raysouth

Wonderful piece of work. Like somethiong out of this world. Make a great Star Trek being. Love to see the creative ability of others. *** SUPERB *** Is all I can say. You should write an instructional manual, explaing the "how to"s". Probably have one taker, a very old senior that cannot learn enough. God Bless. Ray

I enjoyed reading all the opinions pertaining to the "skull thing" and found them very interesting. Why they are revered is a mystery and simply personal preference in my mind. When I began doing pyrography, I had a number of folks requesting different versions/renditions but never bothered to ask any questions. When I put pyrograhy on wood on the back burner and went the leather route, I received even more requests. Most were without the heavy "gore", and not something that would scare folks that cared to look at them. Most were motorcycle and tattoo versions that the folks had seen and requested something similar on leather. Many pieces were pieces of leather to hang on the wall and not placed on saddlebags or clothing, to my knowledge. Swastikas? Have done a few but not for something representing the Nazi Era but the western Indians and a few other cultures/countries of the world. It is a very old symbol but most folks think of it as a Nazi creation and only associate it with the horrors of that time period. I think that the use of skulls, etc; are something like, "opinions" of which everyone in the world has and lives by. I don't want to be judgemental of folks and do my best to fill life with laughter and good cheer and never put off by opinions of other. Just don't care for folks that cannot find happiness and attempt to make the life of others miserable. That said, I don't think I could ever come up with a definitive reason why we do what we do and like what we like. Sort of like having a preference of cars; some like Fords, others like Chinese GM or some other foreign make. Just what makes the world go round and makes folks happy. Hope I did not offend anyone as that is/was not my intention. Just a super senior blowing off some steam, in a kindly manner. Hope everyone enjoys the holiday and has a wonderful life ahead. God Bless us all.

Thanks Northmount. Will have to give it a try. God Bless. Ray

Hello Catskin I know that folks are not in my immediate area and makes it difficult to dispose of estate items. It is interesting that this area is lacking in leathercrafting folks but something I have learned is true over time. At one time there was an elderly gent that was in the logging business and used mules to drag the logs out of the woods. He, sadly, has passed away so no need for a collar. Feel certain that he would have been able to use. Still a great decorative piece and may have to try your idea as I continue the task of clearing out my remaining items. Thank you for responding. Always refreshing to hear from different folks and wish you were closer. Visited your country several times and must say, it was outstanding and beautiful scenery, great small town restaurants, and super friendly folks. God Bless. Ray

Seems as though you might be correct but still felt that they could have responded. Everything that comes along with these shows appears to be other commercial enterprises such as their online shopping mall which is being promoted now. Fun to watch and see where they go. Other similar shows, ie; Pawn Stars, American Restoration, etc; all seem to go the same way. Niche found, I suppose we could say. Thanks for the input. Ray

Hello Sylvia, About a year ago, I took pictures of the buildings that were full of antiques, collectibles, antique car, and more. I sent a complete package to their address in Iowa and never received any response. Was strange as later I saw that they were picking a town just a few miles, about 45 minutes, from me but no contact here. Must not have wanted to take anything from my location yet I see them picking many of the same type items when I watch the show. Never know why they didn't care to visit but life goes on. Perhaps not wanting to be on the show had something to do with it, Not a publicity hound and didn't need to make my location public with all the goodies around here. Interesting tip and appreciates the response. God Bless. Ray Wow... maybe you should call the pickers from TV?

Nobody interested in picking up the FREE hames/horse collar I have here in Opelika, Alabama??? Can't beat the price-------

Hello Sylvia. Thank you for the suggestions. Will probably get brave in next day or so, and begin by attempting to wind a bobbin full of thread. Then on to some scraps. Recent events have curtailed a lot of additional activities and wife said I should sell all of my leatherworking goodies. A woman from Birmingham visited a short time ago and said I should call her if I decided to sell the leathercraft items, ( I have a load of tools and other supplies), but I really wanted to try machine sewing, and will figure out why soon. ckl. Amazing how much we can gather together and never give it a thought. Hard to understand where I got all these goodies but must have been fun along the way. I think I should call the "pickers" and let them go through the shop. Might be fun. On a serious note, I enjoy leathercrafting and do a good bit of pyrography on leather. Previously on wood until I found how pleasant it was to do on leather. Again, thank you for the suggestions and will see what transpires in days to come. God Bless. Ray

Thank you, Particle. As it now stands, I don't believe that there are any books about this subject so will have to go the trial and error route, I suppose. All of the adjustments are confusing but will dig in soon and see if I can make a go of it. I take each day as a learning experience and hope to learn how to handle the machine before I get the curtain call. I look at it every day and wonder when I will get around to fooling with it. Soon, I hope. After I received the machine, I had a few additional health issues and seems as though I have forgotten just what I intended for the machine. Will figure it out, especially now that I am receiving so much support on the site. Great place to be. Thank you again and God Bless. Ray

Hey Luke, Have looked at some of the you tube videos and great information in some of them. My machine is about 100 yards from where computer is so not able to tie the two together for now. Videos are difficult for me as the Verizon ZBroadband connection is a bit faster that dial-up but still very slow. Cable won't run their connection to my building unless I am willing to pay @4.00 ft. for 900 feet of cable. They run in front of the property and my building is about two thirds back into my place. Phone company, which I have cancelled, had no service avaulable in my area for high spped dsl. Life is grand. ckl. Many times I think that I should have remained in the city but when I look around me, that feeling rapidly disappears. Love the wildlife and greenery around me. I think I will grab my cane, hop in my buggy, and get myself to the shop to experiment a bit with finish and polish concoctions. I feel like a mad chemist with no idea of what I am doing. ckl. At least I am having fun and this site makes thing even better for me. All of the folks reaching out to help are indeed, a genuine pleasure. God Bless you all. Ray

Thank you, Benlilly. Hope I got the spelling correct. Have visited a local upholsterer and nice guy but so busy and he said he is not much of a "teacher" of anything. Thought about taking a junior college course that he had taken to learn his craft but when I contacted the school, I learned that they had just discontinued the upholstery program. lol. Not much happening around here. God Bless, Ray

When I placed this posting I was in hopes of finding a home for the horse collar and (hames?) and want to add this information: IF YOU ARE ABLE TO PICK UP IN OPELIKA, AL., THE PIECES ARE "FREE" TO ANYONE MAKING THE TRIP HERE. Best price in town. Got a good home for them? Come and get 'em---------- God Bless. Ray Howdy Folks, I have an older "Hames"? horse collar with the ball topped side pieces, ( no idea what they are called), that I purchased some years ago for reasons unknown to this day. Anyone need one? I believe there is also an extra pair of the side pieces in the shop. As I may have said on the site before, I am cleaning house/estate and if you feel that this is something that may be of use, drop me a line and perhaps we can work it out. I am located in East Alabama, abot 30 or so miles west of Columbus, Ga. and about 65 miles East of Montgomery, Al., just off I-85. If I was able to find someone to pack for me, I suppose it could be shipped but no idea what that would cost. Leather is dry but has been inside for at least the last 20 years. Needs a good home so get in touch if interested. GREAT DECORATIVE ITEM or may be put to use again. FORGOT TO MENTION: YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO BEAT THE PRICE, ANYWHERE! lol. God Bless. Ray

Thanks Kevin. Must take a look at the sewing machine forum. Had a bit of an issue when buying machine and someone there put me onto machine I purchased, He was some sewing machine guru, I believe, but can't remember the name. Old timers syndrome, I suppose. Ever walk across the room to get something and when you got there you couldn't remember what it was you were seeking? Have had to return to my starting point and then all of a sudden I remembered what I wanted but got smart, and wrote it down but forgot to carry with me. ckl. Life is great but always full of surprises. God Bless. Ray

Hello Ray, and thank you for the advice. Promise not to put fingers in the way. Scary thought as am on blood thinner and very cautious around anything sharp. I just may have to get up the courage to try the machine and see if I can make a stitch. lol I apprciate the time folks take to respond and lifts ones spirits. God Bless. Ray

Hello Luke. I am located in Opelika, Al., about 30 or so miles west of Columbus, Ga., and @ 65 miles east of Montgomery, Al., just off I-85. Also about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. Sister city to Auburn, Al. Small city but growing fast. Growth comprised of few small companies and shopping malls. If ever in the area, drop a line and visit a spell. God Bless. Ray

Thank you, Dwight. Tandy shop @100 miles away and no guilds around here. Have not been able to find another leathercrafter in the area. I think I am in an area of limbo or never-never land. Have met a few ceramic folks that are involved at the local arts and craft center but nobody working with leather. I will try Craigslist as I did sell a few of my estate items there as well. I appreciate the responce and will keep at it. God Bless. Ray Another thing you might do, Ray, . . . go to a local Tandy shop, . . . see if there is a leather guild in the area. If there is, . . . there are people there that would be more than happy to teach you. Another source for instruction, . . . you might go to a SASS or CASS shoot, . . . often times there are dealers there, . . . they have machines. You may be able to hire one of them as an instructor. Lots of people out there mess around with leather, . . . put a posting on Craig's list. Anyway, . . . good luck, . . . may God bless, Dwight

Hey Winterbear, Was able to get to the shop this afternoon and the items are still on the shelf. They appear to be in good condition but I know nothing about them. Just thought they were "neat" some years ago. I do not know if the balls are solid brass or simply brass plated but they look good. The only thing I know about horses is that they are beautiful to look at, much bigger than me, and perhaps, a bit smarter as well. lol God Bless. Ray

Hello Winterbear. No idea what I paid for them so send me an email with an offer and sure we can works something out. Plus shipping, of course. Thank you for responding and certain you won't be disappointed, if I can find them in the shop. Ray

Thank you for the encouragement. I suppose that I will have to do something with it one day as I was very excited about getting such a machine. Health issues have me rethinking everything so may have to give it a shot soon. Invested much in the leathercraft area and want to use everything I can before selling out the entire workshop. The machine sewing is one of the areas I would love to learn so must take all the advice I can get and see if I can do it soon. Thank you and God Bless. Ray

Howdy Folks, I have an older "Hames"? horse collar with the ball topped side pieces, ( no idea what they are called), that I purchased some years ago for reasons unknown to this day. Anyone need one? I believe there is also an extra pair of the side pieces in the shop. As I may have said on the site before, I am cleaning house/estate and if you feel that this is something that may be of use, drop me a line and perhaps we can work it out. I am located in East Alabama, abot 30 or so miles west of Columbus, Ga. and about 65 miles East of Montgomery, Al., just off I-85. If I was able to find someone to pack for me, I suppose it could be shipped but no idea what that would cost. Leather is dry but has been inside for at least the last 20 years. Needs a good home so get in touch if interested. GREAT DECORATIVE ITEM or may be put to use again. FORGOT TO MENTION: YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO BEAT THE PRICE, ANYWHERE! lol. God Bless. Ray

Thanks dirtclod. I have plenty of scraps but know nothing about all of the different attachments received with the machine, nor how to use them. I have learned via the old timers school of hard knocks, that going through life does not necessarily make us smart enogh to do everything. I do well when able to read something about the topic of interest. Seems to give me a starting point and, at times, explains the to do's and the not to do's that can be very helpful. I wish there was a leathercrafter here in my area that could lend a hand but seems to be a craft not practiced by others. Thank you, again for the suggestion. God Bless. Ray .

Hello All. I have been searching for information about machine sewing of leather for some time and yet to find any printed instructional material so, wondering if anyone has an idea where I might find something that will teach this old timer about sewing leather? I purchased a heavy duty machine, but not excited about using it without learning something so as not to break the machine. Cowboy/Cobra 4 size machine and nice piece of equipment but hesitant to use as I am in the dark about sewing anything. Extent of my knowledge is threading a hand stitch needle so you can easily understand why I need a ton of assistance. Pains me every day I go by the machine and not confident enough to use. Hope someone can head me off in the right direction. God Bless. Ray, aka; helmut

Thank you for the information and I will begin my search. Do a search for John Barton. He has quite a few posts plus a website. Also has a pattern to download. CTG