In leather processing, special tools are used to impress designs on a leather surface. A relief design can be created by stamping or pressing a metal shape onto the rawhide. If you don't have the specific tools you can choose the pressure method, while if you want to invest in a leather processing set, you could try the second method.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Pressure
Step 1. Purchase the rawhide at a home improvement store
Embossing does not work on already treated leathers or accessories.
Step 2. Find a sturdy metal mold or a metal stamp made specifically for leather
You can use an everyday object or buy a leather mold online with a design of your choice. You can buy custom leather molds from sellers on Etsy.
If you're using an everyday metal object, make sure it has raw cut edges, rather than a rounded design. This will allow your shape to appear more pronounced on the skin
Step 3. Smooth out your rawhide portion on a countertop
The front side must face up. It must be placed near the edge of a table to which you can hook a strong vise.
Step 4. Wet a sponge
It doesn't have to be soggy, so squeeze it several times.
Step 5. Brush the skin with the sponge evenly
Move the skin so that it can be placed under the clamp.
Step 6. Place the flat metal stamp or metal object where you want to stamp your stamp
Step 7. Place the upper leg of the vise in the center of the metal object
Tighten the vise as much as possible until it stops.
Step 8. Remove the vise after 20 minutes
Refine with the leather finish if you want to improve the durability of the pattern and the surface of the leather.
The finish should be applied once the embossing is complete, and before sewing or assembling your complete project
Method 2 of 2: Stamping
Step 1. Purchase a stamp set online or at a home improvement store
Buy 3D molds with a cylinder that fits into each of the flat molds. You can buy your own on the internet or start with a set with the letters of the alphabet.
Make sure the cylinder fits your molds. The cylinder is the piece you use to impress the shape of the mold on the leather
Step 2. Place the piece of rawhide on a flat work table
Make sure the front of the skin is facing up. Decide where to stamp your design.
Step 3. Clean the surface of the leather with a slightly damp sponge
If the water drastically changes the color of the skin, wait for it to dry a little.
Step 4. Place the metal mold on the skin where you want to get the design
Step 5. Insert the metal cylinder into the center of the stamp
Hold it firmly with one hand.
Step 6. Hit the top of the stamp several times with the wooden mallet
Make sure you don't move the stamp as you hit it. You can remove the stamp, see if the image is embossed deeply enough, and put it back in place to continue.
It takes some practice to learn how hard the timbre needs to be hit
Step 7. Repeat the operation with other molds if you want to get a more complex design
Use a finishing product when you have completed embossing and before assembling your final design.
