to show that this is a coast line and not a land border. Most old maps aren't colored so it can be hard to tell what is water and what is land. Plus it just looks cool.

[@ianruff6173]

Man, Tandy Leather should totally sponsor you. I wonder if Tandy Leather is paying attention to all the shout outs you're giving to Tandy Leather. If I were Tandy Leather I'd be giving you a ring.

[@AndersJazz]

In woodworking we just cut out the dot, fit a scrap piece in the recess and blend it in.

[@paulangelo1974]

This takes me back. A while back I made a map of Westeros and part of Essos.... on our library floor. 19 by 13 feet, yes, FEET. I used a cool paper trick. The size allowed the inclusion of nearly every named location in the books. Hundreds of locations, hundreds of mountains, thousands of trees. Your statement of learning Middle Earth intimately during this project is so true. The plan now is to combine maps of Westeros and Middle Earth on our deck.

[@johnsullivan6560]

Excellent map! As a fellow map geek, I was really impressed and excited watching you create this leather map! Thank you!😊

[@Greye13]

I also am a total LotR/history nerd. This map looks awesome and is definitely on my 'Make This!' list. It would also look great with the trees dyed green and the mountains dyed a grayish-purple color. A leather map is a fantastic idea. Very creative and even authentic, historically speaking. This is sparking some new ideas.

[@trentonarney6066]

What a cool project. I have my great grandmother's leather tools and several of her projects. This would be a cool prop for my D&D game.

[@jarekmace1536]

With the colors, consider going with Eco-Flow Water stains. I used their green on a veg-tanned piece having thinned it out 5 parts water to 1 part dye. This gave a fairly faint green background that I could darken with more layers. Being water-based means clean-ups and spills are easier to manage.

[@SkillTree]

I JUST picked some up for next weeks episode. Never used it before so I am eager to see how it does.

[@mxgothicc3939]

I was not expecting to see my project when I played this video, but man when I tell you I squeed in excitement everyone heard. Your mapping detail taught me a lot and I hope to utilize it for when I finally start on leather projects. Thank you so much!

[@AMobOGobos]

If you wanna prevent that deformation during the tooling process cover the back in the clear, heavy duty packing tape you can get just about anywhere. You can also leave it on there through the dying process to maintain your shape, and when it's all done the back will be untouched by leather or finish. This leaves the back soft and clean, but also gives the leather a nice flexibility (in case you wanted to roll it up into a scroll case or something). Picked up this tip while I was working at *gasp* Tandy Leather

[@SkillTree]

I LOVE this tip. I will 100% be using this going forward.

[@Mommamacnz]

That is such a stunning map! I can't imagine how many hours you put into doing it.

[@urfacecalling101]

Amazingly well done! My heart screamed in pain at the Great Dot Debacle, but you pulled it back together! Great work!

[@thefeatheredheart9455]

I LOOOOVE maps too!! I am currently working on my 1st sketch map of my own world for my book and I will be doing it on leather like this. I’ve wanted to do a leather map for so long now and I cant wait to get mine done. This map turned out awesome!! Great job

[@kencoffman7145]

I had a friend in high school that would have flipped out for this. I remember how we both bugged out over the map of Krynn that came out with the original Dragonlance package. This is awesomeness

[@Ptaaruonn]

That would make Tasslehoff Burrfoot super proud. ^^

[@kencoffman7145]

@@Ptaaruonn YESSS!

[@paulangelo1974]

Now I want Otic Sandath's spicy potatoes.

[@grillsidepickin2397]

This channel has quickly become my most favorite in KZbin. Great charisma, great craft. Honestly feel like I'm sitting here having a beer with this man whilst he teaches me something new. Cheers!

[@Wi-Fi-El]

This is awesome! Really looks like something an elvish traveler would have. You should make a Tolkien inspired map case for it

[@juliefinley2765]

Dude, this project was so good! This map has got to be my favorite video you've done so far! I love the extra details you added onto the map. it gives it that extra bit of character.

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! I had so much fun adding all those little details.

[@bigtex123456]

Dude that's awesome! I can't believe how well that turned out. I've been wanting to make a map for a while out of leather (I am a hobbyist leather worker) and this has given me so many ideas and solved so many of the problems I was trying to solve in my head! Great work!

[@workingmothercatlover6699]

That map is beautiful. I have been working on leveling up some of my own skills. I made a sheath for a dagger a blacksmith forged from a railroad spike, then proceeded to use that knife to turn a fallen maple branch into a staff. I'm still working on removing the bark and smoothing out the wood.

[@miguelcolasmartinez6703]

Once again a great video. Love the fact, that we have way more scenes of you working than normally. It helps to follow the progress easier. Your videos are very entertaining and inspiring. Keep up the great work!!!

[@SkillTree]

That is good to know! I will try and include more work scenes as the show progresses😁

[@miguelcolasmartinez6703]

@@SkillTree Great. That was my biggest critique of the channel. The rest is just perfect. The style is unique and appealing and inspired me to do my own handcraft projects. Thanks for the great content.

[@ordnaelshideout]

"It began with the forging of the great films. Threads were given by Tolkien, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Rights were granted to Jackson, great miner and craftsman of the mountain of lore. And nine, nine hours were gifted to the race of Men who, above all else, desire quality. But they were all of them deceived, for another show was made. In the land of Amazon, in the fires of Mount Prime, the Dark Lord Bezos forged in secret a master flop. And into this show he poured his money, his greed and his will to dominate all film. One show to ruin them all."

[@SkillTree]

🤣🤣🤣 Nice. Tho, I disagree but respect the crafting of comment. 5/5⭐️

[@ordnaelshideout]

@@SkillTree this time I can't but disagree with you, too. I totally despise that damn series. But your craftsmanship is astounding, as always ❤️

[@orenmontgomery8250]

True

[@cameronbennett6721]

I wish I could share comments all over the intranet to get you the views such a comment deserves! this was as skilled as the finest Dwarven chain!

[@SkillTree]

@@ordnaelshideout as is your right! Thank you for being respectful and just agreeing to disagree. I appreciate you my friend😁

[@BeInspiredwithDominic]

You had me at "Robert's your father's brother". Had to reqind to rewatch what I missed laughing out loud. This came out awesome, and another thing on my to-do-wishlist. DO a time machine next! Which you kinda did since you got me back into bullet journaling. Thanks for sharing!

[@SkillTree]

Lol. The funny thing is that my father's brother really is named Robert😂

[@VoIcanoman]

8:55 The quote from the travelling song is actually "home is behind, the world ahead." My Tengwar's a little rusty, but I think that's what is actually written in the script you traced onto the map. Which is good, because that would be an embarrassing error for a self-described Tolkien nerd to make. The quotation's a nice touch, but I would have actually translated it into Sindarin or Quenya. That is, I would have done so if there was actually a legitimate translation of that sentence out there to be found. You can get a passable (i.e. not precisely the meaning of the quotation, but it works in spirit) "home is behind, the world is a long way away" in Sindarin only (Bar na-adel, i ambar na-a an té awaui). "Ahead," "in front," "approaches," "comes up," "awaits"...none of these have legit translations from the man himself. And as I understand it, the Quenya dictionary is far less expansive than even Sindarin. So maybe using Tengwar to represent the English is fine. I dunno.

[@fiskerlord]

Such a beautiful map

[@eothainsworkshop]

So incredible!!!! Can't imagine the amount of time spent on this project. I'm starting to learn some leather skills and watching this encourages me to continue!

[@SkillTree]

I am so glad the channel gives you some ideas! It really is a fun medium to work with

[@I_AmN0mad]

That map is absolutely gorgeous. I'd previously been hesitant to make a leather map when it was suggested, but now I'm tempted. Also, Clever! One of the things I've been wanting to mention is that acrylic paint works beautifully on veg-tan leather! I'm an amateur leatherworker and can't afford to buy leather dye, but I have tons of acrylic paint! I found that if you dampen your leather as if to carve it and water down your acrylic paint, you can get beautifully vibrant colors. It takes layers like all paint, especially since it's watered down (which is very important - if you don't water it down it'll be streaky and have a chalky texture), but the projects I've made with it have come out smooth, vibrant, and shiny without any further treatment. I've had more luck getting even coloring with paint than leather dye! Just something I thought might be good to mention, especially for anyone watching who might not be able to buy leather dye, like me. It's also good for covering up frustrating purple spots...

[@tisema17]

Ayy no way. Super sweet project! And it was wild to see my picture in the monkey projects section.

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! And thanks for sharing your art on the discord!

[@M4st3r0fN0n3]

Well youve only gone and done it; yet one more project to add to the list once things settle down for the winter. I love this idea and i just picked up a smaller map of middle earth (cir. 3rd age) last weekend. That might be a fun doodle project to practice with first. Also i have that same crown glass, it was a gift several years ago

[@geekculture00]

for future colouration, you can also use food colouring to paint leather, it's permanent and doesn't bleed, if you're interested in experimentation

[@SkillTree]

I am 100% trying this!

[@mcbrainstem]

You have the patience of a saint for putting so much effort into this but looks wonderful. You did a great job

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! It was honestly an REALLY enjoyable process!

[@erichealey1434]

This is my favorite project so far. You do not disappoint.

[@DaudAlzayer]

I'm wondering if I'm ever going to bump into you at the Tandy Leather in Chelmsford. Tandy Leather: For all your leathercrafting needs- come take a sniff (sponsor this man)

[@SkillTree]

I would think so! I am in there enough 😅

[@freeatleast]

I’m not sure if you’re insane or a mad genius, but it’s a lot of fun watching you do these projects. Who am I kidding you’re a mad genius!

[@filipinabisdaknurseswissvlog39]

Watching your video from Switzerland 🇨🇭 absolutely amazing tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Flummiification]

until just before that dot I thought to myself "there is no maker that can be so 100% satisfied with his work"

[@SkillTree]

Yes... the crafting gods did NOT want me to get too big for my britches🤣

[@J3loodT4lon]

This is awesome! Tandy is awesome too. Went to one for the first time back when I was in 7th grade. Ended up interning there every Saturday until about halfway through senior year in high school. I would highly recommend looking up Robert Beard if he’s still making tools. Very high quality, handmade tools. He blues every tool he makes as well. They are pretty expensive though. About $50 a piece back in 2008.

[@CaulderLeather]

You should get a filigree blade for your swivel knife, inexpensive and helps get the finer details better. Map looks badass.

[@r4dwolf]

Amazing work, been wanting to do an Icewind Dale map in leather for ages, this might just be the inspiration I needed 😍 That map makers signature might have been even cooler if you had made it by acid etching it onto copper 🤔 It sounds scarier than it is and the results are just awesome, I think you might enjoy trying it 😉

[@SkillTree]

100% agree! I didn't even THINK of that. May need to replace the learher with some etched metal now.... what have you done!?!

[@r4dwolf]

@@SkillTree well, I think I just got my favourite KZbinr to make more awesome stuff 🤷‍♀️😁

[@TheWonderwy]

Beautifully done. And what joy you shared in the making. Thank you!

[@michaelyoung7261]

I was almost expecting you to add more dark spots and blend them around to give a “bottom of the pool” look to the water. But you sticking to your guns and finding this nice and personal way to cleanse that spot was good!

[@SkillTree]

Thank you! I was SO upset with myself when that happened lol. Glad I was able to recover OK.

[@pilgrimbruce6475]

I am just in awe of how quickly you complete projects as well as how wonderful they turn out.

[@uniballoutlaw]

you can also put a backer on the leather before you tool it to minimize warpage

[@Kusina_at_Patalim]

I love your videos and your projects, also a big fan of Middle Earth Lore. I'm a fan from Philippines, Respect and love to you my friend.

[@draconiclord1558]

me: i think a leather map would look really cool Cl3ver one day later: *BOY DO I HAVE THE THING FOR YOU*

[@eastlynburkholder3559]

The map transition is cool. As good as the raider of the lost ark transition effect

[@SkillTree]

THANK YOU! LOL. Someone else on here said they stole the map idea from GOT and I was like, "NO WAY, it is completely different. Now.. Indiana Jones on the otherhand🤣". Thanks for watching!

[@HDBrown-wc9xt]

Dude that was crazy awesome.

[@hiukas.]

Ευχαριστούμε!

[@jeffp.5080]

That's amazing and now has me seriously wanting to get into leather work. Also place a light inside any of your horns and see if they shine through

[@brickdaddiy]

How have I never known about this channel till now?!? Fantastic work, glad I found your channel

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! I enjoy your content too!😁 We should collaborate at some point. Thanks for stopping by!

[@brickdaddiy]

@@SkillTree Yes please and thank you to a collab, that would be fan-freaking-tastic

[@jasperlachance6211]

I just stumbled on this, watch it all... and now you have another sub. Pretty cool stuff, and your channel looks amazing. Good job brother from Lebanon 🇱🇧 👏

[@screaminscott]

Steel wool also works well to clean soldering iron tips

[@OlaKarlsson-01]

Wow, that just looks great!! And I shudder to think, how much and effort went into it. My hat off to you sir, well done, well done indeed!

[@Mark-ki7ic]

Looks fantastic

[@Nighthawk463]

Here's a suggestion, make a pair of over the calf/lace-up boots. I saw a vendor offering to custom make them for $1500+. I've watched numerous videos of yours and love what you do.

[@vik6550]

Splendid video! The map looks amazing, great job! Cheers to you 🍻

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! It was amazing to make! So much fun😁

[@Blackadam01]

Acetone cuts dye. Use a Q-tip and you can fade it out. Also go to Tandy Leather 😉 and get a skiving knife. They are great for thinning out leather for things like your signature.

[@hazeltollz5695]

This is GORGEOUS!!! Wow, you just did an amazing job!

[@micahhowell4432]

I have been wanting to do this for 6 to 8 months! Glad I found this!

[@jwhite3389]

This makes me want to make one of my own. This turned out amazing!

[@gonzaloluciojr9425]

The day Tandy leather becomes a sponsor will be a day of great celebration

[@SkillTree]

There will be a CELEBRATION!

[@pkwork]

Check out Weaver Leather. You will not be disappointed. (not sponsored by Weaver...just love their stuff)

[@Missyshenanigan88]

I know this is old, and maybe someone has already said it, but instead of sandpaper to clean the wood burner, use non-soapy steel wool. Its less harsh on the metal but cleans the tips beautifully.

[@talexander7217]

You should try to get Weaver Leather to sponsor you. I've seen them sponsor many youtubers.

[@anya18dbh]

I'm in love with this idea. I just cant decide on which map I want most. Yours came out so beautifully.

[@shaunhall960]

That is a lot of work but a labor of love! Thank you!

[@ssskids123]

Just beautiful work, and a fantastic walkthrough…thank you!

[@garyeamon8081]

I use blue painter’s tape on the back of the leather to help keep it from stretching as I tool. Might work well on a project like this, too

[@grimmwolfe4555]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@Johny_5]

Oh ouch, I felt that purple dot deep! Cute save!

[@csgsmolders]

I've never worked leather and this might be a rough go for a first timer..but.. I'M INSPIRED!!!!

[@TheRadaR581]

Dude! Such a cool project!

[@TheMegamaster44]

Not to mention that an engraved leather map would be weather proof hard to damage or destroy easy to make a rout or destination and light weight making it incredibly useful but also highly valuable

[@jls2569]

I am only halfway through and already love it and want to try this!!!!

[@SkillTree]

I hope you do! It is a great project to just get lost in.

[@summonsays2610]

Just wanted to say that turned out to be such a beautiful map! Really nice!

[@matthewsmith2979]

That map came out perfect! A beautiful end product!

[@terrygardner3031]

Love your map and the tricks you used to make it come to life. I didn't have a wood burner so I used swivel knife and edger stamp. For trees I took some brass tubing pinched one end so it looked more tree like, put JB weld on the other end so I could use my mallet to stamp the trees. My Map is of another magical world called Alkarra by Author Katie Cross. Everyone are witches and magic is all around.

[@DredGnaar]

Bro that map is incredible! Excellent job!🤘😲 I too am a diehard fan of all things LOTR related and this was a pleasure to watch! As a leather worker myself I am definitely gonna try making a map! Thank you for your videos and thank you for inspiring creativity!

[@longshot9757]

Would you both consider doing a full costume reveal? (For the Reckoning LARP, I mean) It would be seriously cool to watch everything you've crafted over the years assembled at last.

[@coreyz.2800]

Any thoughts on doing a video about tanning your own leather? Friend of the family was cleaning out some storage and came across three rather large pieces of rawhide that I've been dying to turn into leather but every time I look into how to tan it the process always seems not only labor intensive but also ridiculously time-intensive. Like one I saw involving a concoction of tree bark said the hide would have to soak in that brew for like 2-3 months with frequent stirring to expose all parts of the hide so nothing gets lost in the folds. Has to be an easier way.

[@MedievalMary]

My biggest pet peeve when it comes to modern fantasy shows: everything is too clean. The clothes of the people. The fabrics are too Bright, too shiny, too unrealistic.

[@professorx3060]

Huge missed opportunity to include map of Beleriand as well. Amazing map

[@DrPandemonium]

Hi Cl3ver… A truly stunning piece of work! I felt your pain when the purple dot appeared, it was a crafty cover up though… and doesn’t detract from your beautiful finished map. Sending you much kudos from the Isle of Man (it’s in the middle of the Irish Sea… most folk don’t know where we are 😉).

[@JReilly9945]

Just so you know, Staples isn't supposed to do prints of copyrighted materials, it's unlikely that the store you went to could ever be known to corporate but they take that super seriously. I worked in a Staples print center for a couple of years and they fired two people just before I started for printing something from the local newspaper because the photographer hadn't given consent for it.

[@joshuapaul359]

the extra outlines of the shore are there to represent waves.

[@corbyrobinson3640]

Wonderful map. It is amazing what you can make for yourself. I would love to see you make a pressure pot for curing non-uv resin.

[@brendamoore2062]

It is beautiful!

[@Ptaaruonn]

Gods damn, this is beautiful. “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” Drawing a map too apparently :D

[@SkillTree]

LOL. So true! I for sure got carried away.

[@Ptaaruonn]

@@SkillTree Nothing wrong with it ;)

[@zidanelionheart]

Incredible work man love it!

[@joshbingham212]

The map turned out great, excellent leather work!

[@matteldridge9367]

This turned out fantastic!

[@Velnias8]

Its not Tolkien map, mountain range in the east is amazons creation

[@Offsetbinkie6]

That's such amazing work. I love it!!!

[@SkillTree]

Thank you! It was a lot of fun!

[@Griffonyx]

i can't imagine how much time it took for you to make this project. Great job !

[@SkillTree]

Ballpark, around 18-20 hours I would say. There was a lot of me just tinkering and trying to figure out stuff too though 😅

[@colapundarn]

would love to see you take on forging of your own plate armour ( in steel ofc ) maybe a functional fantasy edition or a ork one ...either way i would love yoo se it ( and maybe a hidden camera so you can film when you are on larps in it?)

[@summonsays2610]

1:46 I am really confused, I have annotations on but I'm not seeing any popups etc for the "Check out this play list here" it's just empty space for me on the video. Are other people seeing these inserts and it's just me?

[@SkillTree]

You're right!!! Thank you. I will fix that now

[@firebird8600]

Wow! It looks so amazing!

[@drewpiercy3516]

What wood burner do you use? And where did you get the pdf for the map because I definitely would like to try my hand at this! 🤟🤟

[@matthewklusmeyer5649]

This would be such a awesome thing to make for a DND world. You could give it to your players at the start of a campaign.

[@lolwutrly]

No lie, that bourbon is insanely good. I got a gift set that had a a bottle and a premixed old fashioned syrup (I know) that was reaaaaally good.

[@beckymurphy4714]

This turned out stunning. So...a map of Westeros next?