Yes, there's leather in Iowa

[JLSleather]

New to the site, and returning to leathercraft. First project in 1985 (or was it 86). Used to work out a bit, and asked a guy to make me a weight lifting belt. Simple, natural, a little earthtone color on my first name centered on the back. He took so long to get going, I finally told him I'd take care of it myself . From there I made LOTS of belts and wallets, handbags and such, some holsters/gunbelts, framed landscape scenes, just about everything... though never any saddle work. Since I don't have a horse, I figured that was OK.

Got away from the fun when I started making babies, which spanned alot of years. Somebody broke into the house and got the tools, the computer files (including the backups - ugghh), and the camera. Almost ready to smile about that one... I didn't replace it for quite a while, figuring I didn't have room for a bunch of sharp objects AND the babies. Sorry about the extra spaces in this post, just not used to the new keyboard yet...

Anyway, I've ordered stuff from SO many places I thought I'd better let some of it come in so I can see where I'm at before I end up with 3 of everything! Hope to have some photos of some finished work by the end of the month, but seems like the tools have changed a bit since back then (not all the changes good ones).

[abn]

Nice to have you here. I'm curious to see and hear how your first projects turn out. Be sure to let us know!

-Alex

[BillB]

JLSleather,

Welcome to the forum. It's funny how the calling never goes away. When the bug bites it bites hard. There is one thing I would like to mention since you brought up the fact that you now have children. My best memories of my Grandfather center on his craft work (leather and Sea Grass). I tried to pass it to my children, and will try to do the same with my grandkids. So you might want to think about it as an investment in the future.

Bill B.