Bob Blea

I have a narrow beveler from Barry King that is about 1/16" wide and sometimes I get into tight curves and corners that even it doesn't fit into without accidentally beveling something I shouldn't. In those cases I come back with my modeling spoon and clean up the mis-beveled parts. Bob

After spending yesterday afternoon cleaning up branches that were knocked down by last week's snowstorm, I can see why something like that would be useful. It was warm enough that we weren't wearing long sleeves, and both my wife and I got our arms scratched up. It would have been nice to have something that strapped over the forearm and covered the the top and outside of the forearm. I wouldn't need it to cover the hands since I had gloves on, but I'm thinking of something using snaps at the wrist and the elbow and only covering the outer parts of the arm. That way it could still breathe on the inside of the arm and not be too hot. Just a though and I've never seen anything like this, but now that I think about it I may have to try making something like this. Bob

I think your work looks fantastic. I need to work hard to improve and get to YOUR level. Thanks for sharing.

Welcome to the site Buddy. I'm not a saddle maker but I know that the Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal magazine often publishes articles on saddle making and along with those articles they carving patterns for part of the saddle. It's usually just one part, say a fender, but it's the only source I know of. More knowledgeable people here probably can point you to other sources. Good Luck! Bob

I'm not a holster maker but I think they look great. Bob

Hello, I really like the case. It is a lot more classy looking than the simple 'sleeve' type cases that are designed for the Ipad to slip into. One question: looking at the inside picture in your gallery, how does the Ipad fit into the pocket? The pocket looks like it fits perfectly snug on all sides but I don't see how you get the Ipad into it. Thanks for sharing! Bob

That looks great. Really nice flowers and I like the design on the back. How big is it? Is it for a small notepad? Thanks for sharing. Bob

Really nice, your work helps to inspire me too. Thanks for sharing. I better get back to work.... Bob

Greetings from another Fort Collins resident! For me, it has made a big difference to get quality tools. Having good bevelers has really helped, plus having a center shader, leaf liner and good flower centers has made a big difference. The tools that were designed specifically for Sheridan style tooling can really make a big difference in the quality of my work. I have a small set of Barry King tools that are primarily what I use for my tooling now. That plus learning how to case the leather properly and get a good burnish has helped. I used to keep my leather too wet and the leather just sort of mushed around. Once I got better about not keeping my leather too wet, the overall look of my flowers got better. Post some pictures and we can probably make more suggestions. Bob

Really nice work! I like the use of the oak leaves as the 'floral' element. I've never seen the acorns done the way you have. I really like the effect, how it gives them a nice 3D look. The whole design works together really well. Thanks for sharing. Gives me something else to aspire to. Bob

Thanks BillB, this explanation certainly helps me understand. I appreciate the insight. Bob

Hello, I think it looks good, particularly the finishing. The one thing I do notice is that your vine and leaf work is a bit confusing. There are places (like above and to the left of the flower) where the leaves coming off the vine go in opposite directions. The leaves on the inside of the curve, toward the flower, turn in one way and on the outside they are flowing the opposite direction. Also, in the lower right corner the vine flows back and merges with the one leading up to the leaf, but their flow direction is opposite each other. The vines and leaves should flow in a consistent direction, like water flowing from a hose, and lead the viewers eye around the artwork. But aside from that the carving, shading, decorative cuts all looks pretty good. Keep at it. Bob

When you say soaking, do you mean in the dye or with water? I'm assuming water.....

I too vote for Pictorial Carving Finesse, it's a great book to learn how to make the trees. There are great examples of all sorts of trees that I want to try, just haven't had time. Regarding the tools, Tandy did just discontinue some of the figure carving tools, mainly some of the foilage tools, but you can get the same kinds of tools from Robert Beard. He has a very large line of figure carving tools, and they are excellent but pricey and you may have to wait a while for him to make them. I have one of his figure bevelers and a set of tools for making small (distant) Spruce trees that works great. Otherwise, you can usually find the vintage craftool foliage tools on ebay. Hope this helps, Bob

Thanks Bruce, glad to hear I was on the right track. I like the idea of the beadline around it. That would make it look better. I'm planning on doing something similar to this next and I'll give it a try. I just thought about making a wider border around it, and having a border stamp inside of that. You kind of put that idea in my head, so I'm going to see where I can take it. Thanks again for the feedback. Bob

Hello, I just finished the back of a leather notepad holder, and I used a shell tool to make a geometric pattern to cover the back. My question is how to do the border for the stamped area. When I do a basketweave I finish the area by beveling the border and then using a border stamp. For this though, I don't think the typical border stamp makes would look good, as it may be too like the shell stamp and would muddy up the whole effect. The beveled border I did here isn't too bad, but I think there are probably better ways to do it that look better. Any maybe the right border stamp would look good. Any suggestions from any members that have made a stamped geometric like this would be appreciated. I would like to hear how you have done this and made it look good. Thanks for any advice in advance, Bob

I think that looks really nice. I think the reverse stenciling turned out good too. I like the effect. Bob

Nice cases and really nice stitching. Wish I could hand stitch like that. Thanks for sharing. Bob

This is a gift for my dad that I finished up the other day. It's the first item I've made using an oak leaf pattern. Thanks to ClayB and CitizenKate for their great tutorials in the figure carving section for helping me learn to make these. I liked how this turned out so much I may make something similar for myself! There are a lot of things that could be better on this, but he still really liked it. Thanks, Bob

I think that looks fantastic. The design is very unique and the finish looks great! Bob

It looks great! I was able to go to the show this weekend and your work was as good as anyone's there. You should be proud! Bob

Amazing! I am looking forward to getting to see this in person this weekend. Bob