lightningad

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

very nice job, great colour and they look very comfie. are you going to try making any that strap behind the ankle, like the jungle sandals that are very popular? I like the security of being fastened to my footwear, but also like the freedom of a sandal !!

thanks Bob - i came up with the idea a few months back whilst making some gfits. I wanted to add a personalised carved panel to a chrome tanned cover i'd made (i made four, and this image is the one dyed veg tan one!), and was also looking for cost effective ways to close the journal. The two just came together as a tuck-in flap, and i've taken it a stage further on this latest skull journal. adam

Just wanted to show off my latest project...and already it has earned a commission from a colleague! its an A5 sketchpad cover, decorated with a rather tasteful sabre swallowing skull motif! Stitching looks a bit wonky, as i was trying out different methods on this prototype, and i think i'll stick with my original method. The edges are not the best, as i made the mistake of dyeing before burnishing, but i think on this project it actually adds to the rustic battered and aged feel of the piece. Would love to hear any comments or opinions. I can take criticism as long as its constructive! adam

I have honestly never understood why anyone uses it. I tried but could not find anything useful on it, and dont even get me started on how un-navigable it is. I realise it works for many, but i have no idea why!

Aaaarggghh! I hate Facebook!!

Its a great idea, but i think the site would need a different kind of access for those who are not currently signed up. I have tried to direct friends to gallery images in the past, only to be told they couldn't see anything without joining the site. A marketing forum would be less effective if all it does is preach to the competition! In fact - is it possible to allow non-members to view galleries, even if they can't view the discussion forums?