TwoWalks

That is just too dang purdy for words! I love the basket stamping, probably even more than a few months ago because now I know how dang hard it is too do. I hope my old eyes and hands hold out long enough to master the basket stamp.

I think they look pretty darn good for a fifth or sixth pair ... so being a first pair ... First Rate.

Beautiful Job, I love the two color combo. Your work never ceases to amaze me.

Thanks Bob, I really like the way your stitches look. I have a #6 but I think I will order a #5.

Bob great looking cuffs and holster. Is that 5 or 6 stitches to the inch?

Just do a web search for "springfield leather"

Athenah, I was in Missouri last year .. Small town of Marshall. I went there for the Bow makers gathering called MoJam. Both of my Step Sons were born in St Louis, Missouri I really loved it except for the heat and humidity. . I think your belt is amazing for such an early attempt and with very limited tools. I am finishing two holsters that I started with and will be doing a belt in the next couple weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed it turns out half as good as yours.

Athenah, looks like we hit the craft of leather working about the same time, December. I still can not cut a curve with the swivel knife. Your work is light years ahead of mine and you should be extremely proud of your progress. Those Saddle bags are beautiful.

Thanks, will put that into my notes. I have a airbrush but have not tried it yet.

I feel the same way. My first holster and second holster are actually getting finished at the same time. I figure, I was not born making Holsters, belts and carving leather, so each piece is an opportunity to learn a little and get a little bit better. If it was not a challenge, it would be boring. When you mixed the tan and oxblood, did you mix 50/50?

I really, really wanted to point out all the flaws I could find in your holster. I only wanted to do this, because I am working on my first holster and see so many flaws in it, so I thought it would be nice to find a few in yours. Oh well, it's not too be. I love the simplicity and the color is fantastic. The burnish on the edges look great and the stitching is great. Beautiful job. Now to go back too the beginning, I will just be content to find a few more flaws in my holster. TwoWalks

That rig is beautiful. I love the color and the stitching is excellent, wish mine would look like that.

If you have this opportunity presented by your husband ... Grab on and go for the ride ... I live in California and would leave in a heart beat if that offer was given me by my wife. Now for your question: "Is it ever too late to learn?" Yes there is a time when it is to late too learn. You will know when that is without asking, someone will be throwing dirt in your face. Between then and now, do not build too many "I wish I had." regrets. If you want to make saddles, then make saddles. I am past 65 and I am waiting to get in the tools I ordered and the scrap leather so I can begin to learn this art. Why, because I wanted to.