Hello all Along my learning, I have a few questions that I'm having trouble finding answers for. I might be searching the wrongs things too, so if anyone has answers or can point me to a good resource that I could delve a little more into, I would greatly appreciate it!

1) When tooling a larger piece, a belt for example, should you case the entire area? Do you case it all at once and then re-moisten the spaces as you tool through?

2) When you add piping, what are ways to complete the ends so there aren't just exposed cords/gaps? I've seen how to make it, but the finish still seem vague.

3) When adding 'color' to a tooled piece, can you use dyes to color or can you only use paints? I understand chrome tan does not take tooling or dye well, but can it still be painted on in a similar fashion as veg tan? Is it preserved in the same way with a coating?

4) I see most hardware is made from base metals (brass and copper) but is it possible to use precious metals (gold and silver) as either hardware or decoration? I come from a metals background, so I'm curious what my limitations might be to make my own clasps or something, for example.

5) I was really only thinking about making from a traditional sense, bags and wallets mostly, but have since come to find a whole world of things that I hadn't previously considered being made from leather. (Armor, adult gear, trays, ect) What else do people make with leather?

6) Is there a resource I can use to learn more in depth about handbag types? Specifically what makes a type of bag that kind of style, and perhaps a small historical backgrounds. 'This style was first made in the XX's and became prominent because of this reason. It's defining features are X, Y, and Z' kind of thing.

I know this is kind of a random assortment of questions, so I appreciate any info I can get from it. Thank you for your time.