NatesCustomHolsters

It was hard to get the measurements right for the pieces, I would advise cutting them a little long, then when you get toward the end of the stitching, cut them to the right length. Stitch everything up loosely, then go back through with a pick and pull the thread tight one stitch at a time working your way up the piece... then itll all be drawn up tight. I dyed it after it was all stitched up and done, which worked out good for me. I would use a 3/4 oz leather if I did it again, the thickness I used was a little too much for this application I think. I would also work some glue on the wheel somehow just before stitching it just to keep it adhered well and take a little pressure off of all the stitching when you really grab the wheel and get forceful while driving. My car doesnt have power steering so I gotta get ahold of that bad boy sometimes!

thanks guys!

No it wasnt a kit. I pre-measured everything out and punched the holes myself prior to stitching them up. It was a load of hard work but it paid off, it feels really good in the hands. -Nate

This is a GT wheel from a 65 mustang fastback. It was in bad shape, so I painted it white then wrapped it in leather. Its got 2 layers of deer hide underneath then cowhide on top, with goat as the caps over the ends where the spokes are. Not fun. Spent 8 hours yesterday doing the project, the stitching was a pain!

that is just absolutely amazing.

no i didnt line it at all, it really doesnt need it. Theres nothing on the rough side of the leather that should be hard enough to scratch the tablet.

thanks guys!

yea i had about 6 hours in that second one.

That is just awesome tooling my friend! I wish I was that smooth. Someday, with enough practice maybe. -Nate

So I just bought a tablet this week and I am going out of town maybe tomorrow and wanted to make a protective case for it for when I travel. It will always be in this case, inside of a backpack. Now I just need to make a leather pouch for the charger, and something for the keyboard and ill be all set! I know my lines arent perfect, the design has flaws, and it could improve, but honestly, I wouldnt change a thing on it. One thing about hand made crafts is that they arent perfect, and I kind of like how it looks hand made, not like some machines somewhere stamped it out in half an hour. Heres some pics:

Here is a couple coats of arms carvings I did for a friend as christmas presents. I really like the way they came out. Used Tandy medium brown antique gel to finish them off, then some professional creme on top to seal it and finish it. Any and all comments are appreciated! Thanks, Nate

the only way I can do it smoothly is to lay it down rough side up, then cut through it with a razor blade (utility knife). then after that you can glue it to another layer of leather, sand the edges smooth, then burnish it just like anything else. best bet is to use it as an underlayment though to cover up the edges. Its also very hard to sew through evenly without the beads popping off randomly. -Nate

That is amazing work!!!

wow that is just awesome!

Here's my 3rd carving. A rose I made for my wife. I'm open to critique here you guys! Thanks in advance

I really like leaf patterns. I plan to do a lot of them. Its gonna take a lot of practice though before I put something on one of my holsters and try to sell it. -Nate

looks great! Better than my first attempt thats for sure!

So I started the local class at the tandy store on leatherworking, and other than the one floral carving they start you out on, here is what I have done... What do you guys think? I just kind of winged it on the leaf. Whats the best way to do letters like this that are simple? Anyway, heres the pics.

I find that on the smaller guns those spring steel clips are great. Way strong enough and less hassle than the leather loops with snaps. That iwb is the one I wear every day for the bodyguard.

Sounds like the boss will serve you well. I just bought one this month (used for $800) and within an hour of getting it I had it set up and running great. If your only doing a few things a week and smaller stuff like holsters and belts, its a great machine! I love mine. If I ever need anything all I have to do is call Tippmann and we can figure it out I'm sure. -Nate

Could you add me too? Thanks! -Nate

Thank you for the warm welcome!!! Heres a couple pics of my recent work:

Hello All! I just joined the forum. I look forward to learning a bunch here and getting deeper into the leatherworker culture. I just started doing leatherworking in january for gun holsters. It took off pretty quick so I started my own very small business.. My website is www.natescustomholsters.com I am active duty Air Force, I have a beautiful wife and 3 kids and boy we stay busy! Its good to meet everyone, I'll be browsing the threads here for quite some time I'm sure. Oh and if anyone has a tippmann boss for sale or knows of one, give me a shout! Thanks, -Nate