CTaylorJr

Those look great! Nice color coordination and the tooling looks excellent.

I use formica for templates and patterns for leather items and also for the knives I make on a regular basis. Easy to get from the local home improvement store. I oversize trace my template onto the formica, then trim it down with shears. Once the roughing is done, I use a belt sander to take it down to the correct size/shape. Caution, sand the edges, it can be sharp after cutting it.

A lady friend of ours asked if I could put her spirit animal on some leather that she got from her grandfather's estate, and also incorporate her name in Elder Futhark to be used as a wall hanging. When she brought the leather down with her several weeks ago, it acted like it had been rolled up for a LONG time. Took forever to get a decent case on it, and was a PITA to work. This is what I came up with though, and she loves the pics. She said she'll be bringing me some of grandpa's old tools when she visits next month and picks up the bird!

I think it's amazing work, and for hand stitching, outstanding work. I'd carry shells to the range in it.

I really like your work!

I agree! I don't care who you are, THAT is a funny mental image!

One of the folks that has purchased each of my fossil fish collection sent me a pic that she wanted me to do for her to add to her wall. No problem, this one would be simple! I cased the leather, transferred the drawing, and then cut it out with my swivel knife. Looking good so far, lets start getting some detail work done! Nope, the phone rings and I'm told to be on the next plane to El Paso for an investigation. Ok, dampen the leather a bit, place it into a ziplock bag, and stick it into the beer frig to wait.... Well, my bride, who is absolutely wonderful, found said bagged leather the day after I left. She thought I had mistakenly put it in the frig, so she took it out and put it back on my bench... Today, upon my return, I found this... No, I didn't open it...

Thats looking great! i too want to see it complete and on the scooter!

I see a very happy archer coming soon! any chance of getting a shot of it on the arm?

Very nice work, and I agree with cjartist, they are tricky!

Like I said, I know NADA about stitching, and I don't make good gravy either! I just counted the stitches on the cover I made and they are 5/inch. The main issue I see is the size (diameter/shape) of the holes made by the iron. I don't want to see a large void. We shall see, I have a sample pack coming soon and just ordered an awl to try my hand at poking holes in myself.

I really like that! WHen lifted by the handle, does the loop and the leather strap through it hold the flap well enough, or am I missing seeing another closure? A messenger bag is on my to do list, but I'm a LONG way from my first attempt. The sewing and pattern cutting is something I relly need to work on. I learned that this weekend.

Actually, once you get the hang of it, it flows pretty well. I probably used 3 square feet of scrap in practice, but if you look close at the picture, I'm far from being great at it. But, like everything else in this hobby, practice makes perfect.

I agree about the thread for sure. I've made several belts and haven't bought more than a few pricking irons, and those are pretty large in size. I'm looking at some 2 and 2.5mm irons and also thread sizing to match them. Thanks for the advice, I can use a LOT of it with these things. I admire you folks that do bags, books, etc...

Yeah, funny how that works! A coworker asked me about a corset not long ago! I don't need to even begin trying something along those lines, plus I didn't need the mental image! I sent her to a friend of mine and she got her fixed up... Zippers? Um, NO!

I mainly do figure carving and don't do cases, bags, and things like that. Well, my bride signed me up for something without asking me first. I have to make 4 small spiral notebook cases for some ladies that are in one of her groups. I explained that I don't usually make things like that, but it was like arguing with a wall... So, I made one for my self as proof of concept. 2 of these will be basket weave and 2 will have some sort of floral pattern. NEITHER of which I am proficient at! I learned a LOT making this one and now have the correct dimensions to proceed with the next. You can tell that I haven't been at the bench in a while..

I like the design, colors, and the flower center as well. This one may have impacted the stitching area, but I really like when a patter "flows over" the edge border. IT seems to intensify the 3D effect.

That's brilliant! I can see a lot of use for something like that. I too spend a LOT of time in hotels and this would be a very nice addition to my travel bag.

Try this... http://www.fineleatherworking.com/indispensable-knife

Where is the OP located? A leather worker close to them may be able to sell them the strips they need until a shoulder/side can be purchased. Cheaper than a belt blank from Tandy I'm certain.

Well, that's a very nice looking "bad" project... Good work

Pyrography outside, as in out in the middle of the yard, or have a fan blowing it out of the garage! I didn't realize we had a smoke detector in the attic attached to the home alarm system! I was flame coloring some yellow pine for a project with a torch, I guess normal Pyrography wouldn't get quite that bad. While I'm in here, think back to when you first started... Remember wondering why the guys in the pictures needed so many tools? I'm learning now why, you always DONT have the one you really need!

BK tools are hard to beat, however, if this is your first venture into leather working, I'd get a starter set of the Tandy stamps, a Tandy backgrounder, and the BK swivel knife. The starter set of stamps will get you going and let you know if you'll like this hobby (madness?). Before trying to make your first collar, cut some scrap pieces into 2" strips and practice your casing, carving, and tooling. That would also be a good time to practice your finish work as well. Once you decide to get serious about leather work, then you can begin to amass your tools one or a few at a time. As I began selling pieces of my work, I would take 50% of my gains and apply it toward tool upgrades or tool needs. If you plan to make a lot of collars, I highly suggest a quality strap cutter as well. Fill in your information about location and such and someone local to you may be able to provide a bit of mentoring or assistance as well.

That looks to be in great condition! Should refurb really well! Great find!

DOH! At least it was the pooch and not a customers $200.00 shirt that got the "extras"!