Sylvia

I recently had an issue with paypal's shipping not connecting with usps and after a several day wait on Monday it still was not working. USPS (online) is worthless unless you want to ship express or priority. A 34lb package at USPS online was $71 priority mail. Pfft... NO thanks. I ended up at Stamps.com and was able to ship it parcel post for $42 with insurance and tracking. Paypal would have been better but I didn't have time to wait while they fix things.

hi Cliff: Here is what I do... I typically do 3 inch wide guitar straps and use wallet patterns when required. Belt patterns would work but you would have to enlarge or size them up somehow. You can use your computer screen as a light box and trace a sized up pattern with a felt tip pen and a light touch too.

Look for "kid skin" I believe it comes in the thicknesses you are looking for and looks more like cow hide. An alternative is calf skin here's some calf nappa leather. 1.5 oz... but it's precolored. http://springfieldleather.com/33908/Burgundy-Nappa-Calf/ and here is some kid skin in brown, says about 2oz. http://springfieldleather.com/18124/Kidskin%2CFinished%2CDk-Chocolate/

have you tried thinning the "dye" and putting on several thin coats?

Did anyone get an answer from this fellow?

Wow! you reinvented the sewing awl. Pretty clever with the shuttle.

Hi franko: At least you didn't put your servo motor into reverse on accident like I did once. lol I was befuddled for a long time until David at Cobra sent me a PDF on how to fix that. Take your time, you'll get this sewing thing down in no time at all.

If you are talking about a single toe outer foot, you need to remember that you put the one on that allows the inside foot be closest to the thing you are sewing up next to. So if you have your D-ring on the left side of the sewing area... you need to use the right single toe outer foot, so that your inner foot will ride right next to the D ring.

It is a deal at that price... but cripes... not going to be me. I'm not where near you so "free local pick up" is not happening. Too bad too, I've been looking into clicker dies. Oh well.

hmmm interesting.

Message sent

One person suggested needle felting, but thought the fibers would be too short. You could go with the felting idea, but flat felting rather than needle felting. (Soapy hot water, Agitate the wool in the water, pat the wool flat, allow to dry. ) If you have enough you could end up with nice thick wool felt that could make nice cozy warm insoles for your shoes or moccasins.

Thanks Ray: I'm also a marketing person. I'd like to point out one thing you didn't include. "word of mouth" Be good to your customers and they will be good to you and tell everyone they know about your service, products,etc. Alternatively... they can give you bad press as well. Anyway, thanks for sharing. While I don't fully agree with everything you've listed, I think you have provided some great information.

I guess it would depend on if I'm going to be cutting the shape of the item I'm making or if I am preparing a pattern for the design on the piece. If I am making a cutting pattern, I would use something sturdy that lasts. I've used aluminum flashing shaped with tin snips, and I've used Cereal box cardboard. If I am preparing a design, I like SEE Through material. The reason is it makes it easier to place and trace the design correctly. For this I use transparencies like Teachers used to use, as well as sheet protectors that can be opened out to make a bigger piece. I just print the design, lay my clear over the top and trace with a permanent marker. Then I lay that over the leather and trace again with a stylus or with a dulled pencil or empty ball point pen. I can tape it down and not tear the paper when it's removed. I can pin through it, if placement is critical. I also have some vinyl, but my vinyl is clear and a few mils thick. I get mine from my local True Value, for about $5-$6 a linear yard. (it's 48" wide I think)

Checking mine. abcdefghi Nope fine on Chrome

Maybe you aren't seeing it, but when I clicked start new topic I got an editor. I can change font colors, put in a smilie, link, and attach photos in the write area, via a little picture in the middle of the second row sort of below the smilie button. I've found that the page your picture in the gallery is not going to work, you have to click the picture, right click it in the new view, and click copy picture location. Then come back here and click the add photo icon and paste the url. Like this. nice wallet btw.

Thanks Redtail: Good idea. I can get them printed at the next town over for $5 each. I don't know many people here and none who work for an engineering office.

Bob Park has a book out. "Creating Western Floral Designs" that is something you should look at. BTW... I've been chastised for calling all western florals "sheridan" lol Maybe the books you seek are not entitled Sheridan? If you contact him here and ask for particulars I'm sure he would be happy to sell you a copy. Here's a link to the "Bob Likewise book" http://www.oregonleatherco.com/books/sheridan-style-carving-6013-01

The only advantage to Stamp.com is they give you a free postal scale ... (at least they used to) I mostly use Paypal for shipping... because it allows first class as well as parcel post and priority. It's just more convenient for me.