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Fire, that notebook is spectacular. One question -- an issue I tend to have with my notebooks is having them stay closed. I usually employ some sort of strap or tie to keep the notebook folded when closed. How are you accomplishing that? I'm imagining that the liner makes it even more difficult to stay folded... -Alex

I think that's the photography, Tom. I'm betting this seat's color looks awesome in the daylight.

I'd be curious to hear what she's proposing...

L'Bum, I use EdgeKote on my wallets and have never had a problem. It's as flexible as the leather itself, and won't crack. I'm sure everyone here has their own "special formula" for nice edges. Mine is as follows. First, I dry sand the edge with 320 grit sandpaper. Then, I wet the edge and run the sandpaper along it once more. Before the edge dries, I slick it with a cocobolo stick. Then, I apply a generous amount of EdgeKote. I very lightly slick again. It's a fair amount of work (especially on a belt ), but it looks good when done. Good luck! -Alex

Old school, and very sweet. One of your best yet, IMHO. Love it.

Spider, although I consider myself a pretty traditional craftsperson, I admit your designs are growing on me! The torn flesh designs are fantastic! Great color and effects! Keep up the good work! -Alex

I agree that Eco-Flo colors are some of the most vibrant out there. I've used them on wallets, belts and other personal accessories with a few coats of Satin Shene on top. Although I'm aware of the dye's sensitivity to water, I haven't had any problem with light exposure to moisture, like a little rain, etc. Do you mind if I ask what problems you were having related to your water damage? Alex

Caroline, kudos to you for writing up this tutorial. Very informative!

Absolutely beautiful work! Does it ever bother you that your finest work is often covered up by some biker's big, sweaty rear-end? 'Course I suppose you could say the same thing about my wallets... Great job (as usual)! Alex

When I first started out in leatherwork, I received lots of compliments on my projects. Most of the kind words were from regular folks who were amazed that someone could take a shoulder of veg-tan leather and turn it into a wallet or a key fob. I was always very appreciative, but was more interested in the feedback of fellow leatherworkers, like the members of this forum. I felt like my peers were in a better position to provide unbiased feedback. When I started receiving positive comments from folks here that I respect as artisans, that's when I started feeling more confident. But ultimately, your work has to satisfy you as the artist. When you reach the point where you're satisfied with the knowledge you have, and the materials and techniques you use, then you'll know you've come into your own as a craftsperson.

Hilly: Two ideas that spring to my mind when reading your post. Try denatured alcohol instead of deglazer. Deglazer is really nasty stuff, and alcohol should perform this task nicely. Try your saddle tan finish on scrap before trying it on the final project! If you're looking for perfection, you may need to adjust your application method. Good luck! Alex

For several years I scoured the Internet looking for information on leatherwork. What I found was a good sheathmaking forum, a difficult-to-use Yahoo! Group, and a fashionista leather forum. I finally discovered Leatherworker.net via Google in the summer of '06. There weren't many members around back then, fewer than 100, and I remember lurking for a few weeks before joining just because I wasn't sure this forum was going to make it. I eventually registered in August and promptly started posting. Things really picked up steam at the beginning of 2007 when lots of our more active members joined, and the growth in 2008 is incredible. With over 2,100 members from all over the world, there's no question this is the premier leatherworking site in cyberspace. The information I've found here has definitely benefitted my own work, and I've made some friends, too! I'm glad to see so many folks are supporting the site with Contributing Memberships. That'll ensure Leatherworker.net continues to be around for a long time to come. Alex

Absolutely love it. Very unique style! Alex

Ed, when you receive and start using this stuff, please be sure to post your impressions. I don't think many people here have heard of LCI, and we'd be curious to hear how their dyes and edge finishes work as compared to the regular Tandy and Fiebings stuff.... Thanks! Alex

Wow, what a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing these pics! Alex

Solan, Try Tandy Leather Factory: The Leather Factory #71 MISSISSAUGA Toll Free: 866-608-8822 Manager: Antony Wohlgemuth 5562 Tomken Rd Mississauga, ON L4W-1P4 toronto@tandyleather.com 905-625-3700 fax: 905-625-4030 Here are some of their center bar buckles. http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?dept=44 Good luck! Alex

Paul, I don't know of anyone else here that's building baseball equipment... But who knows, maybe your post will prompt someone to speak up! I enjoyed browsing the custom baseballs on your Etsy site. Please be sure to post some pics of your glove when you finish one. Welcome! Alex

How about Wickett & Craig's tannery in Curwensville, PA? I've heard they offer tours of the facilities, but I don't think anyone on this forum has visited in person...

I haven't tried them. I think most folks who are interested in low-VOC products are using Tandy's Eco-Flo line, probably because it's so easy to get. If you decide to try the new Fiebings LeatherColors, please be sure to let us know how they work! Thanks, Alex

Great to have you here! Alex

Shorts, that's a 50/50 mix of Eco Flo Java Brown and Eco Flo Dark Mahogany. The result is a really mellow color that resembles a piece of well-oiled, dark leather. It's my favorite color for belts.

That's a work of art. Absolutely beautiful! Alex -- Might I add, I love the two-tone color scheme. Brilliant.

I always dye the leather first, and do the edge dyeing last. To keep things from getting sloppy, I apply the edge dye with a Q-Tip or a small brush.

That's exactly the reason I refuse to carve my projects! If you're getting blisters, you're working too hard! :D p.s. Just a tip -- you can avoid blisters by icing your fingers every few minutes on a bottle of ice-cold beer. Of course, after a while your tooling will get sloppy and your mind will wander, but no more blisters...

Yes, fantastic work. It's great to have you here! Alex