spooky

www.leffler.com.au www.birdsall-leather.com.au www.toowoombasaddlery.com.au

perhaps contact this group and see if they might be able to put you in contact with someone??? http://australiansaddlers.com.au/

Sorry, I've only just skimmed the other replies. I recently attended a one-day, beginners braiding course, and was very disappointed. Class had about 10-12 students, which I found was too many. I understand the logistics of "bums on seats" in order to make money. The number of students meant that when the teacher demonstrated anything (with normal sized lace), it was almost impossible to see. I don't know how you solve this problem if you wanted to keep the same number of students (which really isn't that many). My random thoughts are setting up a video camera/overhead projector, so that all students can see a larger version of what is happening. Or, alternatively, using over-sized lace... something such as rope, so students can clearly see what is happening. Otherwise, if you could be really organised, you could possibly stagger starting times at 15 min intervals, four students at a time, so you spend 10 mins getting each group started, then spending the last few mins checking on what the previous group has achieved. I have also been attending a leatherwork course at an adult education college, which is taught by a remarkable saddle maker. I think a few students have dropped out because things don't move quickly enough for their liking. It is probably an unusual class in this day and age, as each student starts the term learning basic skills and one project set by the teacher, but after that, each student works on an individual project. This means that the student needs to spend time with each student individually, teaching them specific skills and coaching them through their project. Unfortunately (perhaps) this means that sometimes students need to wait to be shown their next step. I think that this puts some people off. However, students can also use this to their benefit - the teacher has no problems, and actually encourages students to "eavesdrop" on other students projects - that way you're still learning whilst waiting. I think this style class takes some getting used to, but has definite benefits in individual coaching. Sorry to ramble - perhaps it might help?

this???

Thanks heaps. Very helpful.

Just wondering where I might be able to buy coloured eyelets, like the ones on the dog collars in this picture... etsy link

Thank you everyone! Much appreciated. I had actually googled, but didn't come up with anything. Now to get busy.

I'm looking for instructions on how to braid a small leather cross which can be hung from a chain/necklace. I'm very much a newbie, so not sure where to start looking.

Yes... but you may find that the material you receive is copyrighted, which means you really shouldn't post it.

Nice to know that there are people who are able to still make replacement blades for these wonderful old tools.

I've seen them come up very occasionally on Ebay. I don't know if it helps, but Dixon in the UK sell them new... http://www.josephdixon.co.uk/products/Saddlers_Tooling/Saddlers_Clamps.html

Looks nice. One question though, what happens to the "lid" of the pocket watch???

Ignorant question... what is it?

Saw a couple on ebay (Australia) the other day. Also some listed for sale here... http://www.toolexchange.com.au/Punches.html

** bump **

Love the coloured stitching. Can I ask what type of thread you're using?

http://www.leffleronline.com.au/webstore/index.wsp?session01=b5eb22f7eabdca8b&page01=category&category01=2238.874&pagenum01=5&treeindex01=0

I was looking at different leather work websites the other day and came across an awl blade that was listed as a "thin awl blade". Now, I was sure I bookmarked the page, but cannot find it, nor is it in the computer's history. Can anyone point me in the right direction of where to find one, please?

I probably should have added when I posted initially, that I am mainly looking at skiving straps up to 4 inches - does this make a difference. And, are there any alternatives (apart from skiving with a round knife) to skiving with a splitter. I was just looking at the Osborne Skife Knife, but have no idea what it is or what it is used for... yes, I'm a total newbie!

Okay, so it sounds like that one is out. Is anyone able to tell me if the Osborne Splitter skives as well as splits, or only splits? http://birdsall-leather.com.au/product.php?productid=2700&cat=105&page=4

Our local Tandy is having a sale and I'm looking to purchase their Craftool Professional Leather Splitter and am very interested in reviews from anyone who might have purchased one, as it is still a large expense. Thanks http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com.au/en-aud/search/searchresults/3792-00.aspx

Newbie here, so my only comments are - very stylish and where did you get those ornaments, especially the ring???

I can see it isn't the best piece of work, but it was more the "idea" that I liked. If you were going to use acrylic paints or eco-flo dyes, can you explain how you would do that? Sorry, ultra-newbie here, who needs things spelt out for them

Found a dog collar on this website and was wondering how they achieved the colouring on the leather.

Did you ever end up finding these??? If so, I would be very interested in knowing where.