Prince

Latest finished project: Monster Hunter Armor. All leather construction. Custom design based roughly on a character from a video game at client's request. Lots and lots of stuff coming soon.

Hmmm, redneck armor... make something with a hunting scene, or rat-rods carved in. ; ) I may not fit in very well, or care to, but I'm neck deep in the deep south myself lol

It was this very post that planted the seed for me getting a laser cutter of my own lol

hehe ^^ And thanks again everyone ; )

Leather Witchhunter Hat with brass accents. All components crafted by me. Original concept art by Eric Polak made for Warhammer Online (game), Mythic.

I'm working on an expansion for my business and I'm going to soon be in the market for a laser cutting table and I'm hoping there are a few around who know a bit about them. Trying to do some homework. Main thing I need to know is pricing and reliability. Do these things last? And are there any pitfalls to be aware of? If I can afford it I'd get one powerful enough to cut steel too, I figure I'd be able to step it down for leather and engraving. And by engraving I may actually mean etching, not sure of the proper nomenclature. But then, on second thought the kind of laser beefy enough to handle what I'd want to cut would likely be very cost prohibitive for a long while. But anyway, starting out I need the capacity to cut leather, and etch/engrave it to varying degrees. Maybe cut 18ga brass or steel. The bed should be big enough. Any info or sources to other info to read up on will be appreciated. Thanks

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the allure of feeling like a bad ass, whether or not that concept aligns with reality or not. Sometimes people just want to feel cool though of course what that quantifies that concept of 'cool' is subjective to each person. And of course the words synonymous with cool depend on generation, ie: rad, hip, swell. Whether it's wearing a skull helmet at a renaissance festival or convention, or jacket with skulls, or motorcycle seat, or having some skulls on their book case (as I do by happenstance) people sport such apparel and own such possessions because they feel that, or project that, style reflects an aspect of their personality. Or they temporarily play the role as such. Though of course the skull themes are overplayed by my estimation, I think that's due in part to a lack of imagination. Other reasons are likely the culprit though. While of course nothing new, it became an accepted fad in our modern culture and people often won't deviate from the accepted norm, even if that norm is an offshoot of something abnormal. Also, the skull in particular is rather iconic and the grim connotations are instantly recognizable. It's easy to grasp the point as it were, when depicted in art or fashion. I think that helps it be so wide spread too. When you are surrounded by the culture you will notice things like grave stones, caskets, demons, and all sorts of other similar themed items but the skull is also able to be personalized with characteristically human attributes like angry looking eyes and such. So it is much easier to get a certain impact with skulls. This is all conjecture of course; personal speculation since the topic was broached. I normally don't spend much time on forums, easy to get drawn in and hard to get work done but today is a sick day as it happens.

Another recent project. Leather plate backing. All veg tanned leather.

Custom Leather Sword Belt & Dagger Frog Antiqued Brass Hardware Full view here

Thanks all It's multiple pieces. I hope its not too unsightly to withhold the specifics of how I made it. Client wanted a more vibrant color scheme instead of the metallic one I did, WIP attached.

Koi Fish Wall Art (1 of 3) Made entirely from leather Width is 6.5Ft, (Longer if measured like a live fish) The next two Koi in this series will be 10ft! Probably 6 to 8 inches in depth. I used at least a dozen different paints and blends to do this so there is a lot of special metallic, pearlized, highlight, iridescent, and sparkle effects going on. So it is very dynamic depending on lighting and from where you're looking at it. This series will be featured at a sushi restaurant in Orlando. Video to show metallic and sparkle effects. view in HD to see efffects.

There are two versions that I've seen. The one you linked is the cheaper first edition. I got the second edition hardback that is supposed to have lots more in it. Think it was like 95 or so after shipping? Can't remember where I got it, bought a bunch of stuff lately. There's a lot of jibber jaber and near sermon in the beginning but a bit in it gets to the design work. I think it will be well worth it.

Thanks everyone. Forgot to upload other pics. Here's the compiled image of various angles. http://azmal.deviantart.com/art/Imperial-Sea-Dragon-Armor-Comp-255967877?q=gallery%3Aazmal%2F157557&qo=15

Had to wait till I had some extra money but I did finally buy the book, it was rather expensive as far as books go but I can't wait to get it. Looks very promising. Thanks again Bill

My sentiment EXACTLY lol

That's great work. Really great. I would love to be able to do that but my Toro eats thin leather for dinner lol May I ask what you sold this wallet for? or is it taboo to ask such things? :S : )

Well, not as big or as extravagant as some of my work but a nice little project like this here and there can be satisfying to do. I have some other interesting projects in the works - Cthulu helmet, -giant- koi fish wall art from leather, high end seampunk & floral themed baldric with custom hardware, some suits of armor, more Conan themed stuff, and who knows what all else. Till next time!

Hehe, thanks, and yes, I was trying to do some networking. Mr. Elmore is quite an amazing artist and I was very happy that he liked my work.

Thanks all Anyone really, many are interested in functional fantasy items. People use them at ren fests, conventions, costume parties, halloween, and various events. Its a relatively small market though I guess. Not nearly as big as the traditional western style things

Just finished a coat for myself to wear at DragonCon. Embossed croc and ostrich (cow) leathers

Here's my latest projects. Dragon Doublet Shop Apron Ring Belt

Preliminary image for the Imperial Sea Dragon Armor from my client. I still have some adjustments to do and additional items to make but this is where it's at right now. Full head to toe suit, all leather construction, hardened, wetmolded, tooled, dyed, airbrushed, and all that. Consists of: Helmet, gorget, pauldrons, breastplate, full arms, gauntlets, full legs, and sabbatons. Will have more pictures at a later date.

Sounds exactly like what I need, thanks for the info.

Awesome, rock on guys. I forgot about weaver and it looks like that thread exchange place has quite the variety of colors and spool sizes. Thanks so much!

So, I've been calling around all day trying to track down some 138 sized thread in brown, blue, red, and white and most places have nothing in that size or only black or white if any, but not the colors. I tried to order the colors before but figured it was just a stock issue and I'd just order when I was about ready to start sewing. Now I have a couple weeks left to get a couple projects done and sewn and can't find thread to save my life. I can use black in if I absolutely must but I really don't want to. So I have to ask if anyone knows of any suppliers that consistently carries a wide variety of colors and sizes.