JP1

thanks for the helpful suggestions.

When I say floral carving I am mainly interested in western floral type patterns, I also do like some of the sheridan style floweres as well, but at this time I am starting out and mainly trying to just conquer western florals to begin with. Thanks.

Thanks for the pics.

I was looking for input on instructional teaching DVDs for flower carving, basic to intermediate leather working skills, and belt making DVDs. If anyone has had any exposure to good DVD resources in regards to these subjects please give your recommendations and what you liked about it. Thanks.

Thanks for the input, for those that do press what kind of press are you using.

I was looking for input on tools for forming leather holsters. I want to either use a vacuum press or some kind of hydraulic press to achieve a very nice form fitting holster. I wanted to know if anyone had any experience with these and what their pros and cons are? Would one be better for me to use than the other? I have seen some plans on this forum for a 12 ton harbor freight press, and seen some negative and positive comments in regards to this item. I have also been looking at vacuum press plans from veneeringsupplies.com and joewoodworker.com. If one uses a vacuum press and has already tooled a design on the leather does it have any effect on that work after vacuuming? Thanks for any comments that are given.