Sylvia

Go do some dishes. otherwise it should come of in about 24 hours.

I personally would never "gladly" place a concho, spikes, or the like on a guitar strap. But many makers do it all the time.. commenting "it's fine if you are careful" (I call BS)... I have one customer that is requesting Conchos. I am willing to do it as long as he understands that he takes responsibility for any damage to his guitar due to banging conchos against it. The only hardware mine gets thusfar is a buckle and some Chicago screws and my buckle is on a strap that is glued and sewn to the main body of the strap. I do this for a couple reasons. 1. If the belt part gets worn and needs to be replaced It can be fairly easily to remove and replace. 2. The guitar and guitarist is protected from the buckle even on max length setting so no banging elbows or having a buckle rub on you. But that's just me... I own 15 guitars, 1 bass, 2 ukulele's and 2 mandolins.... and I would be horrified if I chipped or dinged the finish on any of them.

Thanks Tom! The link ended up clickable. Funny I notice that several people reviewed this product as worthless and said that it bent after a few uses. I wonder if they are coming from a couple different factories....

I hope it's a solid core door. I like your hutch-like shelves I need something like that.

Does West Marine have a website? If so would you please post a link for us?

I had hoped someone would answer your question. I think the reason this looks "dull" to you is because it has a satin finish. I don't know if it would be worth taking a chance to strip and redye. What color did you want it to be?

Tandy's leathercraftlibrary has a digital download of "Sandal Making" a book from the 70s. $9.99 Here's the link https://www.leathercraftlibrary.com/p-1153-sandal-making.aspx? It answers a lot of your questions.

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