immiketoo

Good looking sheath. I have no idea how to convert it but you might add horizontal straps like belt keepers with snaps.

Thanks Clint!

Hey Zachary, you CAN still tool the leather if you want the practice. Its a completely different look, but I've seen it done. Of course other things like molding and stitching should be the same as well. It can't hurt to try. You may love the result! If not, it was, as you said a learning experience.

A true renaissance man! Goat hides are very cool and I'm sure you could sell them here if you get them processed decently. That would help out with the leather hobby. Just my 2 pence.

Thanks Phil, I was surprised as well about the illusion of depth with that thin leather. Cheryl, I practiced three times on thick leather, so technically, it's not my "first", its my third! To be honest, the control on this was actually easier than thick leather since the thin leather doesn't grab the blade. There's way less friction, therefore the turns were easier..

Well there ya go! A year makes a huge difference in any craft. And, as I said, your construction looks great. Lol @ the spur straps. I knew is was something horse related, but some of us city folk just haven't got a clue when it comes to those pieces. Would it surprise you to learn I want to make a saddle? Maybe I should go ride a horse for a while first. Anyway, thanks for posting and keep it up. Mike

Wow.

The holster and the pink thing. I don't know what that is.

Your construction looks good, but why didn't you finish the carving on your floral patterns?

That really sucks. Nothing worse than a bureaucrat in the army ranks. OR worse yet, a politician. Please let us know if you hear of any more concrete things we can do to help thwart this effort to remove our history. This Cureton sounds more like Diseaseton to me.

I really like the lettering on the first one, and I like the way you made it look like chrome on the second.

Sweet as usual Andy!

Braiding completely eludes me. That is one amazing skill.

Thanks Bill. I love carving stuff.

I was recently asked to carve the cover of a wallet from a piece of 1.5 oz calf skin. I was a nerve wracking experience for me since I only had one piece of leather to use. I practiced three times on 5-6 oz veg tan to ensure I had the right stuff for the design and then I went for it. I was afraid I'd cut through the calf skin, but it proved to be very resilient. Anyway, today I was also told I could dye it however I liked, and this is the end result. Let me know what you think? Mike

I just had this happen to me for much the same reason. S#!T happens. If you are going to thin it, use a drum sander on the flesh side and work the crappy back side down to an appropriate thickness, or just use the sanded flesh side. I had to do that to my Tandy leather recently and it looked pretty decent after I was done sanding. Be warned, it will look like it snowed leather bits when you're done, but it's worth it.

Welcome Skeeter, you will find an answer to almost any question you may have. This place is a great resource and I have made some good friends already! What are you interested in learning?

Thanks King, I have a few of Stohlman's books, and they are great. I don't have Leather Manual, but I might check it out. I'm not struggling with carving at all, just design. I think that seeing someone carve live and to be able to have a dialog would be priceless. I'm specifically interested floral carving and some figure carving, but I don't think my skills are quite ready for that yet. Making a horse that looks like a 5 year old did it is not on my list of things to do! I'm always interested in books that will help me learn.

Dick, what did you use to finish the holster? It looks great.

I'm not slandering anyone. I'm merely expressing my discomfort over using a website that sends my security software into fits. Call it healthy skepticism if you like. I'm just not comfortable using it.

That's really great. Did it help you learn or change your approach on design?

It sure is. Depending on your compressor, you'll also want a regulator as large industrial/garage compressors often have too much airflow for airbrushing.

Looks evil dude!

Very nice work there mister!