Cowboy Crafts Online

Bob, Belt sample's look great. I have only seen a few small floral like that. They were done by Don King, Jim Jackson, and Monty Reedy. Ash

I would advise if you have not done much rawhide work do not start with a Reata. It might look easy because it is a 4 stand braid, but it is a great undertaking. That is just my 2 cents Ash

At one time I started a list of basic tools one would need for building saddles. I do not know if it is still around on the site or not. If it is not around I will try to start another list. I would contact J Watt at Ranch2Arena.com for some hammers, edgers, ect. Bob Douglas for a stitching awl, he also has a great selection of old tools. Ron's tools also carries a great selection of edgers. I have found that ebay is a great place to find old tools, but I would recommend you know what you are looking for, because sometime they go for more used than new. Ash

Darc and Elton congrats on the contest. That was sure a nice looking buckle for the winner as well Ash

I normally get 2 sides of leather between 18 and 22 sqft and that gets a pair of chaps made. I like to use 5 to 6 oz leather for my chaps.

Here are a couple of chaps I made over the weekend, both are pretty basic designs. They have been sent off ready for some brandings.

Elton, Great looking saddle for number 4. By the way what show was that displayed at. I also liked to buckstitch on the front. One thing I would change is using a different Dee on the the front, since you are using J Watt hardware everywhere else I would use his 1 inch dees up there as well. Ash

I one set of bronze pieces and a set of bars for a trooper saddle that I would like to sell. the person that wanted that saddle never gave me a deposit and that was 5 years ago. Send me a PM and I will contact you if you want them. Ash

Scott, Another good thing about buying the DVD from J Watt. If you have a question he is more than happy to answer them if he has time. He does stay pretty busy, but he will try to answer most questions. Ash

Justin, Great looking saddle and picture layout. I have copy of CS2 I wish my wife would learn how to use it. Ash

Your rawhide braiding looks great. I would suggest that you take a little more time on the popper. You should clean up the edges. They are rough work on burnishing them. It is a shame to take away from all the work you did on braiding. Ash

you really need to learn how to draw your own patterns. Get a old pair of chaps to get an outline then adjust for the measurment of your customer. Ash

Call Blaine at panhande leather in Amarrillo. Buy a hide of heavy harness. You can pull some split reins out of the back and then make some headstalls when you do not have the length for reins. Ash

Alan, Do you get leather crafters, if so go back 2 months and look at the article by Don Butler. I found it a really good article. Can not wait till he does a follow up. Ash

I agree with all the others. It is amazing what one can do with the proper teacher and instruction. Ash

Jed, For main markers mark I bought one from Harpers. I also have one from Green Parrot he is from somewhere in WY. I have one on order from Barry King. If you are serious I would save up and buy a steel one from Harpers. Ash

Try Hide House they have a big selection. That is what I take to shows. There is a company called Fern-Thatcher that is close to me they sale alot of sides PM me and I will get you the number. Ash

Are you intending on building more than one pair, if not I would just buy some. Give Nettles a call they have blanks priced really well. To build a pair of stirrups you are going to need a saw, some sort of steamer, and a jig. You will have more money in all that equipment to only build one pair. Ashley

Pictures are not working for me would love to see them Ash

The saddle you are looking for is listed on ranchworld ads. The maker is listing it himself. Go to the website and you should be able to contact him, hopefully he will tell you where he got them. I liked them myself. Ash

JW, I have used Rawhide most of the time to braid up the swells. I started using Bill before I got a string cutter. If you have any questions get ahold of me and I will let you know what I learned when I was using rawhide. Ash

I think it all depends on the type of snaps that you get. I use to use the snaps from tandy and I could never get them to set right, it was frustrating. Then a friend of mine told me to use the snaps from Ohio Travel Bag. They set like a charm, I have not had a problem setting them since I got them. I would try them. Ash

Justin, On my flat plates I place them like dale does in his videos. On my Full Doubles I place my front ones on a foward angle. I started doing this when I was making saddles for a local calf roper. That is the way he wanted them for his customers. Ashley

Is any one going to the ELko show and if so can you take some pictures of the gear. I would love to see all the great work there. Thanks Ash

Real nice saddle Andy. I did notice that it looks like you have a peice of skirting leather over the lip of the swell. Do you wrap your horn with skirting then Mule Hide? Ashley