Basically Bob

A good start for sure, Tony!

I have played around with some molding in the past but this is a photo of my first serious project for a customer. I used a cross between a tecnique shown in Stohlman's book and the method that Dwight has shown. I don't know why this image appears sideways but if you click on it, it will correct itself. Have fun!

Most make their own or have them made for them. I have a friend who is a wood worker and trade leatherwork for woodwork. In addition to the excellent advice and video link, here, I highly recommend two books: The Art of Making Leather Cases (volume one) by Al Stohlman and The Leatherworking Handbook by Valery Michael.

Thanks, Bill!

Hey ... thanks for that, WyomingSlick. Yeah, I put it in the ditch a few times for sure. Thanks for the tips and photos! I will be giving the method you suggested a try, for sure. Bob

Thanks everyone, much appreciated!

Thanks Rohn!

This is my second project using a stamp for anything other than a border. 6oz. Belgium veg tan, hand stitched at 7 s.p.i. with 5/18 waxed linen thread. Used a Sam Browne stud and covered the inner portion with a leather, protective button.

Sweet!

I certainly don't have any issues with the Dixon irons I have been using

Wow! Great job!

Nice case, Joe.

Be sure to post pics -

Something like this might work for you.

This, in a small designated drawer on my bench.

Congrats! Amazing for virtually a first project! Keep it up!

Great job! ... I especially like the way you colored it.

Wow, what an awesome thread! I, also, have been struggling with curves and until now, have been getting around the issue by using an overstitch wheel to mark the stitch location on curves then continuing on the straight runs with either my 1 1/2" or 1/2" pricking irons. Just spent about 30 minutes at the bench using UnionCraft's technique and .... by golly, I think I got it! My overstitch wheel will now be used for what it was intended. Thanks to all for sharing! Bob

Awesome work, Cyberthrasher!

Welcome here, Frank! Would love to get over to the Azores sometime!

Thanks, Benlilly! Understood, Bob ... that certainly is one of the benefits of a custom cut strap. That being said, if the customer wants a buckle ... that's what he gets. Eddie, thanks for your comment about the colouring. The base colour of the strap matches the base colour of the customer's guitar and actually took some fooling around to get it right. The customer is thrilled with it and was great guy to deal with. One heck of a player, too! Bob

Welcome Alex ... Just wondering if you are aware of the CSCL (Canadian Society of Creative Leatherworkers) annual meeting in Stoney Creek on the weekend?

You're right guys, I should have included better pics. Here y'go ... ... My apologies if the orientation isn't correct ... don't know how to fix it.

Thought y'all might like to see the strap I just finished. This contoured design is my signature strap. It fits comfortably over the shoulder and just feels right, even with my bass hangin from it. Put this together for a gigging musician to use with his old sunburst Harmony guitar. It's custom fit, with both the hole-to-hole length and the distance from the players mid shoulder and attachment point taken into account. Used 7/8 oz. veg with a supple horse liner. Hand stitched using 5/18 linen thread @ 7 spi. The thread was dyed to work with the strap color

Looks great!