You only need 5 supplies to start finishing leather
Finishing leather takes a little practice but you don’t need a mountain of supplies or a fancy setup. Here’s a list of the absolute essentials to dye and finish your leather projects.
You only need 5 tools to start leatherworking
You don’t need a fancy workshop or a drawer full of gadgets to start leatherworking. Just five tools you can take you from raw hide to rugged gear that holds up. Whether you’re making knife sheaths, strap loops, or everyday carry goods, these essentials help you punch sharp holes, stitch clean lines, and cut with control.
Midnight Ideas, Daylight Regrets: A Homesteader’s Lesson in Restraint
Ever start a project at 1AM that felt brilliant in the moment and totally impractical the next morning? This is a story about seed trays, saw chains, and learning that real progress starts with sharpening the why.
Top 5 garden tools for the homestead
Out here, your garden tools don’t sit pretty on a pegboard. They work. After years of trial, error, and a few broken handles, I’ve narrowed it down to five tools that earn their keep on the homestead. From a stirrup hoe that spares your back to a hori hori knife that can practically run the garden solo, these picks are built for folks who'd rather get their hands dirty than read a sales pitch. If you’re tired of flimsy trays and mystery rust, this list might be what your shed’s been missing.
The only knife sharpening tutorial you’ll ever need
Keeping your blades sharp is the single most important step in getting clean cuts and safe results. In this guide you will learn the simplest setup for your sharpening station and the exact hand motions you need to master. From choosing the right stone to testing your beveled edge you’ll gain real confidence with each pass. No fluff just clear steps you can follow at your bench or out in the field.
My top 5 books for the homestead that are actually worth reading
These are the five books I return to, dog-ear, and keep within reach. Whether you're new to homesteading or deep in the grind, these reads offer practical skills, hard-won wisdom, and systems that actually work.
