Sylvia

Ok, let me give you a brief tutorial 1. you want simple designs with high contrast. Too much shading or too many colors make it harder. 2. Under "Adjustments" click "black and white" 3. Under "adjustments" click "brightness contrast" and slide the bars to the picture is nice and clean (typically brighter and more contrast) 4. Done. Save and print.

Nice! I like the jig you made. I've tried stamping with a drill press before. Works pretty darn well.

LOL you sound like me. I have this beautiful half hide of deer tanned cow that I want to make moccasin boots out of... but I am afraid to cut it. Here is the tutorial by hidepounder on casing. He did it in a PDF file so you can download it and print for your file. http://www.leatherworker.net/Bob%20Park/Casing%20Leather.pdf If you got a kit, I recommend watching the DVD if yours came with one... or go onto Tandy's site and click the banner for "80 free how to videos" I think these "foreign made" stamps in the kits have an issue with being flimsy from what I've read here so holding them properly will help keep them from bending and breaking. If you can't find the videos on there search Youtube for Tandy leather... there are a few videos on there too. Syl

I don't have much experience with it... but yes, it can be a great tool for Marketing. I would advise you to keep your personal FB separate from your Business one however. I've been experimenting with http://www.yardsellr.com which allows you to showcase and sell your items without the listing fees of either Ebay or Paypal. (unless you want to get your payments via paypal) It also ties to your facebook account so you can have the yardsellr link right on your FB page. They have these things called "photon$" which you earn various ways, sellers can upgrade their listings (pay $2 to $10) to have their items boosted to the top of the listings, promoted, and even showcased. In return you get photon$ to give to potential buyers. The photons act as $$ off the purchase. The buyer collects photons, finds an item they want, and uses the photons toward a purchase. The seller gets the full amount he's asking for. So if you list a knife sheath for $50, plus $8 shipping you get that in payment. But the buyer can use up to $50 worth of photons toward that and get the Knife sheath for $8 shipping and a "Yardseller slice" (a fee the buyer pays) Anyway, it seems to be good for a person who doesn't want to mess with a website of their own, for one of a kind pieces... and hand crafted things. check it out.

Hi Lady: Have you had time to check out that Paint.net program yet? I found a nice design today I downloaded the picture. It was about a 4x4 inch picture white on a pea green background. After a few click a button I have this.

Yep, that dark one looks about like what I got. :D Have you tried it yet? It will certainly get you started. The white one with the scratches can be a pattern weight if you want. The Deep saw cut on the Granite one can be a place to stash a tool that has a tendency to roll off. Good job, perhaps you can go back with doughnuts and ask to poke around their dumpster again for a larger one? And as a person who appreciates manners in everyone... thank you for being polite and making the gal smile. I completely agree.

(((HUGS))) Of course I understand that you don't want it to be sold or represent your first sold product. It's good to step away from this for a bit. It sounds as if both of you are kicking yourselves over this. It's just not worth it.

Cheryl: I don't think it's a waste. It's 2 things to me. 1. It's a tack pattern to take and improve upon (I always trace a pattern from "kits", and I take apart pre-made clothing to take a pattern from that too) 2. It's an educational experience. (Live and learn I say. It was an expensive lesson, but so is a college education. You learned and I think that is a good thing!) I don't think I would put your bling on it at all. I would just paint it up and sell it as a "customized" one made in India. Get it out of your hair. Someone will buy it.

Wow, these are beautiful.

I think I just earned a college degree in Lumen and Lighting. LOL Great stuff TwinOaks.

LOL

Ah yes, shades of browns... green browns, black browns, red/orange browns, and yellow browns. It can see where it would be frustrating when you are expecting a chocolate brown and get mahogany. For what it's worth I like this color. Fiebing's dark brown is a nice Dark Chocolate color. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=55558

I like the brown paper idea, but I would probably buy roll brown craft paper about the size of butcher wrap. Secure with raffia or jute twine or perhaps a label. As for boxes. There are flat pack boxes you can by at a local packaging store. Bridal Favor boxes (2"x2"x2") found at craft stores can handle small things too. http://www.michaels.com/Celebrate-It%E2%84%A2-Occasions%E2%84%A2-Brown-Square-20-Ct.-Favor-Box-Set/wd0677,default,pd.html?cgid=products&start=1 http://www.papermart.com/Product%20Pages/Product.aspx?GroupID=20365&SubGroupID=11230&ParentGroupID=18993#11230 Papermart.com has them too. I would probably stick to colors in a similar family. This implies a company brand something like those little blue boxes us ladies know and love you for on sight (Tiffany's)

Hi Kris: I don't have the pattern but I found the passport cover you are speaking of. The compass rose is nice. If no one can provide you with the actual pattern, perhaps this compass rose line art will suffice. http://www.google.co...9QEwBg&dur=2947 This one is nice too. http://www.art-and-home.net/media/10/a2079291247bcb0a2d5db4_m.jpg

I live in Idaho now so getting together could be a bit of a challenge. But I sure would like to get back over that way for a visit. I sent you a brief email.

Ha ha ha ha..... that is priceless!! Very metal too \m/ \m/

HI Nanci: Nice to meet ya! I'm originally from the I-5 Corridor about 99 miles north of Cali. ) I just might take you up on that offer of tutelage. Lord knows I can always use a friend and mentor. Sylvia

That's really very nice work. I can actually see those as a bridal bouquet... or circlet with a veil attached. Gorgeous

Really? ha! I think it's awesome.

I wonder if that is why Tandy marked them down from $120 to $60. I ordered one for the projects and the stains/finishing stuff. The Kits say Age 8 and up... isn't a broken stamp an injury hazard? Has anyone check to see if there is a recall?

A new Singer? They couldn't pay me to take a new Singer. The $500 would be cool though. (wait a minute.... maybe the $500 IS the pay to take the Singer!?)

I was looking for a tiny Ivy image and googled "Ivy leather stamp" and I came upon a leather worker from OK that has some awesome work posted on his website. I found this particular piece delighted me and tickled me at the same time. It's certainly creative and would be a wonderful addition to a log cabin or western decor. http://www.ivycustomleather.com/