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You've got some nice patterns going on there -- my guess is that you'll do very well at the street fair! Alex

Kevin, you bring up an interesting point. By "branding" I assume you mean a concerted effort to make products similar and recognizable. And you're right, it's clear that BMW and Hummer are trying to incorporate certain design elements into every vehicle they make so they have the right "look." So, what's bad about this? One downside might be that the engineers don't have complete freedom to design -- they're always limited by parameters that establish the corporate brand. A great example is that every BMW model needs to have that patented split grille, regardless of whether it's the best or most efficient design. I totally respect artisans that aren't willing to live with parameters, and try to experiment and introduce completely new designs. However, I've also discovered I have a strong desire to make products that resemble one another. I guess I'm guilty of branding -- I do prefer to make my wallets look like my wristbands, that also look like my notepads. I want to be able to take all of these items, put them on a table, and recognize that one person made them...

Dave, I've pre-treated leather with neatsfool oil when using spirit dyes and seen the good results Art mentions. I've done the same thing using water-based dyes and can't tell the difference. I generally use neatsfoot oil after dyeing to condition the leather and even out the color a bit. Experimenting on scrap to form your own opinion is a good idea.

Regis, I don't think there's a way to "stiffen" sueded chap leather. However, I have occasionally glued a lining of Mission Grain Pigskin to suede to give it more body (i.e., less tendency to bend). It's a bit of a pain, but helps you use garment leather for some other purposes, like building handbags. Hope this helps! -Alex

Skeltron, First of all, welcome to Leatherworker.net. It's good to have you here. I haven't worked with Fiebings low VOC dyes, and I have no idea where to get them, either. Maybe someone else can provide a source? However, I've been using Tandy's Eco-Flo leather dyes since June 2007, and I actually prefer them to any other dye I've used in the past. Now, I can think of several members here (including Wolvie, as mentioned above) that don't share my enthusiasm for this new line. But, it only costs 5 bucks to give it a try. My favorites are Coal Black, Bison Brown, Dark Mahogany and Ranger Tan. What's also neat about these water-based dyes is that they're super easy to mix to create your own custom shades. Give 'em a try. You might be pleasantly surprised! Alex

It's funny you bring that up, Clay, because I'm convinced that's one of the major influences in my work, as well. I've lived my entire life near the Blue Ridge Mountains and have spent a good bit of time in the Smokies, too. I've gotten to see lots of mountain crafts, whether it's leather, clay, iron or wood. Most of these items are simple and clean, and designed to favor function over form. While I love to admire ornate objects, I've found I have very little talent in producing them, so I stamp instead of carve and keep designs as simple as possible. Now, these preferences don't have much to do with what customers want. Since I don't depend on leatherwork for income (thankfully, 'cause I'm too damn slow ), I focus on what feels right to me. It's hard to describe, but about a year ago, I started developing an instinct for what works for me and what doesn't... Maybe that's the beginning of figuring out your own style...

Lifter, you're a perfect example of someone who has developed a unique style. (Samples) I think it's interesting that you mention the words durable, industrial and cartoony, but don't say anything about what I think is the most distinctive quality of your work, and that's the color. You're one of the few folks here who leaves a seat naturally colored, but dyed black in certain areas. Is that your personal preference, and if so, do you think you might ever experiment with other color schemes?

I'm impressed by companies that are able to make their products stand out from the crowd by creating a distinctive style. Examples might be BMW, whose engineers create vehicles with recognizable grilles and headlights, or maybe Airstream trailers, which strive for a vintage look with aluminum panel construction. What's neat about these products is the fact that you could hide the nameplate, and odds are, you'd still know the maker. When I first started out in leatherwork, my #1 concern was making a quality product. But coming in a close second was the desire to make something that reflected a unique style. I've noticed that many folks here have developed their own style in leather. I'd be curious to know your opinions on the following questions: 1. How would you define your style if you had to describe it to someone? 2. What would you say influenced your style? (Techniques, materials, personal preferences, customer preferences, other?) I don't think we've discussed style much on this forum, so I hope folks will consider weighing in on this topic and sharing some insights. Thanks, Alex

I think it looks fantastic, as usual. You're definitely on the right track! Alex

Nice work! Hey, Freak, I was thinking about making my first mask, too. Maybe we should encourage ClayB to make that a contest...

Spectacular! Nuff said.

Very nice!! Alex

Looks great. Alex

That's some mighty fine work there, Luke. Congrats! Alex

Thanks, Eric. I used 4-5 oz. leather, which makes for a lightweight and thin wristband, and some regular old Line 20 snaps. Line 20 should be good up to about 7 oz. leather, and beyond that you should be looking at Line 24s. Alex

Tazz, Your story brings back memories. My first wallet was a kit, a tri-fold to be exact, and I struggled with all the same issues you mentioned, and in the end, the darned thing wouldn't fold. Well, it would, but it folded so poorly it felt like you had a big old brick in your back pocket! I was fairly disappointed and trashed it. The good news is that the kit taught me some basics about wallet dimensions so I was able to design and build my own the next time. Please do post pics of your son's wallet... We'd love to see his first project! Alex

Wow, thanks for all the nice comments. Tammy, it's hand-sewn with a 4-5 oz. exterior and a 2-3 oz. interior. The 4-5 oz. is overkill for the exterior, but adds to the durability of the wallet and provides a nice surface for tooling or carving. Freak, it's the very tip of an O56 border stamp.

I haven't posted pictures in a while, so I figured I'd share a few of the projects that have occupied my time in January. Given the beautiful work that's been posted recently in the Show Off forum, I hope no one minds checking out a few "utilitarian" pieces! ^_^ Thanks for looking, -Alex

Ingenious idea, Steve. Thanks for sharing! Alex

Josep, Welcome to Leatherworker.net! I love your new sheath -- it seems to have an antique quality that accentuates the knife. Really nice work and great attention to detail. (For example, your stitching and polished edges are virtually perfect.) Please keep posting your new projects! -Alex

Tammy, thanks for your kind words regarding the wristbands. I didn't take many pictures of my projects when I first started out (including those heavier wristbands), but recently I've been taking pics of every one. I think you mentioned in one of your other posts that you want to start taking more pictures, too... Speaking of pics, please keep posting yours -- you do beautiful work! Alex

Anyone who commissions a skull carving is probably gonna want it black. I think it just comes with the territory. If you like natural colors, maybe you should start Sheridan carving your seats! :D

Daaaaaaaaaang. That's some nice work there, Duane. Glad you've checked in. Alex

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing! Alex

Really, really nice! One of the best examples of realistic carving I've seen on this site! Congrats, -Alex