Embossing Leather
Embossing Leather with a Laser and an Etching Press
Here is the run down of how I create my custom embossed wallets and other leather products. It is a multi step process that requires a few different tools. With some creativity, anyone is fully capable of doing the same things in their own way.
Here are the questions I get asked the most -
What kind of press do you use?
My press is a Blick 906 Etching Press. However you can find many different brands of etching presses that work very similarly to that one and will work just as well. Here are a couple models that will do the trick -
https://amzn.to/40iTSWw - inexpensive option that works the same way as mine
https://amzn.to/3JR5jxA - press that is very similar to my Blick model
How deep do you engrave on your plate material?
Most of my designs are engraved between 1/16 - 1/8th of an inch. A few millimeters does the trick most of the time!
What type of wood are you engraving on?
I have gotten a lot of great designs on a simple piece of baltic birch. Although wet leather on wood that soft will start to warp over time. You can use pine as well, but will get better results on a hardwood that is between 1/8 - 1/4th inch thick.
Great option if you are looking to create lots of different embossing designs inexpensively - https://amzn.to/3INWHjs
What kind of laser do you have?
All of my designs are made on a Glowforge Plus laser printer. You can read more about the Glowforge and get yourself a discount code for $$$ off your purchase if you have been thinking about getting one yourself - https://glowforge.us/f/RCXRIEWL
I tried embossing some leather and it isn't leaving an impression. What am I doing wrong?
For a process like this, only vegetable tanned leather that has the ability to take on moisture, will work. Here are some links to leathers that I use to make wallets in my press -
If you have any other questions regarding the process or how I do what I do don't hesitate to shoot me a message via my contact form below.