ETW Grumpy

Good looking first attempt. The design is good, but when you fold it, you're going to eventually going to "erase" the part of your design that's right on the fold. The way I do mine is to have one graphic on one half and one on the other half. Don't forget to leave room for your stitching groove too. Any basic leatherworking book can tell you how to use the tools you have. Keep at it.

Wow. Really beautiful.

Good looking stuff. How is the last belt in the left photo done? Looks like a creaser was used, but it looks like there are different levels to the leather. Just curious cause that's my favorite one in the picture. Also, do you make the same models in different sizes for fairs and such?

One of the first projects I ever did was a magnetic money clip with this pattern. I measured down both edges and marked every half inch ( I think ) and just connected the lines ( at an angle, of course. ) Hit it with a seeder at the intersections and used a border tool on it.

Unfortunately, most Americans suffer from "Wal-Mart mentality". Everything they price, they compare to what they would pay for it at Wal-Mart. The concept of craftsmanship and artisan produced durable goods is almost lost today. I have quoted prices for wallets and belts to potential customers only to have them say," But I can get a wallet at Wal-Mart for $20." I try and explain to them the difference in handcrafted quality leather that will last for years, and the cheap vinyl garbage that Wal-Mart sells. Sometimes they see the light and sometimes I get a glazed look and they walk away.

That looks very cool. I love Celtic knotwork. I'm so glad the barter system is alive and well. Makes things much more simple sometimes.

Fantastic work as always. I was curious about how you tool the lettering also. You said this was a door prize (great door prize), are the bolt patterns on the seat pan universal, or does the builder have to weld brackets to match the bolts?

That's a very cool design. Looks like a lot of backgrounding/matting on that. Nice.

I will agree, the bag looks wonderful and your hand stitching is top notch. My question is how do you keep the thread so white? By the time I get done, my thread is usually a lovely shade of grey. I wash my hands before, take care not to let the thread drag the ground, etc, but it never comes out like that. A little help here??

That's kinda what I was thinking. Thanks for the input.

Has anyone ever heard of/used this stuff? It says it "will clean, condition, Stainproof and Waterproof" leather. Is it any better or worse than any other product out there?

For every leatherworker, there are at least 3 ways to answer this question. Use the search feature in the upper right hand corner and search for edge finishing or burnishing. I use gum tragacanth and an edge slicker or water and a piece of deer antler or gum trag and a piece of denim or...... see what I mean. The goal is the heat up the fibers of the leathers edge through friction to bond them together and make them smooth. The black edge dressing is just to pretty it up.

Very nice work Holly. Yolanda is good people. Next time you talk to her, tell her Levi says hi.

Does anyone know where I can find a pattern for an old fashioned doctor's bag? I have searched the Internet and leatherworker.net and can't find one. Can anybody help me out?

I made a belt out of Latigo strap and pigskin that was not quite as thick as what your describing, and it was fine for carrying my .45 daily. I think it will be ok depending on what kind of rig your totin'

Great looking "saddle flower stuff". Black.... why do they always want to cover up the art?? That is a bitchin' looking old Shovelhead though.

That's a really good design and the work itself is awesome. If I'm not mistaken, the swallows were tattooed after a trans-Atlantic voyage. Anyone know for sure? Too bad they wanted it black. Mutes all that incredible work. Have you tried vinagroon to prevent crocking?

That's really a work of art. Thanks for sharing it step by step. What font did you use?

That's a belt to be proud of. Your stitching is very good, inside and out. That's something I still have trouble with. Your work is top notch.

That's very cool.

I like the stained glass wallet. I hate doing something from a Tandy kit, then finding out when you go to assemble it that the holes don't line up. Grrrrr. The sporran is awesome! Great lettering. How did you get the color fade on the ankle quiver? Very cool.

Man that looks really clean. Nice color, too. Good work.

I don't know what it's lacking brother. That looks killer to me. I bet your little brother will love it.

Really great work as always. Thanks for inviting questions, not everyone out there will do that. (Unless they're members here, of course.) When you put the leather on the pan, is the edge lacing all that holds the leather to the pan, or do you glue the leather to the foam and the back of the pan?

Man that is very cool. I love the minimalist look of the face. Frankie is spot on. Your lacing is good and tight. All around good looking wallet. What weight leather did you use?