First go at leather bottles

[JohnC]

I read the threads on leather bottles and thought I'd have a go.. Thanks to Bardster for the advice on beeswax.

I didn't have any smooth sand to hand so I used rice to push out the leather.

 

[JohnC]

Also had a go at a smaller round flask. It's amazing how hard the leather goes (unless I've done something wrong )

 

[andyn]

They look really good. Confratulations.Bet you are well chuffed with the results.

 

[Longstrider]

They're nice mate. I must have ago at something similar myself when time allows. What sort of capacity are they?

 

[torjusg]

A watertight bottle of leather only?!!! Wow

Torjus Gaaren

 

[Toddy]

Oh nice, very neat I am impressed. I'd never have thought of using rice.
What weight of leather did you use? and what thread did you use to sew it with?
Are they water/spirits proof?
Sorry about all the questions but I finally got the leather stuff down out of the loft an hour ago, so I've got toys to play with

Cheers,
toddy

 

[JohnC]

Thanks for the messages..
I am pleased with the results, The round one is about 100-150 ml and the long one about 600ml.
Its 3mm veg tanned leather from LePrevo. The thread is from Jane's work basket, but I think it's linen.
Both are waterproof following Bardster's advice on using beeswax. Ive tried the small one with whisky, left it for about 3 hours and it left a not unpleasant beeswax taste, same for water,
No leaks so far, I'll leave them overnight and check the state of them in the morning.

 

[andyn]

John,
To shape them am i right in thinking you soaked them when stitched together and then stretched them by filling them with rice? Or was it a different process?

Thanks.

 

[twelveboar]

Nice work, well done. I'm very tempted to have a go myself.

 

[JohnC]

John,
To shape them am i right in thinking you soaked them when stitched together and then stretched them by filling them with rice? Or was it a different process?

Thanks.

Yep thats it exactly

 

[Bardster]

Thats fantastic work - nice one!! and yes it really does go that hard. if you leave it in the wax too long it starts to shrivel. like overcooked bacon
They should serve you long and faithfully

 

[Seagull]

Ho ho, Ive got a new leatherwork project.

Ceeg

 

[Big John]

Brilliant John, they look great. I must get around to it.

So many projects, so little time!

 

[missy mycelium]

Just wanted to say they're real lovely pieces of work!!!!

 

[scruff]

Great craftsmanship sir

 

[moduser]

What was Bardster's advice?

Do you soak them in molten beeswax or cook them in beeswax (if so how long did them soak)?

Thanks

Moduser

 

[JohnC]

Do you soak them in molten beeswax or cook them in beeswax (if so how long did them soak)?

Thanks

Moduser

I heated the wax in a tallish can till molten (being cautious about flamable heated wax and flames), warmed the leather then dipped the small round flask into the wax, both sides for about 20 seconds (I was wearing gloves and using tongs). Then I spooned in wax, swilled it round and poured it out. once it was a bit cooler I poured in a couple of spoonfuls and ran it round the inside, esp the seam. Then I let it cool.
The larger one couldnt fit in the pan (and I didnt have that much wax), but it essentially the same, except I spooned the wax over it.

 

[moduser]

Thanks John.

Nice work, inspired to have a try. I have the leather

David

 

[moduser]

Thanks John.

Nice work, inspired to have a try. I have the leather

David

 

[Gumbob]

Very nicely done.

They look great

Gumbob