joet

W&C can be a little slow, but well worth it. I've ordered from Glen before and had the leather split to my specifications (for free)and was always pleased when it arrives. I usually order one side per year, as, like you, my bank account always stays low. I've never ordered via the internet. Always via phone. With the way things are going these days I'm afraid good customer service is almost non existant in a lot of places.

I would contact the Southern Colorado Heritage Center in Pueblo, COlorado. They have the largest collection of Frazier saddles and they might be able to help you. They have a web page with contact info: http://www.theheritagecenter.us/ They are not open on Monday's. They would be your best bet.

I'll also go with #81.

This one is a hard one but I'll go with #5. But they all deserve something.

#58

Sorry to hear of your loss. May her craft and interests be continued by her family; at the very least, in her memory.

All three volumes of "The Art of Making Leather Cases" should be in every leather crafters library. They do NOT show case Al Stohlman any more than his other books do. These books are not a step by step set of instructions on how to make any spacific item; but a learning tool as to how to do items that are not normally found in kit form. They teach "how to" on select topics, like the different handles found on brief cases and other projects of that sort. They show how to form fit cases for everything from knife sheaths to boxes and camera cases. Yes, there are pictures of various projects that Al did, but its not to brag about his work, but to show what any project would look like once completed. Remember this, the books are old and what is shown is usually outdated, but by using his instructions you can make things to fit what can be found in today's world. The instructions on how to make a case for a Walkie Talkie can be modified for use on how to make a case for a Kindle or any modern book reader. I'm sure I left something out, but whenever I want to make something I've never done before, the first place I look in one of his case making books. I am always able to find an example of how to do something better, than I had originally planned on doing. If you aren't sure about any book of instructions, always check it out at the store (if possible) or ask a store manager about it. Hope this clears the air a little and is somewhat helpful.

There are many videos found at the Tandy web site. They cover a wide assortment of topics and are free. Running time is anywhere from a little over a minute up to somes that are over 10 minutes in length. Tandy has come a long way in the last couple of years and I hope they do more things like this. Another place to go is http://www.hidecrafter.com/hci/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=22. Hide Crafter carries a lot of videos for sale that are well worth getting. Both company's carry books for sale that are very helpful for the beginner and anyone else who just likes to have these items in their shop library.

Another Coloradoite here, born and raised along the Front Range (south central part).

The Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal is about the only magazine on the market for us. It's full of "how to's" and the ad's are one of the best features. There is also a pattern pull out that features the designs talked about in the magazine. It's well worth the price. Another magazine devoted to the leather workers is called "Shop Talk". It's put out by Proleptic and leans a little towards saddle and shoe/boot makers. But there are many articles that are worth reading, as they talk about what is going on in the world of leather. They are about companies from around the world that tan leather, sell various products and just about anything else you want to know about that is leather related. About once a year there is a report about the price of hides and this is important as it gives an idea about how much we will be paying for a side when we order leather. Also, one last thing, once a year there comes out a directory issue that features just about any and all companies that deal with leather and leather related items. That issue alone makes it worth buying Shop Talk. If you have trouble finding hardware, that issue will point you in the right direction. Now that I've rambled on and bored you, I hope you look into the Shop Talk. You can check it out at: http://www.proleptic.net/