Hello From Kansas. I am just getting lined out through Vocational Rehabilitation to possibly start a leather shop where I can build custom saddles, custom horse tack, chaps, wallets and small personal items. I've dabbled with leather since I was a child and have this infinity for buying leather scraps from the farm store, soaking them in water and braiding them. The feel of leather does something for me, not sure what but I like it. I have a place to go to learn to make saddles and realize I can't just open up shop after one saddle but i've repaired several of my own saddles and though that would be my first step, along with doing leather gifts and such.
I am looking forward to learning on this web site. I am better at learning by doing, so I know I will make mistakes but know I will get better because of them.
I've spent the last 25 years working with beef cattle, horses and a few dairy cows along the way. I have a college degree in Animal Science (for what that is worth I don't know it hasn't helped me much). Presently I am barely working enough to make ends meet due to my health. I had MRSA last year, I've had 2 bad head injuries and now I have 2 bulging discs in my back (maybe a third). Shots aren't working, so I am going to have to change jobs. I realize making saddles and such may be hard on my back but I can always stop when I start hurting. At work, I just can't stop.
I sent away for a book about setting up a leather shop by Bob Brenner. I am anxious to read it.
