Leathercraft wet molds help to create a repeatable form in leather.

Here are some tips to make the molds work best. Most of these molds are designed for use with up to 8oz leather max thickness. This can be a single layer of 8oz or it can be a mix of thinner weights to get a project that has the lining molded to the front. Cut your leather piece larger than the mold so that you are sure to have plenty to work with. The leather should be very wet, a least a 10-15 minute soak in warm water. When the leather is good and pliable place it on the male mold lining it up with the top edge of the form and work it with your fingers. Next place the female side of the mold over the top and squeeze the two together and hold it in place with with several clamps. Large C-clamps work well as do shorter woodworking clamps. On some of the larger molds an arbor press can help squeeze the mold pieces together. If using an arbor press or other mechanical press use scrap wood or metal plates to prevent damage to the wet mold. Allow the leather to dry completely then you can carefully remove it from the mold. I recommend cleaning the leather with oxalic acid or wood bleach before finishing it as wet leather can easily pick up contaminates that will make the leather look dirty or stained.