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We're glad you found us!

Wow, that's really top-notch. Beautiful choice of leather, and the white thread is a nice contrast. Congrats!

Kyle... You've found a good site with lots of very helpful people.

Glad to see you here!

I normally try to get Christmas shopping done as quickly as possible, visiting my local mall or "big box" store to purchase as much as I can. And I'm always amazed at how much I spend on products that are likely made in far-off places in huge factories. This year, I started a little early so I'd have the luxury of doing things differently. Instead of buying at the mall, I visited a local artisan gallery and made many of my purchases there. Instead of looking online at Amazon, I browsed Etsy. What I ended up with was a set of very nice, handcrafted gifts to give to family and friends... And I spent about the same amount of money. Best of all, I supported local craftspeople who are trying to make a living in a tough economy dominated by cheap, foreign products. Did anyone else purchase handmade gifts this year? What did you end up buying?

Beautiful and serene. Thanks for sharing.

I'm glad you've joined us here!

And I've heard the practice is fairly common in the Muslim world. The expert craftsmen who do the tile and glass work in the mosques apparently always add a misshapen or off-color piece into their massive designs... The implied message is that only God is perfect.

Doing well.... Still chugging along!

I suppose I'm in the minority when I say that I expect every single thing I produce to have at least one minor flaw. I've learned to live with and even admire these flaws as tributes to the imperfect nature of doing handwork using natural materials. I call them "birthmarks" -- since everyone on earth is born with a minor blemish or two. That's what makes my work "human" -- if I were interested in perfection, I'd let a machine do my work for me. Now, I'll draw the line at major defects, like design flaws or functional problems, but I let some of the cosmetic stuff ride. Perfect is no fun... It's much more interesting to be unique. Which brings to mind the story of a famous woodworker -- I believe it was Sam Maloof -- who produced a masterpiece dresser that was perfect in every regard. He finished it off by driving an ugly iron nail into the interior and smashing it down into a twisted knot, much to the dismay of his shop staff. That single act turned "furniture" into art. Something to think about I guess when considering the concept of defects and how they're seen by others...

Make yourself at home!

I agree. You have a nice, clean look. Experimentation is a good thing, but you should be happy with what you already have, too. Very professional-looking!

No, the tutorial is still there. Try the following link: KK Tutorial Making Wallet Guts http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=9940

Outstanding. Love the colors used...

I really like the aged look you're able to give these wallets. Very nice.

Beautiful work! Fantastic design.

Superb! Very professional looking.

I like them... Especially the first one with the concho.

A true work of art, Kevin. You should be proud! One question -- do your customers supply the artwork (i.e. tell you what they want) or do you produce your design as you see fit and then look for the buyer? Just wondering...

I agree with Max... I prefer 4-5 oz. veg tan for exteriors and 2 oz. for interiors.

Good to see you back!

If you're interested in going with a water-based product, I think Eco-Flo All-In-One Fudge Brown produces a medium brown with a reddish tint, too...

Me, too.

Agreed. I've had mice shred old carpets in my basement, shred synthetic flowers, and eat just about anything. Rodents will go after leatherwork, too -- regardless of the type of oil used in finishing.

Nice work -- as always!