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Flawless, as usual. Thanks for sharing!

Art, I use Edge Kote and I like it. Everyone has their preference. I don't think you're risking much by trying a bottle to see if it works for you. As mentioned, the major downside is that it only comes in two colors, brown and black. The upside is that (used well) it provides really nice, professional-looking edges. Good luck! -Alex

Elegant's explanation is a good one, but seems to overly emphasize the negatives of neatsfoot oil. Many folks who want a leather conditioner that share Elegant's concerns use Lexol. Lexol used to be my preference as well, until I started using Tandy's Eco-Flo dyes and discovered that Lexol lifts the color. I've gone back to using 100% pure neatsfoot. Lightly used, you won't experience any problems. Best, -Alex

This is an excellent piece of advice. Whether you're making holsters or wallets or any other functional item, always carry and use what you make, and it won't be long before you're improving your design. Excellent job on your first holster. I'd say you have outstanding attention to detail and quite a bit of talent in leatherwork. Keep up the good work! Best, -Alex

I think that set rightfully belongs in the masterpiece category. Congrats -- that's some brilliant work there! Best, -Alex

Tom and Craftsman, thanks for the nice words. Yes and no. The single rivet under the belt loop anchors the bottom of an interior pocket. (It's also glued, but I wanted a little extra strength.) The other two domed rivets hold an extra piece of leather to the bottom of the case (on the inside), thus reinforcing it for heavier contents. Probably none of the rivets were necessary, but I do like the way they look, too. So maybe some aesthetic value did influence my thinking...

On a related note, earlier this year I switched to Eco-Flo leather dyes and Eco-Flo Leather Weld (white) glue. Both seem to work fine for the projects I do, and I certainly don't miss the stench (or the health risks) of the flammable alternatives. For anyone with similar concerns, they're worth a try! -Alex

Yeah, I think all of us have done projects we'll never try again -- mine was a large, tooled tote bag. I calculated the number of times I struck a stamp, and I think it ended up being around 22,000 times. I'm sticking with small projects from now on! BTW, nice work on that braiding... Bet that steering wheel feels nice! Regards, -Alex

Welcome, Damon. I'm glad you found us. Best, -Alex

Beautiful work. Congrats!

Top notch! Dave, I know you like that Asian stuff, but have you ever thought about an American Indian theme for a seat? Some sort of warrior art?

Well, the side panel consists of two pieces of leather: a rectangular piece of 4-5 oz. leather (i.e., what you see in the photo) glued to a slightly larger piece of 2-3 oz. leather (about a quarter-inch larger on all sides). The heavier leather holds the shape of the pouch and doesn't allow it to collapse. The lighter leather is turned up and glued to the pouch body. Then the whole thing is stitched together. Clear as mud, right?

Outstanding. I really like the contrast of the lime green and black. Plus, the design and the stitching is off the hook. Congrats!

I think that wristband's mighty nice. I really like the color and the stamped pattern. I'm not much for carving myself, but I'm a big fan of a thoughtfully stamped design. Two thumbs up in my book! Keep 'em coming! Best, -Alex

R.K., I think this piece is really something special, and I'm sure your friend will feel the same way. You did a great job for a first sheath. I really like the smooth black color, the clean stamping job, and the fine stitching work. Two thumbs up on this one. Best, -Alex

Fernanda, thanks for this information. In the future, I'd like to visit Buenos Aires and some of these leather shops you mention. If your friend's father has time, I'd really appreciate getting a list of the names, street addresses and telephone numbers of his favorite suppliers. Thanks! -Alex

Beautiful job. I really want to make a messenger bag; I just need to get up the gumption to get it started... Thanks for the inspiration! -Alex

That's really spectacular. Thanks for sharing. I agree with Sodapop -- the decorative cuts on the inside really add a nice touch. Kudos, -Alex

This is one of the nicest projects I've seen posted recently. Kudos, Tom... This sling is superb. -Alex

Absolutely spectacular!

Hope you both enjoyed a great day, and that this coming year brings you many blessings. Best, -Alex

Absolutely flawless. Congrats! -Alex

Thanks, Tom and Ed. That particular buckle was from a local saddlery shop, who I understand ordered it from Weaver. It's not my favorite -- it's cast somewhat crudely compared to Tandy's top-line buckles -- but it's what I had at the moment.

Greg, here are the tools and supplies I use to hand-stitch: * CS Osborne Awl * Stitching needles * Nylon thread * #5 Overstitch wheel * Freehand groover * Adjustable groover * The Art of Hand Sewing Leather (book) * Super Glue (to lock the backstitches) Reading the Hand Sewing book will really help your understanding of how these supplies work together to produce nice stitching. Good luck! -Alex

Good gracious! I'd say you have a VERY bright future in leatherworking. That wallet's one helluva lot nicer than my first one. Congratulations, and thanks for posting your pics! Regards, -Alex