ArtS

Go for it. It's not my design. I did the same thing. Saw someone else post one and tried it. I just added the strap. I can't wait to see what you come up with. The gals love 'em. I have orders for 4 more. ArtS

What kind of printer company, newspaper? ArtS

I bought an Artisan 3000. I use the foot that came on it. It will sew up to 3/4" of leather. Not that I'll ever be sewing anything that thick. I really like this machine. I had never used one before getting it so it took me a while to learn to sew with a machine. It sure beats hand stitching. I bought the flatbed that comes with this machine so I can use it as a flatbed or a cylinder head. I rarely have used the flatbed. It's good for large items that you need to spread out flat. For items that you need to maneuver around the cylinder is much better. http://www.artisansew.com/ Here are pictures of the machine with and without the table. ArtS SPECIFICATIONS: TORO-3000 Cylinder Length: 9” Sewing Capacity: 3/4” Presser Foot Lift: 1 1/16” Bobbin: #11910 Stitch Length: 0 to 3 spi Sewing Speed: 0 to 150 rpm Needle: Schmetz 794, 794 D, 794 S (7 x 3) 110 (#18) to 250 (#27) Thread Size: z-138 to z-346 Warranty: 24 months

Really nice. I like that much better than mine. I really like the way the lacing looks. ArtS

Pete,I cut them to pattern. Then I glued the edges down, then sewed it. I've only tried lacing a few times and I'm no good at it (yet) so I sewed it. I would have preferred to lace it though.Thats just some nuebuck (I think that is how you spell it). A fellow I work with gave me a bunch of leather and this was in with it. His grandfather did leather work (making vests and such). After he died he had this sitting around his house and didn't want to throw it away. When he heard that I did leather work he just gave it to me. There was a lot of it too! Just about all was suede.I'm going to keep practicing my lacing and maybe soon I'll do one like that.ArtS Thats all for the responses!ArtS

Thanks Bruce. I look forward to seeing your's and finding out how you like them. Perfect timing for the saddle that I'm making. Art

Thanks Steve. Can you post some shots of them with the fringed flap up so I can see how it looks underneath, front and back. Thanks, ArtS

Here are some shots of a couple of gifts I just finished for my wife. I did a little twist on the stirrup purse and added a strap like she wanted. ArtS

WOW! Great job on all of them. I really like the style of the last pair. Are they harder to make than chinks or chaps? Where can I get patterns for Armitas? I haven't seen any for sale. Thanks, ArtS

How much are they? Do they also send a pattern to use for your leather with these inserts so they fit right? Thanks, ArtS

I enjoyed the pics. I also wouldn't mind learning to make sandals. Wish they'd do that around here. Everyone looks like they're having lots of fun. ArtS

I have to agree with Tim - should I be inspired or just sell my tools. Your work is truly inspiring. I want to get out and meet some real saddle makers like you and Bruce in person. I can't wait to see more of your work. ArtS

Great job! Where did you get the miniature bullets? ArtS

Where do you get it from? the Art supply store? Thanks, ArtS

Ok guys what do you all think about that saddle fitting pad that you heat in the oven then mold to the horses back and sending that to the tree maker? Would that not be the best thing to do? They would get an actual mold of the horses back. ArtS

Beautiful saddle. Looks like we'll be learning some things from you too! ArtS

Well said. I am learning so much here! Thanks to all of you. ArtS

Yawl are right. When I was making my saddle I was going to pad the seat but the saddle maker that was teaching me told me not to. That if the saddle was made right I wouldn't need it. He was right. I can ride 8 hours in my saddle with no problems. I also see a lot of new gimmicks. Some of them really make me laugh. ArtS

Not only a beautifully made whip but also great photography. ArtS

I recommend it. It's my favorite saddle book and it stays out on the bench! ArtS

A question I have is how can a novice (like myself) know if a tree maker is good or not? What should we look for? ArtS

They look great. Love to see bigger pictures. ArtS

I emailed that guy in GA and he just emailed me back with an answer. He orders the trees and all he does is cover them in rawhide. That explains the rawhide over Line-X. ArtS

I also saw that on ebay. It must be a pretty thin layer. How can you be sure that it really has the liner under the rawhide. Why is his rawhide a dark brown? I can't remember ever seeing a tree covered in dark rawhide like that. Not that I've seen a lot of trees. Another question I have is how can a novice (like myself) know if a tree maker is good or not? What should we look for? ArtS

Harry Adams Saddlemakers Shop Manual. Actually looking back at it he did it the same way. The swell cover was on first then the rigging. Thats probably why I did it I guess. ArtS