Medicine Bottle Make-a-Long, Pt. 2: Surface Design

Now that my glass bottle has been covered in cowhide, it's time to embellish the surface. I start with the straps that attach the D-rings.

Fanciful features for "The Fool."

Mark the pattern on cased (wet) leather using a Scratch Awl.

Cut out the straps, burnish the edges. I also stamped a beaded edge and punched stitching holes.

Soak the straps in mink oil to make them supple, then dye them.

For the pocket, I used some purple reclaimed suede from a thrift store skirt.

Voila! The pocket side is prepared for application.

I spent a couple of hours looking for source images and sketching out my Fool. I am inspired by the Motherpeace Deck, which is round, and features female figures. I sketched this figure from a photo of a woman doing handstands on the beach, perfect!

A simplified line drawing is best.

Transfer the image by tracing it with a Scratch Awl. I added each component of my picture on a separate scrap of tracing paper.

Next, I use a Swivel Knife with an angled blade to carve the outlines of the picture. I begin following the transfer lines, then build up detail.

Design carved and ready for modeling / stamping. Stamping on this molded leather can be tricky, so I will probably rely heavily on my Modeling Spoon.

I am excited about the progress I have made on this Medicine Bottle so far. I am starting to get impatient for the fun part to begin: painting it with colorful Waterstains.

Hope you are enjoying my creative process, thanks so much for stopping by!

Part 1 here: https://steemit.com/art/@creationofcare/medicine-bottle-make-a-long-pt-1-wet-molding

Love,Cat