Sylvia

Definitely an ambitious soul! My favorites are the Skull Holster, the purse, and Mia's collar but all of it is really nice work!

Nah... you just need your brain kick started! I find that "head shops" have the best essential oil selection. But organic food places usually has a good selection too. There's always the internet too if you just can't find yourself walking into one of those places. LOL

Wow! Thanks for the nice compliment yourself. I didn't think anyone noticed my efforts to help. It's nice to be appreciated.

LOL I've been wondering where you were. Scrubbing old machines. How are your displays working in the stores? Any sales yet?

There is a material that is like the insulating blanket NASA used in the space station. It has several thin layers and one of them is like a space blanket. My Sis-in-law used it to make waterbottle carriers. I'll try to remember to get her source for you. Remind me tomorrow.

Dang it! Yet another thing I can't get in on until $$ improves. Uhmmmm do you have layaway?

2D Christmas Ornaments If you feel especially crafty and want to practice some lacing....why not punch holes around each pieces of smaller scrap and patchwork them together using lace. Use these for place mats or trivets. I would probably use an existing place mat for layout and size. Then butt the pieces together and use an over cast stitch to bring everything together... then perhaps use that thin cork material to glue to the back for stability.... then punch and do a double loop stitch around the edges.

For the shorter and narrower pieces you might consider making "cord keepers" Make them about 4-8 inches long with a good strong snap. No fuss on artwork, just a little dye and sealer if you want. Sell them 3 for $15... to electricians and musicians all day long. For some short pieces, stamp something on it... punch a hole.... infuse the back of the leather with scented oil. (air freshener) Some pieces can become hair barrettes or "pony tail holders" https://www.leathercraftlibrary.com/p-1191-the-little-pony.aspx Long narrow pointed pieces can be wet formed and glued into beads, wrapped around a pencil to make a long spiral, or riveted together to make a star burst (air freshener) You might also consider some of these for 2D Christmas Ornaments If you feel especially crafty and want to practice some lacing....why not punch holes around each pieces of scrap and patchwork them together using lace. Use these for place mats or trivets. (these would probably demand a higher price.)

Any grease cutting cleaner should work, even that mechanics hand cleaner, or oven cleaner. I would apply the cleaner and let it sit a bit then wipe. (in other words let the chemical do it's job) Have fun!

Hi Tom: I remember when I was a kid I was running up this dirt road and I saw and jumped over a colored king snake that was stretched almost completely across the road! I still remember that vividly. lol Pretty snake though, it was banded like a California king but every other black band was orange instead. Anyway... I think your mom will be proud of this purse. I like the background material and I think you've done a great job on the snake. That must have been difficult to get that head and "face" just right with all those plates and scales. Bravo!

Goodsjapan has a guitar stamp. I've heard they are better than modern Craftool by Tandy. Here's one on ebay... keep in mind you'll be importing this so it may take some time to get to you. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leather-Craft-PMC-Silver-Clay-Stamp-Guitar-20mm-x-7mm-/110663943403?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c415c4eb

Hi Dennis: From my understanding, and I could be mistaken.... the waxed thread for hand stitching is to help keep it from fraying and knotting up while working the stitches. It's used for hand quilting too. As for machine stitching, I understand that older machines had a wax pot but I am not sure how they worked. Maybe Wiz can help with that.... Syl

LOL Don't serve leather tea to guests! Well, the process is osmosis, that might just work. Just I would test first of course to see the results. The oil might make the piece too soft to hold a shape though. I would probably try the oil, then try the wax... then try a few with various ratios of the two mixed, to see which one works the best for you. Hmmm.... I wonder if deglazing the leather first would help the process by removing any factory finishes.

LOL Just make sure you don't get the wax too hot. I microwaved some water once to do do wet molding and my leather shrank to about 1/3 it's original size not to mention the "leather tea" I made. lol Pick holders are coming right along. I learn something new every time I make one.

Interesting.... a contributing member accused of spamming? I don't get it.

Hello: On Youtube there is a video where a dude dips his leather sheath into melted wax then bakes the thing on low in the oven for a while. The result is hard and he says, it's water proof. here's one that uses beeswax

Hi James: Do you mean a tooling pattern or a cut out pattern?

Thanks Chris. that's exactly what I was wondering about. I think I might do the seal as the one fellow suggested. I did do a test piece over some well dried 'groon and it seems to be just fine. The colors are shades of blue and some shear pearl Angelus calls silver. I know I'll need to go thin because the tooling is being painted over on this and I want to put black antique over the top of the color to bring out the figures. So I guess I better continue to practice. Thanks again for the insight. S

I agree with Allen for the most part. I would add that you google "Tandyleather Coupon Code" for additional savings. I just placed an order a week or so ago and got $10 off (paid for shipping basically) Finding buckles and the right watch band punch might be fun. If you like black... I would side step all the issues some of us have had with black and start brewing your own Vinegaroon right away.

That sounds nice. I've been tempted to try nail polish on a couple things that don't flex much, since it's acrylic enamel. Have you ever done that? Also have you ever put acrylic paints over vinegaroon? I've searched the forum but found no answer...

Glad you did Suicide. Bison/Buffalo can be spendy for the first pair ... but I think as long as he's willing to make the prototype from canvas, etc. I think he'll be ok with a more valuable leather. You should direct John to your photos. I bet he would love to see your work.

It's called a split skirt. You are talking about the gaucho like skirt Barbara Stanwick wore in Big Valley right? It looks something like this? http://www.ecrater.c...it-skirt-cowboy Here's a couple patterns.. http://www.amazon.co...n/dp/B0073YMCMK http://www.amazon.co...f=cm_cr_pr_pb_t there's also a nice pattern here for a split skirt. Scroll about 1/3 of the way down... to LAF109........$16.00 and a little farther down BB-WRS.........$13.95 http://www.longago.c...sternwomen.html hope that helps.

Are these colors acrylic? and what color did you use to get the "hot rod yellow?"

It depends a lot on the leather too, I think If it's "iffy" cheap leather that can be an issue.

I've been coveting this for a while now. http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html be sure to search online for the 20% discount code. I apologize... I didn't realize you were talking about cutting pieces out. I thought you were speaking of carving. I would use a metal straight edge, stand as Dwight says, and make sure I cut deep and smoothly. As for corners and jagged edges... That tells me your blade isn't sharp enough. When I get that kind of stuff, I use a pair of razor sharp dress shears and snip those ragged bits away before I sand. (and go sharpen the knife) The scissors I have are Fiskars Razor Edged dress shears. I've had them for years so I don't know how much it will cost to get a pair. ,