raysouth

Hello Friends, I need some tips/advice on how to come up with a logo/design, not very complicated, to place on an makers stamp no larger than a 1- 1/2" oval. I am not a creative/talented artist and always have to seek assistance for my projects. I do come up with plenty of ideas for my leather creations when it does not involve drawing or interesting art topics. Mechanical ability in art is a-ok but not very adept with logo material. Name I will use is my shop/studio name, "BIG SWAMP LEATHERWORX", and assistance or ideas will certainly be appreciated. All I have managed to come up with is a clump of reeds/cattails as seen on some of the leather stamps but had hoped to find something a bit "neater". Thought about gaping mouth croc/gator but not able to locate artwork that depicted a good angle. Hope someone can help. God Bless.

Hello Aaron, Thank you for the idea and I will be sure to add this to the list I am compiling. I, at times, think I make things a bit more complicated than they shoul be. I have been a tool nut, all of my life and it is almost like a love affair, filled with very strong emotions. I'm the type that goes nuts if someone uses one of my tools improperly. Such as using screwdrivers for prybars or chisels, etc. Sure you get the idea. That, perhaps, is why I am so concerned as to where my tools will end up one day. Suppose I could be a ghostly subject and wreak havoc on the user of my goodies. lol. I have, for many years, sought a special person that enjoyed the things I enjoy but must alway remember that we are all different. Had a small business and wanted to find an exceptional employee that performed as he/she was an invested owner/partner but always seemed to fizzle. Came close one time but----- Thought I could give the operation to that employee and smile as they made it work and had a good life. Experienced such activity in my early years and thought I could find or connect, in a similar manner today. Not yet but still looking. Thank you again and God Bless. Ray aka Helmut

Hello Ron, Attorneys wont become involved in dealings pertaining to my treasures. No need to go that route. Naturally, wife will have the final say when the day comes but for now I will continue my trek, hoping someday in the not to distanmt future to find that special person or persons. Small world, it truly is. I just received my new sewing machine and going on as if I will live forever. Never touched such a machine before but already think that it will be a fun experience. Hope I didn't mislead anyone about time frame. I have a decent amount of items that I will, I hope, be letting go but most of my pyrography and leathercraft items will be the last to go. My intent is to continue my search for that special place to allow the leather shop to be transferred to when I am no longer able to function or have passed and wife will place that I have chosen. I go on each day, as if I will never quit but now have to face the facts as they seem to present themselves, whether I want it or not. Still having fun and certain that there are many others that are having similar thoughts and may be in worse shape than I so can't dwell on it every minute or I might goe totally bonkers. (Just a bit that way now. lol. ) The statement has been made before, about becoming so old that I should give it up, but then somone pipes up and says, if you don't do what you are doing, what will you do? Not one to sit around idle, even though mobility is a problem. Thank God for leading me to my new crafts and all the great folks I have met. My wish, though doubtful it will materialize, is to be able to attend one of the Wickenburg Extravaganzas. Sounds like it would be great fun. Oh well, hope I didn't bore you and know you will enjoy that new machine. Keep in touch, if so inclined. God Bless. Ray aka Helmut

Hello Denise, Thank you for the response. Where I am located seems to be without guilds, or leathercraft stores. Nearest Tandy is @110 miles away and not able to get there. Have to do most everything on the net. I will continue on and as someone said to me today, "When you are gone youi won't care who gets your goodies", which is true. Still like to think I will find that special person/s who would enjoy as I do. Been searching for years but no luck yet. I could go on and on but this is not the place to get deeply involoved in my issues. God Bless. Ray aka Helmut

Having read some of the items in the leatherwork history section, I found an article about someone receiving starter sets from his grandmother, that were purchased and used by his grandfather. Indeed a very fortunate person and especially nice that he was considering taking up the craft. This brought many thoughts to mind as I often wonder what will become of my many items so dearly treasured. Am at stage of life that has me thinking about the crossing over and I now ponder so many things that I never thought would be of concern in my lifetime. Especially, will my beloved be okay and able to carry on, seems to be my greatest fear.My number one "treasure". As for my craft items and other collections, I find myself wondering if they will find homes that will treat them with high regard, as I do now, and if will they make someone happy and creative in their lifetime. Seems as though these are questions that will never be answered for me as there are no "heirs", in our families and I am the last of the line, so to speak. It was wonderful to read how much these things were appreciated by the those receiving the items, and enjoyed the comment by one member something like this; me, me, me, or peeing myself when he stumbled into his good fortune. lol. Good chuckle from that one. Also somewhat difficult to grasp, due to age and passage of time I suppose, but I have attempted to give some of my different collections to an individual or a group that could utilize the items I wanted to give, and no takers. Called several charities providing education for youngsters and all said they would be happy to get the material and would call in couple of days to make arrangements to pick up the items. Lo and behold, none ever returned a call or came for the freebies. Had I been offered these treasures, or similar items when I was coming up, I would have run to the location and made sure I got there ahead of anyone else. Times have certainly changed, Not like the days of 2 cent candy. lol. Thanks to all who shared their moments of good fortune. Very heartwarming to learn that some families and other interested folks have the opportunity to receive wonderful treasures to use and enjoy for years to come. Up late with spasms and as often happens, I find myself drawn to this site, reading about the leathercrafters world and all the great folks that make this such a great place. Between this site and the leatherworkers guild, I feel that anyone interested in the craft could learn everything there is to know. Tons of experienced tutors at both sites.

Howdy Shooter, Please tell me the size of these staples. Thanks, Ray

Howdy Folks, Anyone know of good source with reasonable prices for hd polyethelens sheets. Would like to have something @ 24" 48" or up tp 96" long. Found a couple of sites that had the material, at very high price and shipping to Alabama was as much as the material price, for 24" x 48". God Bless.

I am by no means a production expert but I do cut a good number of straps with the Tippmann embosser which has a cutting setup included. No idea if this would work for you but I cut some decent straps, using the guides. God Bless.

Anyone know of a manual or information sheet that describes/explains what the different components are on machines such as the Cobra4 and CB 4500, both of which appear to be identical? Would be a tremedous asset for someone, as myself, that knows zilch about these machines. Things I find difficult to obtain, is information about ; what types of thread to use for particular projects/operations, proper thread tensions and how to gauge what is correct and how to make proper adjustments, what needles to use for different threads and sewing operations, proper use and adjustments/setups of different plates and feet, and an overall good troubleshooting guide. Wish I knew these things and could publish such a manual as it seems as though there are many of the units in use and probably many more to come. Newcomers, never having touched a sewing machine before, would certainly find such a book beneficial. I would be happy to put together a sheet, describing the various components on the machines if I could find out more about them. Printed material and cd's included with the machines do not seem to go into detailed explanations about machine components and how they function. All I would need is pics of machines showing the different components and information about them. Would then send copy to the machine vendors that would like to have them, all at no cost. Any ideas or information would be appreciated. God Bless.

Cleaner than a doctors office. Amazing and makes me envious. Who does all the cleaning? Thought I was looking at an operating room it is so neat and clean. Good work. God Bless. Ray

Looking for good Weaver hand clicker. Have like new Tippmann Embosser that would consider trading. God Bless.

What is the best hand operated embosser available today? Small shop with one crafter seeking hand operated embossing machine and opinions of others would be of great value. Thanks, Ray

Anyone have opinions about the best operated hand embossing machine, reasonably priced, on the market today? Looking for an embosser and would like some advice and/or feedback on machines that might be a good device for a small shop. Thank you in advance. Ray aka Helmut

Another of my many items to be placed in the hands of leathercrafter. FREEEEEEEEEEEEEE Many bottles of artist acrylic paints for someone willing to travel to Opelika, Al. and take home. Most are new, some may need thinner from lack of use but all worthwhile for someone using paints on leather. Some small bottles, large bottles and tubes and tons of different colors. Paint for along time with the amount of paint you will receive. Some artist chalks and miscellaneous items included. Email if you would like to visit and take this collection home. God Bless. Ray

Hey Jimbob, I am in Big Swamp, Alabama, commonly known by its modernized name of Opelika, Al., just next to Auburn. Wish I were close to a leathercrafter but haven't been lucky enough to find any in this immediate area. Thank you for extending an offer and wish I could accept Ray

Hey Winterbear, I learned a bit more and suppose I must prepare myself for the events that will surely take place. Murphy, I am sure, is probably hanging around the neighborhood so I assume he will invoke his usual law. Ray

Hey Brian, Good book for skulls, etc; "Tatto Bible Volume 2", found on Amazon. Volume 1 is good but 2 is better. Do a search for tattoo art under books on Amazon. They have quite a selection. The book you have is a good book. Ray aka Helmut

Had posted information about this collection under another category but probably better here. Over the years, I have collected drinking vessels, ie; cups, glassware, steins/mugs, etc; and now clearing out my estate. This collection has, in the area of, 1500 or so, different items and would sincerely like to see a leatherworker with side interest in such a collection, contact me. I am not able to pack, list, or itemize due to limitations, but there are very many intersting and collectible items. You would have to be able to visit Opelika/Auburn area of Alabama to pick up the items. Price will amaze you and we can discuss if you are sincere. Please provude a contact number or email offsite so as not to tie up this net. In addition, for your information, there are many items that will be sold at very reasonable prices. My intention is to keep only the pyrography and leatherworking items, hopefully to enjoy a bit longer. Will respond to all who respond, on or offsite as you prefer. Ray aka Helmut

I have a like new Tippmann Embosser with cutting blade and necessary tools for set up. Would like to consider trading for a clicker such as the Weaver hand operated clicker or something, perhaps even better. If any interest, please email and we can discuss. Must be easy to operate as have physical limitations. Ray

Hello Cumberland, Never heard of that one but will be searching for very soon. No idea how a heat glazer would work but it sounds like an interesting item Thank you for the information. My search moves forward another notch. God Bless. Ray aka Helmut

I have been shopping for a burnishing machine. What type do you have that comes with so many options? Ray

Currently in process of relocating my leathercraft setup to smaller area of my workshop to save a bit on utilities and make access easier for me. I am seeking someone, hopefully a fellow leatherworker, that has a side interest in collecting drinking vessels, ie; cups, mugs, glassware, etc, and is close enough to Opelika/Auburn area of Alabama and could make a trip to see if this collection would be something of interest. 1500 pieces, or more, and they must be packed and loaded by others as my physical situation would not allow me to complete such activity. If this sounds like something of interest, please contact me as soon as possible and I will fill you in on all of the details. Not something to spend time over or occupy space on this net. Just want to see that it ends up in the hands of sincere leatherworker. No time to photograph eveything and no desire to list on one of the auction sites. Time is extremely important these days and would be an extreme chore to list each item for someone. Send me a phone number or email address and I will contact you asap. Please, if you wish me to call, add the best times for me to call. The price will surprise you and certainly, please you. While I am at it, I make mention that many items are to be sold at very low prices and something here for everyone. Disposing of my entire estate, except my leather working and pyrography items. God Bless. Ray aka Helmut

rHey Scary, Again you gave me some information. Out of time? Okay, I will now have to become a techy as well. Ouch!! I agree about classes. Nothing in my area and nobody nearby to go to to get the education that would be beneficial for a newbie. I have a friend that is an upholsterer and he said he will give me a few pointers but the projects he works with are all very light weight and mostly vinyl and cloth. Some of the tips should be worthwhile, or at least I hope that will be the end result. Soon we will be entering a new year and best of everything to you and everyone else. Pray that it is better than the last. Keep in touch if you care to. God Bless. Ray

Hello Scary, Again, thank you for the information. The thread site is great and from what I am learning from my searches, their prices are very good as well. Now all I have to do is wait until the machine arrives and see if I can make it work. That should be an interesting ordeal. So much to learn and so little time to do it. Hope I live to be a 1000. lol. God Bless. Ray aka Helmut