Here's a master list of the tools and materials I use for mask-making! If you purchase via the Amazon links, I'll get a little kickback from your purchase that helps me out! But you don't have to. I encourage you to find the tools where you can! eBay is always good place to start.
And remember you can improvise, too. I used a pen cap and a modeling spoon to tool a long time before I bought fancier tools!
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| This basic set from Tandy is a great start! Michaels and Hobby Lobby also carry starter sets with some basic swivel blades and stamps. |
For a basic mask-making tutorial, check out my Sun Mask video:
- Leathercraft Tools by Al Stohlman (This book has everything from basic techniques to care of your tools and more! Highly recommended for every leather crafter's library.)
- 6 to 8 oz Leather (I buy the single shoulder vegetable tanned leather from Tandy when they go on sale. Tandy also offers single 8.5x11 inch vegetable tanned sheets of leather if you don't want to invest in a larger hide yet. You can also find these sheets at Hobby Lobby. SAFETY TIP! Don't use chrome tanned leather, as the fumes can be toxic when heated!)
- Photoshop CC (I use this to compose my mask patterns. The Photography plan is a pretty good deal!)
- Quartz Slab (This isn't essential, but is a great surface for bearing down on for deep, clean cuts and tooling. The thick black cutting boards Tandy sells are also useful and work well in tandem with this slab.)
- Swivel Blade (I use a ceramic filigree blade)
- Leather Shears (Don't try to use normal scissors. You'll hurt yourself!)
- Angled Utility Knife
- Modeling Spoon
- Edger #2 (The different number corresponds to different weights of leather. This one works for the weight I listed for leather.)
- Edge Slicker
- Fine Point Ball Pen (These are great for sketching too!)
- Rawhide Mallet (There are also cheaper wood and polymer versions. This is just what I use.)
- Beveler Stamps (B203, B197)
- Sandblock of Sand Paper (fine grit) - (Available at most hardware stores as well.)
- Eco-flo Leather Dyes (I usually use these as the very first coat of color to help act as a base.)
- Acrylic Paints (various brands, mainly FolkArt. The Liquitex Heavy Body metallics are nice too!)
- Brushes (I reuse my old watercolor brushes. Stiff synthetic bristles work best)
- Parchment Paper
- Wax Paper
- An Oven (I usually set the oven to Warm or the lowest heat setting. Around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.)
- Sponges
- Woodburning Tool (I sign my work with this and sometimes poke holes)
- Liquitex Satin Varnish
- Sticky Back Moleskin (Usually found in Pharmacies. Used on the back of masks)
- Ribbon or Elastic (to tie the mask on)
- 6 to 8 oz Leather (I buy the single shoulder vegetable tanned leather from Tandy when they go on sale. Tandy also offers single 8.5x11 inch vegetable tanned sheets of leather if you don't want to invest in a larger hide yet. You can also find these sheets at Hobby Lobby. SAFETY TIP! Don't use chrome tanned leather, as the fumes can be toxic when heated!)
- Photoshop CC (I use this to compose my mask patterns. The Photography plan is a pretty good deal!)
- Quartz Slab (This isn't essential, but is a great surface for bearing down on for deep, clean cuts and tooling. The thick black cutting boards Tandy sells are also useful and work well in tandem with this slab.)
- Swivel Blade (I use a ceramic filigree blade)
- Leather Shears (Don't try to use normal scissors. You'll hurt yourself!)
- Angled Utility Knife
- Modeling Spoon
- Edger #2 (The different number corresponds to different weights of leather. This one works for the weight I listed for leather.)
- Edge Slicker
- Fine Point Ball Pen (These are great for sketching too!)
- Rawhide Mallet (There are also cheaper wood and polymer versions. This is just what I use.)
- Beveler Stamps (B203, B197)
- Sandblock of Sand Paper (fine grit) - (Available at most hardware stores as well.)
- Eco-flo Leather Dyes (I usually use these as the very first coat of color to help act as a base.)
- Acrylic Paints (various brands, mainly FolkArt. The Liquitex Heavy Body metallics are nice too!)
- Brushes (I reuse my old watercolor brushes. Stiff synthetic bristles work best)
- Parchment Paper
- Wax Paper
- An Oven (I usually set the oven to Warm or the lowest heat setting. Around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.)
- Sponges
- Woodburning Tool (I sign my work with this and sometimes poke holes)
- Liquitex Satin Varnish
- Sticky Back Moleskin (Usually found in Pharmacies. Used on the back of masks)
- Ribbon or Elastic (to tie the mask on)
