pepin1948

The brown is a warmer color, but it sure was a surprise! I like it better, though it kinda clashes with the coach and team pic up top...I'm fussy that way

We moved to Hamburg, PA, about 3 months ago, so I'm still settling in to this workshop. I can already say though that it is my favorite workspace so far. Half the room had a built in table and shelving; and there are cupboards above the washer and dryer on the other side of the room, where I keep my staining supplies. It left plenty of room for my own work bench; though not quite enough for my staining table (so that is out in the garage right now). Tim scolded me for getting stain on the dryer top

This is probably my favorite design. I've done it quite a bit, in various color combinations.

I used ask.com when I was looking to identify certain flowers at our new home. I would type in, for example "what does beardtongue look like?" and it would give images of the plant.

I buy these boxes at AC Moore or Michaels for about 1.00, stain them, and glue a square of dyed leather on, with the concho resting inside a punched hole (sometimes I'll swab some glue around the concho post) I don't use the concho screw, because that makes it too bulky. The box top measures about 3x3". I sell these for 15.00. It's generally one of the lowest priced items at my booth, and I like to have a good price range to attract more buyers.

Are the insulated cups the new kits from Tandy? How do you like them? I was thinking of buying some. I like your work....it's a rare day that I do those floral designs

Looks like an alternate take on the word Dragonfly :D

Thanks for all the terrific suggestions! When I went to visit today, I noticed that unlike where my grandmother stayed, this home kept doors primarily open, there was only space for one "item" (he has a roommate), no name plates on the door, and there was already a wreath on it. So I will go for something to decorate his side of the room.

This design came from aon-celtic.com (my fav source of designs). It's for a small box, as you can tell - the leather only measures 2.5 x 2.5".

Thanks

These from Ohio.

My 91 yr old granddad has recently been moved to a nursing home. I'd like to make something special for his door there. He is a retired minister, and was in the Navy in WWII. I'm thinking of doing the Navy logo with a cross behind it? Don't know, but would like some suggestions. It would be a square of leather, with a loop on the back to hang it with.

That is magnificent! My toddler has picked out one of my parents' Arabians to put it on :jump:

Well, I've not covered an entire box yet, but when I do the lids, I just edge the leather as I would were it anything else (i.e. a wallet I were stitching).

Like Sandi, I've been surprised by boys' planning. I have most often worked with church groups, and have found young boys to be at least as artistic as the girls. I think the problem is that without groups like the Scouts, this creativity is squashed right out of them.

Thanks for the replies. The very first one I made, I trimmed too much off the edges and tacket it down before it was completely dry - hence the wood frame split :angry2: I was still able to sell it though...guess I should attribute that to the design I'd put on it (a different drum than shown). In fact, this one sold too. A "rennie" uses it with her garb and plays it as part of a troupe. It doesn't have great sound, but looks good and works in a crowd. Stretching is such a difficult part of the project - too loose, it sounds bad, too tight and you break something. I think the Tandy kit, which this is, uses cowhide. It's pretty thick, and I found the second time that sanding it made it look much nicer. Live and learn and practice, I guess.

How could I have forgotten decorative cuts? I don't like them either!

Another "just curious" poll If you think of something I forgot, feel free to reply with it!

Appropriate business name! My favorite is the one with the Sheridan type flower/leaf work.

Well, if you're a lefty like me it works great...

I have to laugh at the "Sometimes old habits are hard to change." I heard this same thing from Dennis Yoder when I bumped into him in town today (He is the one other leatherworker in Hamburg). The only reason I tried this product was that Jim Linnell (spelling?) used it at a workshop he gave in the Tandy, Baltimore (MD) store. Seeing it in use "sold" me on it. It works much better than Super Shene type products.

Here it is, using the new Tandy product Block Out for a resist, then saddle tan antique (liquid). It needs a little touch up here and there, but I'm pleased. It's my first carved cat, so practice will surely improve the next few ^_^

How do you punch the holes on this for the double loop? I found it hard, on one of the dayplanner kits/clutch purse; because I glued it together first, and then it was curved and I couldn't lay it flat to punch them :angry2:

It'd be great to find somewhere that had them separately - thanks for the advice!

I especially love the clock for its coloring. My husband uses a fuel book too, has for years in his car. Would you care to share the pattern for its construction? My email is WildRoseCreations@att.net.