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Wow. Looks like Chuck Burrows has some competition! Super job!

Nice job. Looks great. Edited to add: Allan, I just visited your website, and I love your stamped designs... Especially the ones you do on your belts. I'm partial to stamping (over carving), but I have a long way to go before I'll be producing patterns as nice as yours. Beautiful! (Plus, nice website design, Kate.)

We're glad you're here!

Cowgirl, I'm partial to the acrylic-based finishes... My favorite is Tandy's Satin Shene. It's best to apply these in several very light coats using a damp sponge. Allow at least five minutes between each coat. When you're done, buff with a cotton cloth for a soft, satin finish. Good luck! (And be sure to experiment with new products on scrap! )

Sweet!

That's some truly fine craftsmanship.

Beautiful work!

Very nice! I especially like the contrast and texture you create with the stamping.

Looks great. Very professional.

I've been here long enough that I'm embarrassed to admit I can't work this site's search feature, either. I use Particle's method. Here's a recent example: I was looking for information on Ron's edgers. This site's search results contain a whole lot of unrelated links, with no apparent priority or organization, other than date of last post. Here's the same result using Google: http://www.google.co...5b5ca8630a93ba4 Big difference. I wonder sometimes whether there's a better way to search using this site's internal search engine, but I haven't been able to figure it out yet.

Don't take it personally... I've seen some really nice stuff posted here where people look, but don't take the time to comment. Not sure why... Speaking of nice stuff, these are some great wallets. I always look forward to seeing your work, Allen. Keep on rolling!

I don't think anyone called anyone else "stupid," but I'm guessing K-Man disagrees with Boomstick's advice that sewing straight across the belt and dyeing the inside are rookie "mistakes." K-man -- far from being a rookie -- suggests he employs both techniques for good reason. I suppose this thread just proves if you ask six leatherworkers the best way to tie a shoe, you'll get six different responses. (In which case, you get to consider each of the different techniques and choose the one that works best for you.)

Beautiful work!

I must say, even though I'm not a holster maker, I'm definitely a fan of fine craftsmanship. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first two pages of your tutorial, Will. I'm looking forward to seeing more. Best, -Alex

That's the best belt I've seen in a while, and maybe the best ladies belt I've ever seen. Congrats!

We're glad you found us!

Geez, Tom, 979 sales? I'd say Etsy has been very good to you!

I'd be curious about this, as well...

Jo, Last night I sat down and refinished a belt I made for myself three years ago. This particular belt had lots of miles on it and was in rough shape. I cleaned it up with a damp rag, applied a light coat of neatsfoot oil, redyed worn areas, and refinished with Satin Shene. I was surprised to find a belt that looked almost brand new, and immediately regretted not taking "before-and-after" photos as proof of the remarkable transformation. The point is this: a well-cared-for product built out of quality materials can last practically forever. I'm convinced from past experience I would have gone through several imported, factory-made belts in this same timeframe. I'm wondering when Americans will wake up from this Walmart-inspired fixation with the lowest possible price, and start looking again for quality. Or maybe no one wants to wear the same belt for ten years? Maybe folks are more interested in buying cheap, short-term products that wear out quickly so they can get next year's "latest and greatest" item? There's lots to ponder in your post, and I'm looking forward to hearing other weigh in... -Alex

Welcome! If you'd like to introduce yourself, you can do so in the Member Gallery. If you'd like to post pictures of your work, the best place would be the Show Off forum. Make yourself at home!

So true... Mokosh, welcome to the forums. It's great to see artisans who take leather in different directions, and I must say, your work is certainly unique!

Noah, that's some mighty fine work all the way around. Congrats on a spectacular collaboration!

Don, thanks for the intro. We're glad you found us. In fact, I see King's X is twice as happy to welcome you.

I agree totally. New and different is definitely good. I love it when folks push the boundaries of what leatherwork should look like...

Keep at it! The first one is always the hardest one...