Forming leather help

[Just George]

I could use a little help with a problem I'm having.  In making a cell phone case I had a lot of problems forming the leather around my wooden block.  I used 4/6 oz leather.  I let it soak for about an hour.  It seemed very soft.  When going around the corners, at the bottom of the phone, I had a lot of trouble forming it.  It bunched up going around the corners.  I used a bone knife and lots of small tacks to help hold the leather in place.  I had to cut V notches in order to get it to go around the block.  What am I doing wrong?  Thanks again.

Just George

[Triggersmith]

George,  You need to elevate your form a bit to allow some room to stretch that leather over it.  I have the form for my recoil pad endcaps on the end of a 2x4.  this gives me room to really pull the leather down over the form. I tightly wrap a 1/2 inch band around the leather Ive pulled down, and use a pair of pliers to pull the leather downward. then I tap the band downward all around the mold and this helps keep the wrinkles out. Let it dray about 3/4 dry where it's taking a set and carefuully remove it from the mold and let it dry on the inside.  If your form is thick enough you can stretch it down and tack it around the form to hold it.  I make my forms out of a 2x4 cutout on a band saw and ground to shape.  You can use them over and over. You really don't have to soak the leather that long.  I just get it nice an wet and go to it. Use your boning tool to smooth out the corners.  Once you do it a couple of times you will get the hang of it.  Remember, your finish product is only as good as your form so take a bit of time with it and make it smooth.  Any questions you can get me at
bluesman@acd.net 
There are probably a dozen different fellows that have their way so find the one that works for you and use it.
Triggersmith

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Good advice, TS. I've also made a two-piece form, but with that you have to make a very smooth outer piece so as not to mark the finish side of the leather. Your method is better.