LNLeather

I would talk with Jim at Tippmann and see if he could help. I have a Tippmann clicker and embosser, and if I had troubles I would talk with him first.

I have always enjoyed your work, and this is great too! The colors are fantastic! If you don't mind, what do you use? Is that Angelus? Beautiful work!

For your very first project - I think you did a pretty fine job! My first project is not worth mentioning.

Heheheh........ Cheryl - what fun it all is, eh? - Cheryl

Just to get an idea of what my color dyes would look like - I cut a sample piece of leather and divided it into 3 columns the first column was untouched leather, the second column had a light coat of Satin Sheen, and the third column had a light coat of Super Sheen. Then left to right, in three rows - I put a spot of colors in each column, first row was cova, second row was eco flo color dye, and the third row was Angelus dye. It really makes it easy to pick what to use, depending on the color/effect I'm looking for... You could add more rows for diluted ink/dye... Hope this helps

Wow Cheryl! Congratulations on the Beautiful New Cobra machine (different post, but I saw it) and Congratulations on the first project.... lots to learn, but WoW - sooo cool, what fun! Love the mystery braid on the strap! Good For You Cheryl............. Cheryl

These are just some ideas of mine - I am no expert - but after reading your post I had some thoughts... Your customer should answer some of your questions... and it seems like you should get a lot of it in writing, before you start buying leather... You ask - "Does anybody know any other option to cheap down a bit such a purchase?" What does you customer want? Quantity or Quality? Why are you concerned with "the cheapest option"? If you have to buy a shoulder to make a top, then that is what you should charge for the leather for that top. What does the customer want - Cheep leather, or Quality leather? Your customer must have an idea that this is going to be expensive.... They must expect to pay for what they are getting. Don't apologize for the price of the leather... it is what it is. Cost and waste should not be your problem. You need to buy the best shoulders you can - if that is what the customer wants. Dose the customer want perfect leather? Or do they mind slight flaws. Maybe they don't mind a slight flaw or a brand on the piece. Talk to your customer about what they expect. Talk with your customer and ask how thick they want the tops to be. Explain what they need to know about the quality of leather, thickness and tooling needs. Are you able to pick the leather up, or do you need to order the leather? I would make sure to talk with the folks you order the leather from and make sure they understand what it is you need. 50 shoulders is a lot of leather to order sight unseen... I can imagine a definite problem if flaws are missed. Return shipping could get expensive if needed… Then, as Jax mentioned "then you must add on what you are charging for your time & dyes, finishes etc." * Make a list of of your questions and talk to your customer about them - get it in writing * Don't apologize for the price of the leather or the price of your work. * They must have seen your work and want the quality you can provide. ...Some folks understand they need to pay good money for good quality work Don't sell your self short... Your work is worth it. Your leatherwork and tooling is excellent! Get it in writing and get them to buy the leather - I am sure there are other ideas about how to protect yourself - concerning payment... Don't let anyone pressure you to do something if it doesn't seem right. I am sure there are others here that can provide other ideas from their experiences... jmho -

I got a good laugh when I read this - You Are So Right.... I keep thinking I have enough supplies and tools, but I keep finding more (old and new) tools I want...

Also, I use a tooth brush to get into the nooks and crannies......

Wow, That is Soooo Cool! I hope they choose you and your belt... and let you know what it is for. It will be fun to look for your work in the movies!

Nice Work, Really Nice color (I want some). ...I saved pic # 1 and 7 & my computer flipped/rotated #7 back automatically...

Thanks Ray - for putting this all together. I had no idea there were so many choices of products. No problem with the order - I just fixed that once I downloaded the info. I am sure this will be of help to many others - look already 40 folks have downloaded your info. Thanks again for your time and effort and for sharing it all

Very Nice!

His original problem has been fixed and I bet he gets the drift... here... I doubt he is going to come back and apologize, although that might help a little...

I know the folks that get anything you have made are going to be pleased for years to come........ Seriously - I always Really enjoy seeing your work! You have come a long way "leatherrookie"

I wrote this about a year ago and now it is a bit out of date - Below is an Updated "How To Use The LW Search Engine" Click on the star/wheel on the right side of the search box - This is for the Advanced Search (I also always open it in a separate window - so hold down the command key and click on the star/wheel) These are the 2 ways I use this Advanced feature. I search by FIND WORDS or FIND AUTHOR. 99% of the time I use this option…… • FIND WORDS - The way I have found works the best is to use just one word (the simplest) like - airbrush, basketweave, case, checkbook, dye, edge, fingercarving, finish, graphics, holster, ink, knife, lacing, modeling, pattern, sheath, sewing, sharpening, swivel knife, tooling, vinegaroon, wallet, etc… • Enter your word in the Find words box • For the Search in section choice click on Forums • For Display results pick As posts • Click on Search now. There will be all kinds of the posts for this subject and it will show those with pictures...... *** There may be a lot of posts that are not relevant, but I end up finding things I had not even thought of… The other way I use the search engine is • FIND AUTHOR - There are some Verrrrrry Talented Leather workers here and they share pictures of their work and share Very Good tips on various subjects. If you find a post that interests you and you want to find more pics or info by them - take that authors name and enter it in the Find author line. • For the Search in section choice - click on Forums • For Find author - enter authors name • For Display results pick - As posts • Click on Search now. *Not only will you get their posts, but any pictures they have posted of their work.