Help with Christmas ideas!

[Slowhand Bob]

I know it might seem a bit early but I need to start thinking out some ideas for my two grandsons leather introductory Christmas gifts.  As I have mentioned before, my oldest grandson made his first real leather project while visiting me this past summer.  I had several different styles of embossed western floral leather belts for him to choose from but he couldnt get past the idea that boys do not wear floral so elected to stamp his own.  He actually ripped out a 1 1/2" belt from one of my extra heavy 2 1/2" gun belt blanks and with guidance performed every step towards his own personalized and bordered finished product.  His dad tells me that he is super proud of it and shows it off to every one.  He now tells me that he wants to learn more about leather crafting so I have decided to make this years Christmas gifts for him and my other grandson, home assembled leather kits.

I am not big on the store bought versions and figure I can put together something better and more versatile for the beginners than a few stamps and a wood mallet.  The set will be built around the three Al Stohlman books, 'Tools', 'Sewing' and 'Holsters' with possibly 'Belts' thrown in as a fourth good one.  (I already have copies of the first three books on hand)  Tandys basic seven stamps, swivel knife and a good quality light mallet are musts.  A basic sewing kit and a safety strap cutter also comes to mind but what do you think should also be included into a basic leather kit?  Do keep safety in mind as boys can get into trouble in a hurry when working with sharp tools and no supervision, Pappy lives several hours drive away.  In particular I want to stay away from head knives, knife style skivers, etc.  I can actually do these gifts up as two separate gifts for each boy as they both have birthdays that fall within a couple of weeks after Christmas.       

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Bob

        I think you're right on track, you would know best what to put together for them, and what you mentioned sounds good to me, do they have a good granite or marble slab to work on or poundo mat, alphabet stencils, those are fun for the kids to make their names on belts., just a thought, you're a good Granddad, I think your Grand kids will love what ever you put up for them.


                                                  tEN wOLVES   

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Bob, you're doing right, there. The basic tools and one of the books that they can use for a reference will get them more along than anything else. Tw's idea of the marble or granite is a must or they'll be trashing the dinner table. A good piece of leather too, of course.

[FEATHERS]

G'Day Bob,Tandy's website has a lot of free pattern downloads that would be helpful & they have a lot of christmas themed patterns as well.Feathers

[Dalton Masterson]

A good burnisher is a must.
A notebook full of patterns, and a good double shoulder to split between them, or at least a good piece of leather.
A good sharp blade for the swivel knife, and a strop, with the instruction to use them.

An account at CAScity, so they can come here and show us their stuff!
DM

[Slowhand Bob]

Thanks for the ideas guys, about the only thing set in stone at the moment are the books.  I already have the basic three and think of those three as the most helpful books for me early on.  As Dalton points out, some actual leather will be a must and I plan to cut the boys out a few small/medium pieces in various weights for practice and small projects but practice what.  Most Tandy beginner kits point one towards stamping as THE first step in leathercraft.  Do you guys agree with this concept and should my efforts travel in this direction?

Dalton, the boys both have birthdays within weeks following Christmas and you have made just the right suggestion for their birthdays.  An 8/9oz double bend, divided length wise and a safety strap cutter for each one will allow them to make belts for friends and family.

[JD Alan]

That's a great idea Bob. My grandson is 4 1/2 now, and he likes to come in the shop to see what pappa is doing. He likes toy guys, so I will work towards making him a holster set. He still likes the Harley best, and can pick my bike out of a line of bikes real quick. Ain't grandkids great ? I should have had them first