LAPat

Thank you Michael for your help I am thinking of buying one of those arbor presses that is adapted for leather work if I need it, or do you set your rivets with a hammer? For now I am going to machine or hand sewing but I like the idea of rivets. I've been researching on the forum and am assuming a force fit cap is what I want to go with tubular rivets, and some sort of nipper. Best LA PAt

Hi I've been making split braided leashes for a while, and am taking the leap into collars. I work at a pet store where I can easily have a custom business but I am also a dog trainer so I am paranoid about the strength of my products. I made a few pieces for people, including a leather martigale, with Tandy rapid rivets which I trimmed with a bolt cutter but I have no idea how strong they are, or really what makes a rivet strong and if there is literally a weight strength for rivets. In my idea of heaven I could find a rivet tutorial that explained the difference between jiffy and rapid rivets, tubular rivets, and are they called pound to fit rivets? I've been using a little anvil but should I go to tubular rivets and a hand press? WHich do people use or prefer? And what do people set rivets with? I've seen metal hammers and mauls and rawhide mallets.. I'm probably only going to make ten or twenty collars a month, I don't need a big production set up. Is sewing stronger than riveting? I mean, what makes a join strong? the number of points of connection? The flatness of the connection? The strenght of the connector? And where is the stress on a regular collar? If I put the dee ring on the end, isn't that going to be stronger than if I put it behind the keeper? So many questions, so little physics background. Ah, and where can I get rivets? Weaver? Ohio Travel? is one better than the other? Thanks for any help anyone can give. I'm always asking questions on this board and haven't been able to offer much back, but hopefully one day I will. Best LA Pat

Thanks to everyone for your help. I am still struggling with reading the lessons, but I think I am beginning to be able to braid what I would call a simple turkshead that looks like a regular braid. I still don't understand how to create a longer knot, but I am not done reading the lessons or studying the templates. What I am going to look for now is a picture where you can see the beginning and the end of the knot, that should help. I am definately a visual learner. Reading is just not the easiest way for me to figure things out. L.A. Pat

I am trying to find a way of understanding how to cover a leash at the snap end with a turkshead. Not only is it difficult to find a tutorial for doing a simple one pass turkshead, I cannot seem to understand all the descriptions I have read when it comes to continuing the braiding until the knot is long enough to cover the length of leash I require. I am having a hard time understsanding what a bight is and what sort of math is involved. I get over under around and through wording. I think that some of the descriptions are not as clear to a beginner as they are to someone who knows how to braid a turkshead. But for the very basic instruction, say for a girl scout troop level braider, where do I go? I do four strand braiding all the time, but that doesn't seem to be helping me. Any sites with lots and lots of detailed pictures? Help! Thanks in advance L.A. Pat

Thank you Bruce for your help. I was at Melanie Machine today to check in on my Bonis fur machine, which is in the hospital and I thought of you. Arnold showed me a fur machine that would sew King Kong. I get such a kick out of that place. There is something magical about all those specialized machines and the way Mr. Kay keeps them so clean. And your right, I do feel like he's taking care with me, not taking advantage. I will check into the awls you recommended. Best L.A. Pat

What kind of awls do you all use to punch holes, and how are the needles or blades sized? L.A. Pat

I got the pink latigo from Siegel and I'm pretty pleased with it. It's not too pale and not too hot. Now all I need is a nice blue and red... Thanks L.A. Pat

Can anybody tell me a source for latigo or other leather appropriate for dog tack that comes in colors like red, green, blue, purple and so on? THanks in advance LA Pat

One day I saw a woman with a purse that had handcuffs on the straps. It was pretty rock and roll, but I admired her for taking something from one milieu and using it in another. She told me that she was selling the purses for $400 and up. And it was the handcuffs that sold them. So hardware is another interesting area to explore. I know a lot of leatherworkers are traditionalists and masters as such. Myself I'm on the lookout for old aka "vintage" hardware that I can play with and art from other disciplines that I can explore. Eventually... A related expereince. When my dog died I was thinking about a tattoo. But I couldn't find anyone that did portraiture that was not doing black line art. And the style was not for me. And I discovered that tattoo art, similar to leathercraft, uses a tremendous number of "flash" pieces, or pre-existing patterns. I was surprised. I mean I know a heart is a heart, and I know that you can combine pre-existing patterns to make something new, and I even believe that most art is nothing but a combination of what has gone before. But I expected to find more original rendering in more styles. I'm a fine artist, but I don't have a great line, I do better with paint and charcoal and other media that are blendable and malleable. In other words, I carve from light and dark. Which is why I'm attracted to leatherwork. But because I want to do dog art, I am going to have to make my own patterns. And because I'm interested in contemporary or "modern" design, I am on the lookout for that as well. In any case I have learned alot from this thread as from all of the ones I've read. And I think this is a very vibrant community that is very capable of taking leathercraft into the twenty first century. When Kevin says there is no craft to what women spend money on, what I hear is an opportunity. It's the way that craft is applied, and I agree that Sheridan is not going to be the next big trend... unless it's turned on its ear. And unless someone gets that kind of stuff into the hands of every trend setter in the country. By the way, does anyone out there do a decent belt for a cell phone. A very thin, flat holster that actually holds the damn thing for quick draw but doesn't allow it to fall out if you bend over? And doesn't bulk up under a jacket? That you could use on a Calvin Klein suit? Hmmm... See I think that sort of thing would sell, at least to me. But is it a purse? And do earsets already make this idea useless? Now if I could just find a way to improve on a leash... and get Paris Hilton to use it... L.A. Pat

Ahhh, handbags. I love them and I don't have a single fabulous one. I am thinking that I will have to make myself one as a project. I live in L.A. and have a doctor in Beverly HIlls. On the way to his office, I pass Saks Fifth Avenue. Now I used to shop at Saks when I was a young film exec and had no sense, but when I went in last week I was both amazed and intrigued at the ground floor merchandise. All shoes and handbags. A small boutique inside the store for each label. Prices from $1500 to $4500 for a handbag. Forget the shoes. I could trash this merchandise for the decadence of it all. And it's hard to fathom that kind of spare change. But saw objects that were undeniably attractive. And I was very interested in hardware and combinations of lacing and braiding and leathers and so on. In other words, I was adding to my brain reserve all sorts of ideas and information that I will use somehow. How is up to the gods. And I think that this is a market that artisans should become aware of and track for trends. That is, if the object is to bring leatherwork into the twenty first century and make ourselves prosperous. Frankly, if I had more experience and more money, alot more money, I would be tempted to buy something to copy to learn from. Of course the idea of a five thousand dollar purse is disturbing, and the world of retail therapy is a powerful and double edged sword (I ventiure to quess we have all bought something to make us feel good, use money and how we spend it to reflect our values, dreams and priorities, and can be respectful and frivolous in what we spend on). But that people will spend the money they have on things made of leather, that I want to be able to attract to myself. Even if it's four thousand dollars... I am a rank beginner and may never go far. I really don't even know alot about the best artisan leatherworkers in the country yet. I probably know more about mass produced designer goods. But I think all of this is fascinating. And speaking of Paris Hilton, I wonder who on this forum sells to celebrities and if they market themselves so, and if not, why not. Or is this a separate thread? L.A. Pat

The smaller pulley is an idea, but if I were to get a servo, where is the best place to get one inexpensively? Thanks LA PAT

Can somebody explain a little more about servo versus clutch in terms of how power is supplied to the machine? I understand the feel of the clutch on the Pfaff, but do regular home machines have servo motors? L.A. Pat

When I was at Melanie, the guy showed me a speed reducer and said that he thought I would be sorry to install it myself. I can't imagine it being very difficult, although the size of the belt might be a little hard to guess at. The idea of dragging a machine and table to a shop is more daunting than mounting the thing myself. Is it really that big a deal? Also, I seem to have little issue with getting the Pfaff to stitch quite slowly although it would certainly be easy to go from a crawl to warp speed if I didn't pay attention. Does anyone work without a speed reducer on an industrial like the Pfaff? Thanks in advance. L.A. Patricia

If you are a little patient you can find most any old metal gear home machine on Craigslist for way less than Ebay and see it in person before you get it home. I have sewn on a Singer 301, 404, and 500 and they can handle probably up to 4 oz garment leather. I also have an old Kenmore, and the thing about the Kemores is that mine -- and probably most machines from the sixties and seventies if not more -- has a bigger clearance under the foot, so you can get thicker material sewn. I would be tempted to look for a Pfaff 130 after having fallen in love with my new old 545. but I likewise think that Singer is a sure thing. My Kenmore is a metal gear machine but it doesn't have the heart of the Singers. Now I have an old Bonis at Melanie Machine in L.A. to see if they can fix it up for me so that I can sew fur. Talk about a place that will make you want every machine on the floor. And these machines are clean and the floor is well organized and it's probably the nicest machine shop I've been in. Which is an aside, with a thank you to Art for recommending them. It may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. L.A. Pat

Why does nobody use oil based paint? I know that it dries slowly, but how does it bond with the leather? L.A. Pat

When I see some of the work on this site, I have to wonder what artisans are charging for their pieces. The collars set with stones, the incredible saddles, the braided work. How many hours goes into a piece and how does that translate to dollars? I know that I make a good profit on my dogs toys because I can make them fast and they are often made from scraps. But I don't know what I would charge if something took me sixty hours... I think anyone who works hard on a business should be making good money from it. Why not? But I also believe in general people undersell their work when it's a labor of love and a craft. I also think when you take the leap and charge well, the buyers come. I mean I make little tiny fur mice and sell them for thirteen dollars a piece. Not three. And I can make a dozen in an hour from scrap. Even at six fifty wholesale I can make twelve an hour. And I don't think it's great money, but it's enough to keep building the business and experimenting until I come up with that product that I can do exceptionally well with. And because I am innovative by nature, and a trend watcher, I have faith that day will come. My experience has also been that the biggest profit is in the use of small pieces of fur and leather. I use all my scrap for something, including wool for stuffing toys. I have a hard time with precise accounting for projects because so much of what I do is from "leftovers". But I know that I am doing alright. Like I said, I don't have a lot of experience and I still don't know what someone can make for a beautiful custom saddle or bridle or collar. I see lots of leather tack for dogs on the internet so cheap that I know I can only find a niche if I find a way to make the product uniquely mine. And don't laugh, I think Martha Stewart is a great role model except for the prison bit. She knew how to go from a service business to product to licensing her name. As I go from dog training, to dog product, to... who knows? It's fun to dream big. And I even think leathercraft is a great field because there is so much room for innovation. For instance, why isn't anyone pitching Martha Stewart on a leathercraft project? It doesn't have to be carving. It could be braiding or something very simple like a key ring. Seriously. I don't have the rep to do it yet. But someone on this list probably does... On the other hand, Art is right. It's easy to get ripped off if you have a new idea. You have to get it out fast and big if it's really original and can be mass produced... But you can't force originality. The muse has to give you the gift and you (I) have to be patient until it comes... Just wanted to keep contributing to the thread. Hope I don't sound too pie in the sky. L.A. Pat

Michael Do you use cabachon stones? L.A. Pat

Thank you for sharing. Very nice. I especially like the roses. I am starting to think about making decorative leather martingales for dogs and I appreciate your work. Of course I've never done any carving, but I will get there soon.... Also, in my area there is a market for "healing gemstones" which I have been thinking of doing as pendants but I now think would work better as set in the collar... L.A. Pat

I once accidentally ran across what I believe was a leathercraft book on Ebay that I keep thinking about. It was a large hardcover book from the twenties or thirties with a lot of craftsman and deco designs, perhaps with a view towards book covers but I think it covered other things. It may have also had some Celtic designs. I know I'm not doing very well describing this but I am looking for references that are a little less Western and a little more classical, if that makes sense? If anyone has any idea where I might find such creatures, I would be grateful. L.A. Pat

Hello all I have three wholesale customers for my sheepskin pet toys and leather leashes, but small ones. This is not my primary source of income. I am a dog trainer and work at a pet store (and at Starbucks part time for the insurance benefits...). Needless to say, I have a lot on my plate. I am in the process of deciding where to put my time, business wise. I have a lot of questions about the leatherworking business. I hope I am not being impolite, since I've been told that people don't always like talking about money... at least their own:>)) Here goes. Where is the money in leatherwork? Who is making a very good living and why? My guess is that small goods made quickly and easily as well as high end artisan driven projects are the two areas of greatest success. And I am asking about the individual craftsperson, not the Weaver Leathers of the world. How many people who are doing a decent business start to farm out work and what kind and why? When does it become a factory and not a hand made art? What can a decent craftsman make in a year if he has a shop, or a website, or does fairs? Are there other venues for sales? Where is the cost in leatherwork? What does it require as an investment for tools and materials? I'm interested in all fields, from bootmaking and saddlery to tooled items and of course dog and horse tack. I know these are big questions and I'm trying to get a sense of the entire field, but this is a fairly occult field compared to say, accounting, and the information is mostly passed, like the craft, from master to apprentice. Or are there sources for business information out there that someone can point me towards. Thanks in advance LA Pat

Well the Pfaff 545 is up and running and for me, it's a dream. It is a tight and smooth machine, and I am in love. I don't think I'll have any trouble regulating the speed with the standard motor, but I'm not using it yet for anything but the sheepy dog toys. I'm using regular needles in a large size (20 and up) and the quilting thread I had for now. Of course I have to educate myself about thread, I have heard stories of melting... Now I can give my old Singer 500 a rest, bless her. I still don't know if I will eventually need a cylinder machine as well, I guess I will. But next step is to get the two fur machines, a Bonis and a John Garde, up and running or out of here. I am bringing them to Melanie (is that the name of the company, Art?, I know I have the post where you recommended them) in the near future. If they work, they will be good for round toys and so on. I will keep you posted. Best LAPAT

First of all, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this forum and Art for turning me on to it. I am a dog trainer who started out making real fur dog toys for competition dogs and then started making split braided leashes. I spent years working without a machine since this was a part time thing and made everything with split braiding and some rudimentary pattern tooling, which worked then. Then I got a Singer 500 and started sewing a few toys, but with a lot of struggle because the Singer, which is a great machine, was really being asked to do something she wasn't meant for. However, for someone who is doing this the hard way, I sell a fair amount of real fur toys to the "fancy." I just bought a Pfaff 545 and so far I am thrilled with what it has done for my ability to turn out product. I am also trained in fine art and did a lot of oil painting years ago, which I much prefer to acrylic. Now I am at the point where I want to add color to my leashes and paint detail as well, whether or not I tool them. In the beginning I was lucky to find some brightly colored shoe leather which I am running out of, with hues like orange, yellow, baby blue, red and turquoise. But the leather is not all that soft and really only works if I braid it with a latigo or veg tan. I also only recently started bevelling edges and just bought my first side of harness leather. I will try to keep the questions simple. Do I have to deglaze veg tan and/or harness leather? Is there a homemade or simple deglazer that is not a commercially prepared product? For a one-off projuect I bought some nu-life color spray and it tested very well on the veg tan. Is this an acceptable product? (I would not use it regularly due to cost of course)? Can I use it on the comparatively waxy/oily harness leather without deglazing it? Is there a way to use an airbrush for dying leather? I have some basic colors in a Tandy dye but I am trying to keep things simple and not put too much time in any one leash. I don't intend to edge dye because of the split braiding but will do the back of course. I don't even know if I should slick the back before I dye it... I see a lot of natural hues in leatherwork but not alot of bright color outside of commercially manufactured shoes and handbags etc. Any links or other sources of info? Thank you so much in advance. I can't give back much info to the list because I know so little, except about dog training... Best LAPAT

Well I ended up buying a Pfaff 545 on Ebay. It will come in the next few days. It was a risk because it's "mail order" but I guess I just needed to get it done and that's that. The one in town seemed to be in a permanent state of waiting for the part and I had waited months already. Thanks to all for the advice. I will report on my further adventures when the machine comes. I have other questions but I think they are for a new thread. Wish me luck. L.A. Pat PS Barra, I know the Burbank Equestrian center well and have had friends who boarded horses there. I almost took a rental trail horse out for my birthday, but decided to take my dogs on a hike instead:>)

Hi Barra I live in West Los Angeles, twenty minutes from Malibu or Burbank without traffic. I would be happy to store a machine for you if I can make room. I have a small studio however -- are you thinking something portable that you can take to stables and shows etc? Is there such a thing? I rode for ten years in Malibu at Pepperdine until they closed the stables to make room for a law school or some such. I am sure the college administrators had no idea what an education riding really is. We used to take the fire roads up the coast and it was phenomenally beautiful. I miss it. I got into dogs because I couldn't afford horses. My problem was that I fell in love with big dogs. Ah well. Anyway, I also thank you for the possiblity of a stitch regulator screw. It turns out there is a Pfaff on Ebay right now but it's from Canada and I can't sew on it if I buy it. Also if there are any bids at all it will be off my budget. More soon, Best L.A. Pat

Thank you Barra, I love that we live in times when someone from Australia can talk to someone in L.A. like this! The Pfaff is $800 complete with table. But I have been waiting for the seller to find a stitch regulator screw and he's already got the wrong part from the company once. By the way, I apologize for the subject heading "Shee" It should have been "Sheepskin and leather sewing machine. Oh well. I sometimes feel like saying "Shee..." anyway. Best L.A. Pat