indiana cowgirl

Hi Gretchen! Thanks for the guidance! You are right, I did use a fair amount of water (have been reading the posts on casing...) so it makes sense that the leather stiffened! I appreciate the brand names as well.... and it looks like my saddles will be getting a bit of TLC along with the upcoming projects! warm regards, joanne

So I finally finished my first actual project. (I'd been messing around, practicing on scraps....). It's a handbag, because I've wanted a Sheridan style bag forever, but was too poor to buy one.... I get my supplies at the Indianapolis Tandy store-- so used Eco-Flow antiquing gel in tan, and Fiebings leather dye in chocolate. I 'finished' it with Fiebings acrylic "Resolene" leather finish. The finish wasn't bad, but definitely not what I expected-- it was hard and stiff, almost like it had been shellacked! I assume (after reading the label again and noticing the word "acrylic") that the hard finish was due to the Resolene. One of my goals is to make some saddle bags, and I don't want them to have a hard/ stiff finish. If I want a more flexible, soft finish, what do you all recommend? I posted pictures of the bag in the feedback section, and would appreciate comments. thanks!!

What a fun memory! Brackney's was one of my most favorite stores... I could go in there and stay for hours just browsing. The owners finally retired and closed the store. :*( Boy, this is a small world!

I'm in Greencastle-- about 50 miles SW of Indianapolis. Where are you in California? I have family in Camrillo. It's so beautiful there.

Greetings from Indiana! I'm a new leatherworker and was excited to find this forum. Man, there are some beautiful items on display in the photo gallery-- there are some *really* talented people here! Looking forward to getting to know you all!