jana

Sounds like you have been "re-bitten" by the leather crafting Bug!! I was having this problem also until I started researching historical leather pieces ie: pouches, cases, cofferts (leather covered boxes) and the like. Next thing I know I have a list of this and this and Oh! that too!!!! Enjoy!

Welcome, I have lived in the Buena Vista/Leadville area and have family in Denver. I also love working with Celtic Design in all it forms, especially the zoomorphics. Post some of your stuff so we can see.

This is one of the projects that I entered this weekend for an Arts and Science Competition for my barony. It is a three part project that involved metal work, woodworking and of course, leather work. The case was done without using a swivel knife, just beveling and backgrounding and was based on research that was done on historical sources. It was hand sewn with an awl and harness needles. I enjoyed working on this project with its various phases.

I too, would be very interested in seeing your pictures.

Well Done!! They look very nice with attention to detail, keep up the good work.

I really like the inside details that you did, the banding on the pen holder was an added touch that I had not thought of. Thanks for showing it off!

Most of the information that I have seen comes from books written by archaeologists and shows drawings of actual pieces found during digs. My favorite at this time is a book called "Purses in Pieces" by Olaf Goubitz and it says that "most common motifs were impressed" and "Most cases were decorated with impressed linear ornamentation, with flowers and tendrils with a combination of floral and architectural motifs" end quote! And most of the examples come from the late medieval period.

I have lived in 7 different states and can tell you about California sunsets off the beach and the Colorado aspens turning gold after the first frost. There is the bustle of business in the Pike Place Market of Seattle during the summer and the Bravo of Texans year round. The history and laid back atmosphere of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the amazing site of seeing the Mississippi River flow past you. Now I find myself in the high desert of Southern Arizona and watch sunsets with colors that pictures don't do justice. Tombstone is 20 minutes away, the City of Bisbee shows off its 1800's heritage and then there is Ft. Huachuca (waa-chew-ka), home of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Thank you both for the answers, I will be going back and talk to the Current Champion to see what he would like done... I have to chuckle at the idea of swinging the great sword or even drawing it from a scabbard... standing it on tip the pommel barely clears my chin. Something or someone (me) would end up damaged!! Again I appreciate your time and answers and will post the results when it is done.

I'm glad you are feeling better.... Can we come out of hiding now?

Is there such a thing as a scabbard for a great sword? The Baronial Champion of the local SCA Barony has asked me to replace the existing one with a scabbard that is more ceremonial. The research that I have done shows me a lot of scabbards, but not for a great sword. Do I just need to re-make the existing one with something to re-enforce the tip? Suggestions are deeply appreciated. Thank you

Thank you for the reminder... I needed something for a children's craft in July and this will be perfect! Minimal prep work and I can get the older kids to "help" with the lacing.

I have seen it done a couple of ways... one way is to use rings or rectangle dees to attach two or more straps together, the other was to sew three straps together giving two of them a nice decorative end that when sewn down became part of design.

Actually I have had this problem, after it was all said and done, I went to a pretty reliable source that told me that it was too much tanning oil/fat liquor that was used in the tanning process. I ended up casing the whole piece and sticking it in a plastic bag overnight, I was able to carve and tool it, but it left a greasy residue on my tools, also I could only leave the project natural because any testing I did with any type of acrylic based product was splotchy. I had to use it, at the time I didn't have a choice. Good Luck to you

Ricky- there is another conversation running in Leatherworker.net = The Business = Suppliers The topic is Help : Looking for thread for my leather strap project there is some information in there that may answer your questions about colored thread. Good Hunting!!

Kangaroo-Creme de la creme Latigo- think boot laces Calf- What most crafters use Suede- Think crafts, dreamcatchers, key rings with beads, etc Rawhide- I have only seen it used by braiders and saddle makers Florentine- A wider cut 3/16, usually calf Vinyl- children's crafts Hope this helps

I personally have not... but I have some friends that use the Rit dyes to color natural linen thread for making various projects with. Do some reading on the package to see if there is anything that needs to be done to "set" the color. The thread will have to be waxed before it is used. Good Luck

I dye lace to go with a project quite often, This is what I do: Start with a natural lace and pull off enough to finish the project. Pour the color dye you want to use in a clean glass jar, put the lace in it close the lid and gently shake ( I suggest that this part be done outside!!) After the lace is one solid color, I take it out of the jar and drape it loosely on a wire clothes hanger and let it dry for 24 hrs. Once it is dry, the lace will be stiff. I use Lexol on a piece of sheep wool and run the lace through it 2-3 times and again let it dry, the wool will end up with residue from the dye, don't worry about it. I condition it on more time and this time use the Lexol on a piece of old t-shirt and dry again. The lace should be ready to use at this point, run it through your hands checking for dry spots,if there are any re-condition... I will post some examples, one is yellow, the other burgundy

If you use Acetone and are successful, make sure to put some kind of conditioner back on the leather. Acetone will dry out the leather.

Very nice and the way you make a place for a pen is genius!! You have given me a start for a couple of new ideas! Thank you

Beautiful work, I also like the lacing and braid work that you did.

Very nice, extremely inventive, afraid I'm not the best at getting pictures to come out the best. I have have had luck with rolling the belt up loosely and taking the pictures from different sides. Thanks for showing it off! Jana

Here are a couple of places to start! Smith, Margit. The Medieval Girdle Book and Advanced Paper Conservation Workshops AMIGOS Library Services Fellowship Final Report 2004 University of San Diego Smith, Margit; Bloxam, Jim. The Medieval Girdle Book Project 2005/06 International Journal of the Book, Vol. 3 No.4 pgs. 15-24 www.Book-Journal.com Margit Smith is a professor at San Diego University specializing in medieval books and manuscripts. Jim Bloxam, I think, is from England and is working with her to catalog the last 23 girdle books known to have survived worldwide. An interesting bit of history! Jana

Here are a few things to consider: 1) Are you beveling as deep as you a cutting? Are you cutting at least 1/3 of the thickness of the leather deep? 2) The pearshading should flair. You want to imitate the curvature of a true petal 3) When using a mulesfoot, don't use the same amount of force when when making the impression, start with a medium hit and go lighter from there, Stay with an odd amount, 3 to 5, of hits. You are looking for a wedged shaped design, heaviest at the top and lightest at the bottom. This is a good piece, keep going... You know that old saying. How do you get to Carnagie Hall? Practice, practice, practice. Jana

I have recently decided that what is old is new again... and with that in mind I tried my hand at recreating a period piece. A girdle book was originally carried by the clergy, the knot end was pulled up and over the "girdle" (that thing we call a belt these days) and the book would be readily available to read as they walked or rode from place to place. I did not try to make the book and used a blank journal instead. Jana