jinrui73

That is really amazing and inspirational work! -jerry

Looks great! I think that design is pretty cool. Really good job with the basketweave and border! What did you use for the border? -jerry

I don't know what all you've looked at in the way of lessons but I am using Paul Burnetts downloadable lessons and I really love 'em so far. The free lessons are good but they are incomplete. The downloadable ones are cheap. I'm sure there are a whole host of others but this is the one I'm using for now, it will help smooth out your knife cuts alot and help you with stamping tools and everything else. I think you are off to a great start, I am only a newbie at this myself so take it with a grain of salt if you like. Go to www.paintingcow.com to see Pauls lessons. Keep up the good work! God bless you! -jerry

Spit and denim is what I'm using at the moment! It works really well, too, even on thumbs!

I think people should be able to express themselves however they see fit as long as it doesn't harm someone else. I've seen alot of freaky things that people do to themselves, some of it looks pretty cool, some doesn't, most of it I would never do to myself, lol. I agree with Biggundoctor (aka 'The Big JC' ), if you take the time to get to know somebody regardless of how the decorate themselves you might be suprised by the person you find. My .02 -jerry

Read Kates' response, it applies to your question. -jerry

Paul Burnett offers excellent lessons on leather carving and they're reasonably priced and downloadable. I'm using them and they are fantastic! www.paintingcow.com. Check it out.

That is one beautifully restored book!

Dwight, thats a great idea and I intend to use it, unfortunately the nearest tandy store to me is in Houston, 3 hours drive and alot of gas, so that may have to wait till I move back to Phoenix. lol. Terrymac, I think those books are in my wish list on the tandy website, if they're not they will be when I get done typing here! And I will definitely look for that forum. I keep getting distracted by the interesting posts in other places lol! Thanks guys! -jerry

Actually I have a bajillion (is that a number?) projects whirling around in my head. Some is stuff I don't think has been made yet, others are pretty common. I guess I'm starting with really simple stuff like the tandy kits, belts, wallets, cell phone cases until I can afford to buy the leather and patterns to get into some real handmade stuff. One of the projects is I want to make shoes that are specifically for martial arts training, lean, lightweight, snug, durable enough for daily wear. I also am practicing Paul Burnetts figure carving course because I want to make quality products that are also beautiful and personal to people. I am working on 4 belts for my boss after showing her my first attempt and selling it to her assistant, which really blew me away. And she told me about her friend who has alot of swords that need scabbards, so there might be that coming up pretty soon. I also want to make a snakeskin inlay belt with some carving (not in the snakeskin) and conchos, probably lined, hand stitched. I think I'm starting to ramble, lol. I could go on for a while with other things I want to do, but I'm trying to give you a feel for whats going on in my head, hopefully it answered your question. -jerry

Hey all! I've got a few stupid questions; 1. How do I learn what types of leathers are for what projects? i.e. which ones are for lining, garments, tooling, lace, etc.? Are there books on the subject? Do I just need to ask around here? 2. How do I learn what to color my projects with? i.e. Is oil based superior to spirit based or is it just for different applications? Where can I learn an effective and lasting process for finishing my projects and keep them from fading or rubbing off on someones clothes/skin? Many more questions to follow, but I'll try not to annoy too much,LOL! Thanks in advance for any help, you are all great!

Thanks alot guys! I am pretty sure I will be able to get a BK knife and extra blade this payday (I just sold 4 belts so it's paying for itself). As far as the other tools I do plan to add the high end tools as money permits but for now it's gotta be entry level prices. And please don't think I am badmouthing Tandy, without them I wouldn't be as happy as I am now doing something I love!! Or maybe I should be badmouthing them for getting me started on this addiction! LOL! And the people I'm doing work for seem to be very pleased with the results so far, but I really want to step up the quality if I can. Thank you so much again for your input it has helped alot!! -jerry

Hi everybody! I'm buying some stamps and such this payday and need clarification on which is better, Tandy or Hide Crafters. I noticed the part numbers are the same, is that just a standard for the industy or are they from the same manufacturer? I've been reading that Hide Crafters stamps are performing better than Tandys so I'm leaning that way. I can't wait to be able to shell out $50 for 1 Barry King stamp, but Dominos Pizza doesn't see that happening anytime soon, LOL! Also, is that $45 BK swivel knife a big improvement over Tandys adjustible? Any help in clarifying this for me is really appreciated. Thanks! -jerry

Absolutely beautiful work. Thank you so much for sharing!

Those are very nice! Did you freehand the initial? It is a really cool design! And very well done!