ETW Grumpy

That looks really nice. I agree with Kate, that bag will look killer in 20 years with some miles on it. You're edges are getting much better. Really good work.

I tend to agree with Luke, get a better piece of hide to work with it will save you time and effort and be more profitable in the long run. If I get a shaggy piece like that, I use Super Shene and a slicker to smooth it out. Works like a charm.

I cut a slit in my pattern so I can rivet the clip to the body of the case.

I had a buddy that I did a seat cover for with the same reservations. He rolled the cover before having it attached to the rest of the assembly. Made it look kind of distressed and made it a little softer. Having said all that, I told him before hand that his butt, through a pair of jeans, was not so sensitive that it would pick up every dip and impression. After riding the seat for a little while, he agrees. Don't think it'll be a big deal.

Good looking stuff Bro. Love that color.

I like the rotary cutters as long as you keep a sharp blade in them. I use a thin metal straightedge and it works well. I got mine at Wal-Mart cheaper than the one that Tandy sells. I have the wooden strap cutter, but haven't even taken it out of the package yet.

Really nice work. I hope I can braid that good when I grow up.

Dude, you nailed it. Can't wait to see it colored.

Luke, I do all my stitching by hand. Thanks for the compliment. I used orange Irish linen thread at 7 or 8 stitches to the inch, can't remember which. David, I have a friend who calls them chain drive wallets, too. Thanks for the kind words. I prefer stitching most things large and small. I agree that small things look a little too cowboy (for my tastes) when they are laced, but the VM wallet was a replacement for a customers husband and she wanted the same style.

It's a saddle tan antique stain from Tandy, with the background dyed with a black oil dye.

Just got this wallet done for a customer and wanted to post a pic to get some opinions. Thanks for looking.

Freak, that looks very good. I really like the color. JustWakinUp, I have that same trouble on thin leather. It's not a problem unless the back side is going to show. If so, use a lining to cover the back, or use a thicker leather for the project.

You might back that out to 5/6 and see what you get.

Very nice. That's the same buckle I have on my 1 1/2" belt.

I agree with billsotx, the leather in those kits is usually crappy. I bought the deluxe leatherworkers set which had the basic tools, dyes a book and a video. It helped me decide this was what I wanted to do. Then I started buying better leather and tools. Always look for more books, DVD's etc. Subscribe to Leathercrafters and Saddlers Journal and for sure join the Tandy wholesale club. Just using the buy one get one free feature, you'll pay for your membership in a few months with the money you save. Good luck.

Soy, what weight leather are you using? I wonder if you are using too heavy a leather to get good definition. As far as your casing technique, I do mine a little different. If I'm going to form something, I soak it in water as hot as I can stand until the bubbles stop coming up. I immediately start molding it on the object using my fingers (make sure you trim your nails). Once I've gotten the shape I want, it's usually dry enough to set down and let it dry completely. Once it's dry, I oil it lightly and then put on whatever dyes and finishes I want. Hope this helps.

I think it shows your talent that you got them even and got the angle consistent even though they weren't overlapped. I know what mine would have looked like. Follow the suggestions given by the others here and you will be just fine.

Could the gray stuff be a suede lining?

Super clean looking pieces. I agree, an edge burnishing tutorial would be great. Great work.

Using a heat gun to speed dry the leather will not be good for the leather and might be painful to you. Once you shape it and it drys a little, you should be able to set it in the sun and have it dry on its own. Definitely oil and dye after you shape.

I just picked up a 12" x 24" x 4" headstone blank for $55. I've built a bench with a cutout for the stone to set flush with the surface of the bench. If I'd measured the stone before making the cutout ( at a friends ) I'd have realized the stone is a little bigger. Oh well. Can't wait till I have time to fix the bench and use the stone. I'm using a piece of countertop that I got for free at the moment. I think the thicker stone will be better.

I use waxed Irish linen and back stitch 3 holes, cut the thread close to the project, then hit it with a lighter for a second to melt the wax and kind of seal it in place.

I get mine from Royalwood Ltd. Waxed Irish linen thread in lots of colors and several weights. Nice lady. Royalwood Ltd. 517 Woodville Rd. Mansfield, Ohio 44907 Phone: 1-419-526-1630 1-800-526-1630 (toll free) Fax: 1-419-526-1618 (24 Hr.) 1-888-526-1618 (24 Hr. - toll free) E-mail: orders@royalwoodltd.com

I don't think your carving and highlighting skills need any work. How did you get the different shades on different areas? Did you have to dye/antique/stain/highlight each area individually? That's a beautiful piece.

Dude, that is truly amazing. Have you thought about sending some pics to some movie production companies to make your services available? Just a thought. You have a truly God given talent. Wow.