lightningad

Ingenious - couldnt do that myself - my hole saw uses a drillbit as a guide so the mug would have a perfectly central hole! If you dont mind me asking (and if its a secret thats fine) how do attach the handles?

WOW! really impressive work Renee. Really like the handles. I always thought the idea of leather mugs somewhat off putting...now my mind is totally changed. Did you figure out the process yourself or is there a tutorial somewhere? I'm also trying to decide if i should get a stamp or the next bit of leather! adam

Looking good Bryan. I made a very similar thing last year, and i didn't bother with any kind of permanent closure. I decided that as books don't need a fastener, then why should an electronic book? I just made sure the leather was firm enough to protect yet flexible enough to close or open as required. I notice you have done almost exactly the same as i did for the retaining straps...with hindsight i wish i had put the corner straps on all four corners, as the longer strap on the top makes it easy for the Kindle to slide out if the cover is held upside down. I got around this be retrofitting a tongue to prevent this. Four corners straps would have been easier and much more elegant! But if we weren't learning it would be boring! I found that the easiest way for me to stop the leather stretching whilst tooling is simply to cover the flesh side of the leather with packing tape before i start. Adam

would neoprene be any good? or even a craft product called "Funky Foam" - thats its name in the UK, don't know if that has other conotations in the US!!

well then why not around a thigh instead of an arm?

Finally managed to visit J Woods nr Keighley. Well worth the trip - i managed to get two really nice pieces from the offcuts pile. approx 45sqft at £2 a sqft - bargain! Now i have some lovely thick red stuff for making a couple of traditional satchels, and then i have a waxy finished chrome full grain cowside which is perfect for the flight bag i have been wanting to make myself for ages!

weird - 4 months after starting this thread, the forum has told me i've had a a reply! Thanks to all for their suggestions. Hopefully i'm visiting JWoods tomorrow so can have a proper rummage through the offcuts!

how on earth do you whistle approvingly via text? Stunning workmanship and design. Impressive.

Hi Adam, from another Adam! really nice looking works. I particularly like the utility belt pouches.

the way i do it is to print the words (or any pattern) out on plain A4 paper then cover the words with a layer of clear packing tape, this lets you trace over the paper without piercing it, and its a lot cheaper than tracing film!

nice inner detailing to the wallet.

Really smart looking case! very impressive. As well as casing the leather correctly, you also need to make sure the table under your leather is rock solid when stamping. I bought a cheap granite chopping board at the supermarket and whilst the table under the board is not very solid, its made a world of difference to the result. Having the stone under your leather will really help your tools to make a stronger impression. adam

Definitely go for it! I was in the same place as you a few months back. I was asked to make a passport wallet for someone based on the one i had made for myself. The thing to remember is that they have already seen your work - which is why they asked you to make them one. They know your current skill level and are still happy to commission a product from you. Thats a great endorsement. Don't panic - its a good thing. You will definitely approach the commissions with trepidation and more care, and in the process you will learn and improve...and thats as it should be. My Skull Journal was a prototype, but within seconds of it being seen, someone commissioned one for her boyfriends birthday. I'll finish that this weekend, and because i already made one and knew all the areas i made mistakes, i prevented those by creating a sequential checklist rather than my usual way of just winging it!. The result is a big improvement. I can't wait to present the finished item. I also photograph every piece before i send them out. Its a good record of how i improve, and its useful to have a gallery you can show potential customers.

just seen a book on ebay(uk site) - called "Tan your hide" from 1979. dont remember anymore details, except it appeared hilst searching for "full leather hides". might have some useful info for the budding tanner.

really impressive project Renee. well done!

very nicely done, Nigel...both the box and the video! For me it was enlightening to see how you use the round knife, as i'm only just getting started with mine.

great find! wish there was something similar near Oldham!

i guess shtoink is pronounced like the sound of an arrow leaving the bow and hitting the boss. I love the look of the arm guard. even though i havent used my bow in 5 years, i'd love to have a go at making a guard like yours!

holy moley - you must have a steady hand! very impressive control with that stamping.

thanks...and well spotted. It was supposed to do exactly as you described, but i forgot to include some space for the pen holder inside, and when i cut the slot and inserted the pen, the flap no longer covered the corners, and only just reached inside the mouth! At least i know the mistakes i made, so the next one will be much better. adam