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

I may be a bit confused by your question. You mention the leather was undyed, but you refer to it as "cordovan" which is a color. Was the leather natural -- very pale and skin-colored -- or was it already medium to dark brown? If the latter was the case, it's possible you attempted to apply dye over a latigo belt blank. Although latigo feels like unfinished leather, it's actually heavily impregnated with dyes and oils. That might be the reason your dye job didn't stick. Under normal circumstances, using regular veg-tan leather and oil-based dyes, Lexol won't pull the color off.

Or maybe this was a learning experience for Johnny and he'll become a valued member of this forum. You never know...

Good to have you here, Jeff. Make yourself at home!

CJ... We'd love to see some pictures of your work when you're ready to post them. Best regards, -Alex

John, I've found it's sometimes easier to make gradual improvements over time than to "start from scratch" with a radical new design -- just for the sake of being creative. As an example, I decided two months ago to redo my wallet design. There were elements I wasn't happy with, and decided I'd like to start from a blank slate. Man, I must have mocked up a half-dozen prototype interiors in paper and leather before I gave up on "blank slate." I actually went back to the basic design I'd been using for five years and identified 6 or 7 things I'd like to do differently. I recently finished the first prototype, and I liked the result. For me, it was better to improve upon a construction method I was comfortable with than to go a completely different route just because I'd seen another artisan do it that way. If your project is "way overdue," it might be time to get into delivery mode. Is there a way to split the difference -- i.e., to be somewhat innovative with your "conventional" interior? Unless you have a real breakthrough, you may have to look for compromises that will get this project rolling... Good luck! I think we've all been there at some point! Regards, -Alex

Welcome, Gleb. Thanks for sharing your pictures. Your work is beautiful. -Alex

I know nothing about holsters, but I certainly like the border stamping treatment you're trying out. Perhaps my only suggestion would be to go lighter on the pencil marks. Your centerline is noticable. Regardless, beautiful work. Congrats!

Fantastic work, Noah. You know, I've made lots of belts, but never a collar/leash combo. I'm going to have to try one! (Yours turned out beautifully.)

That's beautiful. I recently finished my first woodworking class at the local community college, and I now have a much greater appreciation for those of you who can do this kind of work!

Dave, a beautiful sheath for a beautiful piece. Tell me... Is this a show knife, or is there a practical application for this blade/handle combination?

Bobby, it's nice to hear another member speak up in favor of olive oil. I experienced all of the same benefits of using it, but eventually shied away due to some folks claiming the leather could turn "rancid." For the record, I have several projects I did six or seven years ago with light coats of olive oil, and they all look (and smell) great. How long have you been using olive oil? Any negative feedback from customers?

I was a big fan of Lexol until I started using Eco-Flo dyes. I found Lexol lifted the color quite dramatically. I switched to neatsfoot oil, and it seems to be very compatible with water-based dyes. Just something to keep in mind if you plan to dye your projects.

Geez, Gary. I think you win this year's prize for Most Humble Introduction. That's meant to be a compliment... Your work is superb! I'm sure you have much to contribute and share here, and we'd love to see more pic of your work. Welcome! -Alex

I believe they're one in the same. For a while, the only one available in spray form was Resolene -- so that may be why some folks picked one over the other.

Fantastic. Everything about this one is special. Keep posting those pics, my friend!

Chuck, thanks for taking the time to answer Johnny's question and for posting pics of a similar project. Beautiful work, as always.

B.T., welcome to Leatherworker.net. Regarding your question, it looks to me like your artist friend used a combination of techniques to arrive at her look. Most of it looks like it's block dyed. (Do a search here to learn about that technique.) However, I'm guessing the crisp lines may have been made by a freehand groover after the dye job was done. But that's just a guess. What's nice about leatherwork is that it doesn't require a huge investment to give it a try. I hope you enjoy it! Best, -Alex

Very, very nice. Great depth on the carving, and I love the idea of removable cartridge loops.

Jeff, lots of generic questions end up in the Leatherwork Conversation or How Do I Do That? forums. Some of the more specific questions might be best posted in their respective forums, like questions about dyeing a project might attract more views in the Dyes, Antiques and Stains forum. It's hard to go wrong here... Just post away and someone will help out!

Jeff, welcome to LW.net. As you mention, leatherwork is a great hobby. You can produce some fine work with only hand tools, and eventually step up to sewing machines, clickers and other time-saving equipment when you really get into it. Best of all, there's very little risk other than maybe pricking your finger with an awl. Enjoy your foray into leatherwork, and post some images of your projects when they're finished. Best, -Alex

Rats... Late to the party again! Clay, I hope you enjoyed your special day.

It's good to have you here! Regards, -Alex

TOP-SHELF in every category. This is a masterpiece. Congrats!

This type of work just blows my mind. I have difficulty assembling a proper wallet! Nice job!