Bar C Leather

Couldn't tell exactly from the picture. If you're looking for single brass spots you can get them through Weaver, but you have to have a resale certificate to buy from Weaver. I've got some in stock I'd be willing to sell if you don't have access or can't find them elsewhere. Good Luck! Natalie

I think that choosing your 'fairs' wisely is the best advice. I found myself straying away from my leather to make beaded western jewelry to fill a niche that was not being filled in my area. I've been lucky that it really draws people to my booth and I do sell more jewelry than leather, but I get a lot of custom orders from the people I talk to. I've only been doing "shows" for about a year now and I don't have a formula...especially in this economy. I do know that I do my best to make decent money while still keeping my prices fair and under the competition by at least a little. I suggest having a few of your finest items no matter where you're setting up... and a photo album. I keep a scrapbook (try to make the pictures more appealing to look through with good colors and framing) I'd rather not make the jewelry and saddle crosses, keychains etc, but seems to me that the shows sell mostly smaller stuff. I haven't been to any craft fairs etc. because of my product line...I stick to rodeos, horse shows etc. Sometimes you just cannot predict but its better to be prepared. Just remember, if you sell out...good for you. I think the important thing to think of is the cost you are paying to set up (vending fees, hotel, fuel, help, etc.) and decide how much profit you feel you need to make for it to be worth your while. Make up at least enough inventory to make the profit you're hoping for...and if you have the funds, make more! Listen to your customers! I have people make suggestions all the time and I'm doing my best to fill the voids! Good luck and have fun! Natalie

Here! Here! I think what I have learned being a perfectionist is to realize that oftentimes you are the only one who sees the "flaws" I pick my work apart terribly! It wasn't until last weekend I was vending at a big ranch rodeo next to other leather workers that I realized how good my work is! I've never been one to pat myself on the back and I ALWAYS sell too cheap. I'm putting an end to all that! The reason I started the craft was that I wanted beautiful hand-tooled goods I couldn't afford as a student putting herself through college...so why should I sell the real deal for cheaper than Mexican imports??? Everything has its place and I've decided my market is not necessarily my personal price range!! Thanks for the great marketing advice! I do need to work on finding a well-oiled, easily manageable website; one I can add & remove pictures and items and that I can have large pictures on to show off the detail! Came home from that ranch rodeo to a website with pictures NOT WORKING!!! Any suggestions?? www.barcleather.com

Found some easily uploadable pics to share a few of my designs. I'll share pictures of the new machine soon. I was eyeballing the edge finishing machine at weaver but not liking the price. Then I read Bob's tutorial about edge finishing here and made a visit to Harbor Frieght tools and found the perfect sanding drum attachments for a bench grinder. Left one with sand paper and put duck cloth with saddle soap on another. Voila! Beautiful!!! Didn't know if I was supposed to click "add to post" or not... hope they don't show up twice!

Ahhh... I definitely don't miss working on half a desk in front of my computer!! Shifted my small office around several times until I couldn't cram it all in there any more!! Now I take up about 1/4 of an oversized 2 car garage (and still a little cramped at times). Thank goodness my husband likes to frequent auctions as he aquired some GREAT old school tables (old, sturdy, good-for-pounding, biology class style tables) for cheap. I still dream of the day I become profitable enough for a setup like Al Stohlman!! You've got a nice little set up, I wish I could keep it simple. Seems like I just keep adding and expanding, although making it a business changes a lot.

For the life of me I cannot seem to cut a truly straight strap of any width with my hand strap cutter. I'm looking for a strap cutting machine as I feel I'm at a point in mybusiness when ramping up production will be beneficial and necessary. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money! (I like to call myself a "frugalista" but my husband just says I'm cheap.) I know of the hand crank strap cutter by Weaver for I think $1300 and then there are the big machines for more $. I recently found a machine on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120275481373&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT The brand is Leather Pro and it is a Model 4 strap cutter. Price is $825 + $45 S&H Comes with a 6 month warranty but I've never heard of the company or machine before. Any advice? Anyone selling a used strap cutting machine? ;o) Thanks!

Hi Everyone! My name is Natalie and I'm a self-taught leather crafter working in the art since about 1999? Started slowly building a business of the craft a few years ago but I also run our ranch and home, homeschool my children and run the office end of my husband's business. That usually puts me in the shop until late hours...but I often can't pull myself away! I'm now working on my first saddle which is a dream come true for me. I've done a little of everything up until now from wallets, purses, briefcases and even Harley seats and bib covers. I am very much about tooling, love to do custom work. I believe that you can never know enough about leathercraft or horses.....life-long learning! I'm so excited to be a member. Just joined last week and already have found PRICELESS information! With info from this site I just hijacked my husband's bench grinder and turned it into an awesome edge sanding and burnishing machine....I've always tried extremely hard to get my edges nice but now they are so professional! Thank you for all the information already here and I look forward to getting to know you all and learn, learn, learn!! Regards, Natalie a.k.a. barcleather