abn

Wow. Beautiful work, Tammy! -Alex

Welcome to the dark side! :pirate2: Just kidding, of course. However, the software that runs Leatherworker.net does provide a great set of forums for information exchange. It's a great place to be, and we're glad you found us! -Alex

Truly fantastic! Thanks for sharing, Kevin. Alex

Those are really, really nice. Congrats! Alex

I don't finish the inside of a belt. I've never really seen the need, and I like the soft knap of the flesh side anyway... So that's not really a problem for me.

Welcome, bighorn! Great to have you here. Alex

I'm going to have to try painting something, just to give it a try...

**shudder** That fact alone will prevent me from ever working at Tandy! ^_^ There are good Tandys in the U.S., too! My local Tandy (the Richmond, Va. store) is well-run by very personable people who know my name and are eager to help me out. I deal exclusively with Tandy by choice. I've always been able to find top-quality leather, as long as I visit the store and look through everything to find what I want. I will definitely concede that for the money, Hidecrafters offers better stamps, and that's the only non-Tandy stuff I have in my shop. I consider myself a serious hobbyist, and Tandy suits me just fine. I wish folks would stop apologizing for working for a good company! Alex

Absolutely spectacular! What did you use for the colors -- acrylic paints? Great job!! -Alex

Love it, as usual. <- He likes it, too. Where do you get the really unique fabric you use on the interior? Alex

Tandy's Richmond store is a favorite hang-out of mine... Believe me, I won't hold it against you! Nice work, by the way, and... Alex

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Another vote for Infinity. Alex

Mike, I may know what your problem is, because I experienced it, too. I had bookmarked www.leatherworker.net. Everytime I visited the site, the front page would tell me to log in, but the forum pages (and all second tier pages) would say Welcome, abn. Try changing your bookmark to leatherworker.net (without the www). That fixed it for me. Hope it works for you, too. Alex

Now that's just plain awesome. Nice workmanship! Alex

Good to have you here, Kathy. Don't be shy about posting pictures of your work -- we'd love to see them! Alex

It's true that Tandy isn't the cheapest supplier on the planet, but their prices aren't bad either if you're a member of their Wholesale Club. I've been dealing exclusively with Tandy's Richmond store for five years, and during that time there's only been one time they didn't have what I needed in the store. (And in that instance, they were able to get it within 3 days.) The problem is that some of us really need what we order when we order it. Especially hobbyists who don't have a fully stocked shop with thousands of pieces of hardware, multiple hides, etc. Under those circumstances, it's nice to deal with a company that has most everything it advertises in stock and ready to ship. -Alex

That's some fine work there, Spen. Glad you found us and decided to post an introduction. Alex

I think the only way suede is not chrome-tanned is if it's very clear that it's a veg-tan split, like this, which is not a real commonly used type of leather. In addition to the concerns about chrome-tanned leather, I think I've also heard that suede traps tiny dirt particles, sand, etc., and promotes scratches... -Alex

From one lefty to another, I think that holster's sweet. My only question -- and granted, I've never built a holster -- is whether it's wise to use chrome-tanned leather as a lining for a holster. Somehow, that's ringing an alarm bell for me, and I'm not exactly sure why. Can anyone else chime in? Alex

Good to have you here! -Alex

I disagree... I think the black dye and grey paint really accentuate this seat. Great job!! :skull3: :D Alex

Really nice. Congrats! Alex

Well, if you don't have a California address, you should still be able to get ahold of the old alcohol-based Fiebing's Leather Dyes. Tandy still sells them, as do others...

Melissa, welcome to Leatherworker.net. ^_^ Here are some possible answers to your questions (and I'm sure others will chime in with more help): 1. I don't know of a good book on dyeing leather, but I know Tandy carries lots of books on different subjects. I learned what worked for me by trial and error. I purchased some dye, some stain, and an All-In-One product and played with it until I liked what I saw. 2. I've heard that some folks use felt on the inside of collars, but I suppose you could use just about any soft material like deerskin suede, etc. Gluing it in should work as long as you're using a contact cement or white glue like Leather Weld. 3. Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax is a good finish. I also like Satin Shene, which is a flexible and durable acrylic finish. As a beginner, you owe it to yourself to try out a whole bunch of different products, because each leatherworker has his or her own preferences and has discovered products that work best under their individual circumstances. I personally dye using Eco-Flo Leather Dye, condition with Neatsfoot Oil, and finish with Satin Shene, but there are many other combinations that'll work just as well! Good luck, and let us know if you have follow-up questions! Alex