How to Tool Wood-Grain Leather

A wood-grain pattern works well on leather. Both leather and wood grain are natural patterns that have a masculine feel. Leather preprinted with a wood-grain pattern can be tooled with a simple design, such as a band along the edges, that will add emphasis to the wood-grain print. Stamping designs into leather with metal tools is referred to as "tooling leather." It is a quick and easy craft that is suitable for people of all ages.

Leather
Water
Sponge
Leather stamps and handle
Wooden mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Draw your design on paper. Make sure your design enhances the preprinted wood-grain design on your leather and doesn't compete with it.
- 2
  Moisten the leather with a wet sponge. Sponge the entire piece to avoid making water spots. Allow the leather to dry. When the leather returns to its original color, it is ready to stamp.
- 3
  Place the leather on a firm surface. A piece of marble is ideal. A firm foundation will allow you to create clear impressions in the leather.
- 4
  Select a simple stamp, a small line or a diamond, to press the first bit of the design you drew into the leather. Place the metal head of the stamp on the leather. Be sure it is oriented in the right direction. Place the handle on the stamp.
- 5
  Hold the handle firmly so that it does not bounce when you strike it. Bouncing creates multiple images and gives your design a fuzzy appearance. Strike the stamp several times with the mallet until it sinks slightly into the leather.
- 6
  Move the stamp and repeat the process until your entire design is worked. Change stamps as desired as you copy the pattern. If the leather dries out, remoisten the entire piece and allow it to dry again.

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