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Hi, everyone: I recently finished up the below wallet, which I've nicknamed the "Viajero" since I took a simiar model on a South American trip last year. I've always found wallet patterns to be a little challenging, since I want them to fold just right and have a slim profile even when loaded up. Several paper and leather mock-ups later, here's the result. The wallet back is 4-5 oz. cowhide, and the interior is 2 oz. textured pigskin. I also used white nylon thread, Eco-Flo dye, and Leather Weld glue. There are two bill pockets and six credit card pockets. I also dropped in a pic of a recent key fob. This one was done with Eco-Flo cranberry dye, with the edges slightly darker in java brown dye. -Alex

Goldpony, I'm glad you found your way here. If you're interested in a custom saddle, perhaps a good place to start is the Leatherworker Directory. Here's the page related to saddles and equine gear: http://leatherworker.net/pmd/category/finished-leather-goods/saddles-tack-other-equine-gear/ There's also a vibrant Saddles and Tack forum here where these folks hang out. I'm sure you'll find someone who can help you! Best, -Alex

I think that's a great first try. Kudos!

Very attractive design -- great use of lines to create a unique profile. I'm guessing this is for a large folder, like a Buck 110?

John, welcome to LW.net. As you probably figured out, most of us create leatherwork from scratch, but I definitely have a great appreciation for folks like you who can make older or damaged leather products look like new. That's a nice skill set to have!

Beautiful. I especially like how the leather color you chose complements the light wood.

We're glad you found us!

Top notch! Keep posting those pics!

First of all, welcome to LW.net. We're glad you found us. Regarding your question, I've never produced a dye job of that type. But I'll give you some pointers on how I might go about trying, and let's hope that someone with more experience chimes in. The first thing you'll need is plenty of scrap leather to try this out on. You never, ever, ever want to experiment on your final project. Ask me how I know this. I have a trash can full of "great" last-minute ideas. Next, you'll need tan dye and black dye. I think my first try would be to dye the entire project tan, and use a wool dauber and the black dye to darken the edges. Then I'd use a very lightly-loaded dauber to produce the black streaks. Maybe another way to accomplish this is to selectively apply a resist (like Satin Shene) to keep some areas lighter than others. I'm not very knowledgable in that area, so I'll leave it to someone else to expand upon that idea. The most important thing is to get the two dyes and start experimenting on scrap. You may not be able to replicate that exact dye job, but who knows -- you may stumble onto something that looks even better to you. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

That looks professional-grade to me... I wouldn't change a thing! I'd be ecstatic if I could create or own a bag that nice. Congrats!

I remember the preview functionality from way back, and it's a real time-saver. Glad to see it's returned!

Congratulations! Keep on rolling...

Steve, if the project was colored with an oil or spirit dye, I'd simply use Lexol to condition it. If you used Eco-Flo dyes, Lexol is a no-no... Neatsfoot oil would be better in that case. But I'm sure there are others who would suggest different products. There are quite a few out there!

Those dyes you refer to have a toxic smell, are flammable, go on too dark and streaky, and tend to produce rub-off on clothing. I'm not holding up Eco-Flo as the best dye out there, I'm simply stating there are pros and cons to each of the products in the marketplace.

Kevin, thanks for your thoughtful answer... Lots of truth in your words. I, for one, really appreciate the opportunity to work with retailers who care about my needs, even if I'm not getting the absolute rock-bottom price. Quality goods and service are worth paying for.

Travis, good to have you here! Welcome!

I'd send a personal message to Ed Santoro (esantoro). He did some pretty exhaustive evaluations of edge coatings a year or two ago, and he might have some tips and tricks regarding the products he's using now... Good luck!

Roy, It looks like that laser is a bit more precise than my leather shears! As Tim mentioned, you've got some great ideas, so please continue to post pics as you progress. Good to have you here. Regards, -Alex

Great job! -- And as always, extra credit for doing your own interior. Very clean and functional.

That's some sweet work. Congrats!

There is indeed a huge amount of information to go through here, but don't be afraid to ask questions!

Fantastic work! Keep posting those pics!

Very nice!

Tom, I love the color combination and the clean carving. Congrats!