I use vector based drawings to design patterns which are then cut out on a laser cutter. Complex tooling designs are done the same way, but simpler designs are hand drawn and cut into the leather with a traditional swivel knife. The actual tooling is done with a mallet and individual leather stamps. Using the laser cutter to cut patterns and sewing holes saves a lot of time in the construction of a project, and leaves me more time do very detailed tooling work. A lot of my tooling designs are based on famous fossil specimens or paleo-art, so being able to take the time to reinterpret those things into leather is great!
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