Jackdawe

Thank you - I learned alot from this single project alone. The leather is saddle skirt so there was no fear of going too deep. Pete often tells me I don't carve deep enough. I was abit nervous of going too deep after nearly going straight through on another project. I also learned how to deal with lines that need defining but you cannot bevel both sides. Celtic knotwork is a good primer for that - I know from repeated experience. ;-) Corner stitching or miter joints was another exercise and a steep learning curve. Trying to corner stitch on saddle skirt is both finger and wrist adverse. Omg - my whole hands hurt! I antiqued with mid brown and on top used saddle tan high lite. Initially I was going to pop the box on my stall to sell but fell in love with it as I was making it - I now use it to store the medieval chess pieces my dad made years ago and at some point will make a chess board to go with it. Eventually they will make an heirloom gift for my grandchildren - after I teach them how to play. :D

We run a leather business in the sunny south of England - specialising in carved leather. My other half has a large number of years in the business and has been teaching me how to do it since the beginning of last year. I have posted a couple of his pieces in the "Show off" forum but he asked me to post a picture of the box I have made. So here goes....

We needed something to be a show piece for our stall - so Pete asked me what he should make? As he used to run a Country and Western shop and used to make gun rigs I suggested he make one. He didn't take much pursuading as he had been itching to make one for a bit. :D He also chose to do it in a Sheridan Style. The design itself took a couple of days to organise and trace out on paper before it even met leather. That in its self was not a simple thing - a work of patience - which I am very glad he has in abundance - because I think the finished article is rather nice. The holsters have been molded around Peacemakers. It does get alot of comments from people - even if sometimes they are not sure what they are looking at - I have had a couple of smart arses even laugh and point at it and say that it is a chastity belt. In a way - yes it is! *grin*

Thank you very much for the kind words. yes - the pull tab is to enable a release of the poppers on the bill hook - especially helpful if you have cold fingers. What isn't shown is the small wedge just above the steel - which was a slight last minute mod to stop the fire steel falling out after repeated use. Sometimes it's the small details that make the item. This was made for a dedicated camper who goes out in all weather.

This is a combination sheath we came up with for a bush knife, bill hook and fire steel that we were asked to do. Just out of interest has anyone else made something similar?